The U.S. Navy plans to install and test a prototype electromagnetic
railgun aboard a joint high speed vessel in fiscal year 2016, the service
announced today.
This test will mark the first time an electromagnetic
railgun (EM railgun) has been demonstrated at sea, symbolizing a significant
advance in naval combat.
EM railgun technology uses an electromagnetic force - known
as the Lorenz Force - to rapidly accelerate and launch a projectile between two
conductive rails. This guided projectile is launched at such high velocities
that it can achieve greater ranges than conventional guns. It maintains enough
kinetic energy that it doesn't require any kind of high explosive payload when it
reaches its target.