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Originally Posted by Syxx_Killer
That thing is awesome! Boy, it would be so cool if the battleship could make a comeback. Imagine an Iowa with a set of those puppies!   |
This railgun is what is
stopping the Iowa class from coming back. The non-classified release of the range from fas.org is 13nmi for standard and 63nmi for ERGM. Below is the
fas.org's write up on ERGM.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by www.fas.org
Raytheon TI Systems' ERGM is a rocket-assisted 5" projectile that will be fired from the 5"/62 MK 45 Mod 4 Gun Mount. It incorporates a rocket motor and internal Global Positioning System (GPS) coupled with an Inertial Navigation System (INS). The coupled GPS/INS will provide autonomous guidance and control to a fixed target location determined prior to firing. The rocket motor will provide range capability far in excess of current ballistic projectiles (Threshold range - 41 NM; Objective range - 63 NM). The warhead will consist of a highly effective submunition payload of 72 XM80 Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munition (DPICM) over a selectable 20-100 meter area with 10-20 meter accuracy, thanks to GPS-aided guidance.. The combination of the extended range and GPS/INS position accuracy will provide significantly improved performance to meet NSFS mission requirements. A planned Improvement Program (P3I) is underway that will explore ways to expand ERGM's capabilities and reduce its cost. Beginning in 2002, about 50 Aegis cruisers and destroyers will be outfitted with the 5-inch/62-caliber ERGM capability.
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So, if the rail gun expands the range of a MK 45 5inch gun by 3...that would place a Mark7 3,000lb shell landing at 60 miles.
Due to the cost of refurbishing an Iowa class, I don't see it happening. Don't get me wrong...I'm one of the ones who would love to see them back.