Navy Sets World Record With Incredible, Sci-Fi Weapon

Gerald · 12-10-10, 03:09 PM

A theoretical dream for decades, the railgun is unlike any other weapon used in warfare. And it's quite real too, as the U.S. Navy has proven in a record-setting test today in Dahlgren, VA.

Rather than relying on a explosion to fire a projectile, the technology uses an electomagnetic current to accelerate a non-explosive bullet at several times the speed of sound. The conductive projectile zips along a set of electrically charged parallel rails and out of the barrel at speeds up to Mach 7.

The result: a weapon that can hit a target 100 miles or more away within minutes.

http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/...electromagnet/

Note: Published December 10, 2010

Growler · 12-10-10, 03:28 PM

Dahlgren, VA... I thought that looked familiar - the Dahlgren Weapons Center, named for this guy:

John A Dahlgren, the "Father of Naval Ordnance"

Once they get the touchy technical details nailed down, I could see that technology sparking a lot of international discussion.

GoldenRivet · 12-10-10, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Growler

Once they get the touchy technical details nailed down, I could see that technology sparking a lot of international discussion.

Silencing a fair bit of it too i imagine

Takeda Shingen · 12-10-10, 03:33 PM

Well I'll be. The future is here.

the_tyrant · 12-10-10, 03:39 PM

So i guess battleships are back?

SteamWake · 12-10-10, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_tyrant

So i guess battleships are back?

Give them 200 mile stand off range... hell yea.

TLAM Strike · 12-10-10, 03:40 PM

In the words of Col. Jack O'Neill: "big honkin' space gun".

Gargamel · 12-10-10, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TLAM Strike

In the words of Col. Jack O'Neill: "big honkin' space gun".

FTW

12-10-10, 03:09 PM	#1
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	Navy Sets World Record With Incredible, Sci-Fi Weapon A theoretical dream for decades, the railgun is unlike any other weapon used in warfare. And it's quite real too, as the U.S. Navy has proven in a record-setting test today in Dahlgren, VA. Rather than relying on a explosion to fire a projectile, the technology uses an electomagnetic current to accelerate a non-explosive bullet at several times the speed of sound. The conductive projectile zips along a set of electrically charged parallel rails and out of the barrel at speeds up to Mach 7. The result: a weapon that can hit a target 100 miles or more away within minutes. http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/...electromagnet/ Note: Published December 10, 2010 __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie

12-10-10, 03:28 PM	#2
Growler A long way from the sea Join Date: May 2005 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,913 Downloads: 21 Uploads: 0	Dahlgren, VA... I thought that looked familiar - the Dahlgren Weapons Center, named for this guy: John A Dahlgren, the "Father of Naval Ordnance" Once they get the touchy technical details nailed down, I could see that technology sparking a lot of international discussion. __________________ At Fiddler’s Green, where seamen true When here they’ve done their duty The bowl of grog shall still renew And pledge to love and beauty.

12-10-10, 03:40 PM	#7
TLAM Strike Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Rochester, New York Posts: 8,633 Downloads: 29 Uploads: 6	In the words of Col. Jack O'Neill: "big honkin' space gun". __________________

12-10-10, 03:33 PM	#4
Takeda Shingen Navy Seal Join Date: Mar 2000 Posts: 8,643 Downloads: 19 Uploads: 0	Well I'll be. The future is here.

12-10-10, 03:39 PM	#5
the_tyrant Admiral Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 2,272 Downloads: 58 Uploads: 0	So i guess battleships are back?