US Navy tests sci-fi weapon

[Barb]

The U.S. Navy yesterday test fired an incredibly powerful new big gun designed to replace conventional weaponry aboard ships. Sci-fi fans will recognize its awesome power and futuristic technology.

The big gun uses electromagnetic energy instead of explosive chemical propellants to fire a projectile farther and faster. The railgun, as it is called, will ultimately fire a projectile more than 230 miles (370 kilometers) with a muzzle velocity seven times the speed of sound (Mach 7) and a velocity of Mach 5 at impact.

The test-firing, captured on video, took place Jan. 31 in Dahlgren, Va., and Navy officials called it the "world's most powerful electromagnetic railgun."

The Navy's current MK 45 five-inch gun, by contrast, has a range of less than 23 miles (37 kilometers).

The railgun has been a featured weapon in many science fiction universes, such as the new "Battlestar Galactic" series. It has also achieved newfound popularity among the 20-something-and-under generation for its devastating ability to instantaneously shoot a "slug" through walls and through multiple enemies in video games such as the "Quake" series of first person shooters.

The Navy's motivation? Simple destruction.

The railgun's high-velocity projectile will destroy targets with sheer kinetic energy rather than with conventional explosives.

"I never ever want to see a Sailor or Marine in a fair fight. I always want them to have the advantage," said Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Gary Roughead. "We should never lose sight of always looking for the next big thing, always looking to make our capability better, more effective than what anyone else can put on the battlefield."

The railgun's lack of explosives means ships would be safer, said Elizabeth D'Andrea, Electromagnetic Railgun Program Manager.

The Navy's goal is to demonstrate a full-capability prototype by 2018.

I'm still holding out for a prototype Death Star myself.

 

[GrnMarvl14]

Finally, rail guns. Now we can fight back when the invasion begins.

And the Death Star was a lawsuit waiting to happen.

 

[Every Breaking Wave]

One Step Closer...

To the human races complete destruction, I mean.

 

[AllahispretyAckbar]

Or course. Can't wait to fire up the old Fallout Shelter and eat ramen noodles for all eternity.

 

[The Big Al]

This was bound to happen. Rail guns have been in development since Reagen was in office and would have been deployed in the Star Wars network. I guess they've finally been miniaturized to the point they can be installed on ships.

It's only a matter of time before we have rail gun pistols.

 

[AllahispretyAckbar]

This was bound to happen. Rail guns have been in development since Reagen was in office and would have been deployed in the Star Wars network. I guess they've finally been miniaturized to the point they can be installed on ships.

It's only a matter of time before we have rail gun pistols.

Did someone say my name? Star Wars? Pew pew pew?

 

[Rumar]

Finally, rail guns. Now we can fight back when the invasion begins.

And the Death Star was a lawsuit waiting to happen.

Yes, Russia and China will have another thing coming to them.
Ooh Rah!
I remember hearing about this one gun, it's like James Bond's laser gun, but instead of blasting the crap out of them, it just makes them feel like they're on fire, which works very well. No damage, what a way to control the rioting crowd, am I right?

One Step Closer...

To the human races complete destruction, I mean.

I read that in the End Times was when the US and UK fall, let's hope we're nowhere close.

Did someone say my name? Star Wars? Pew pew pew?

LOL, wtf?

 

[Dark Fire]

Yes, Russia and China will have another thing coming to them.

I guarantee you Russia's been working on a rail gun as well (if they haven't made one yet). Now that the US has successfully tested one it won't be long before the Russians have their own operational equivalent.