Saturday, June 9, 2007

Aren't Magnetic Things Attractive?

Some wicked technology was listed on popular science related in the field of power systems. This article was about a type of weapon called a rail gun. It uses linear induction machines to propel a 'smart' chunk of metal into a target. The speeds they estimate achieving are pretty amazing (Mach 7 plus) and the impact velocity would be about 5,000 ft/sec. This kind of weapon would not carry any explosives, rather the kinetic energy alone is enough. The projectile is essentially dead weight but it will have some adjustable surfaces so that it does have some satellite course correction capabilities.

The project if successful has a predicted completion date somewhere in 2015. The new weapon is an old concept but has been hindered in the past due to the extreme energy consumption. The next generation combat ship the DD(X) will be an all electric ship and divert power from drive systems to fire this giant.

















Related - Another navy linear induction motor project called EMALS. (electromagnetic aircraft launch system)

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/systems/emals.htm

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