US Navy eyes new magnetic supersonic gun 02.03.12
5A prototype electromagnetic gun for the US Navy that can launch a missile at seven times the speed of sound has been test fired.
The Rail Gun works by placinga shell - or missile - in an armature that can conduct electricity, which is placed between two metal rails through which is passed a huge electric current.
This generates megnetic fields that propel the armature forward at great velocity. The shell detaches, travelling 100 miles at supersonic speed.
The project - started seven years ago - has completed Phase One - a working 32 mega-joule prototype.
Phase II began this year, with engineers concentrating on demonstrating a 10-rounds-per-minute firing rate version.
In a statement the Office of Naval Research said: "The Rail Gun is a true warfighter game-changer. Wide-area coverage, exceptionally quick response and very deep magazines will extend the reach and lethality of ships armed with this technology."