Railgun (YouTube Demolition Ranch)

[deerdeerdeer]

https://youtu.be/izW1X2555Wg

Anybody operated a railgun in the military? Is the technology getting closer to consumers? This seems be like the "alpha" stage for home defense railguns, just curious , maybe this will supersedes microstamping laws.

[divingin]

I seem to recall the specs on that railgun were something less than impressive. Runs about the half velocity as a competition air pistol (i.e around 250fps.) Neat toy but that's about it IMO (though I also won't begrudge people their toys.)

BTW, the USN has shelved its railgun program to focus on hypersonic missile tech. Disappointing as it looked pretty impressive when worked.

[Puss]

Not a railgun. A coil gun.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Railgun

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coilgun

Coil guns have a problem: Hysteresis.
Rail guns have a problem: Rail wear.
Both use astounding amounts of electricity, but with a nuclear ship, an attractive technology. Problems, problems though.

[M1NM]

A railgun is a linear motor device, typically designed as a weapon, that uses electromagnetic force to launch high velocity projectiles.

Kinda like the rollercoaster at California Adventure. It's fun watching people get their heads slammed back into the headrests. The launch section is in the water to keep it cool.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEHCEW_5NHo

https://www.google.com/maps/@33.8048541,-117.921167,59m/data=!3m1!1e3