US Navy test fires weaponized Railgun design

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US Navy test fires weaponized Railgun design#13910204

By Piano Red - 03 Mar 2012 20:12

- 03 Mar 2012 20:12 #13910204

Gentlemen, the United States now has working Gauss rifles.

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Re: US Navy test fires weaponized Railgun design#13910220

By U184 - 03 Mar 2012 20:30

- 03 Mar 2012 20:30 #13910220

That is really nothing new, but the above design is MUCH smaller than what was being used previously.

Re: US Navy test fires weaponized Railgun design#13910356

By Wolfman - 04 Mar 2012 00:13

- 04 Mar 2012 00:13 #13910356

This is more likely a Coil Gun, since Rail Guns have a habit of generating so much heat (from friction) that they demagnetize the rails. Coil Guns for artillery and maybe as the main gun for a tank, APC, or other mobilized gear, I could see the Coil Gun being useful. As an individual weapon, I'm uncomfortable with the idea. While it would be much easier to aim and clean, and (since you're using a steel round) would be armor piercing, I wouldn't want to have to worry about getting my rifle wet, or carrying around a bunch of battery packs or spare coils.