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Introduction:
In the ever-evolving landscape of military technology, railguns have emerged as game-changers, showcasing their prowess from warships to mobile platforms. The Electromagnetic Rail Gun (EMRG) has redefined the landscape of military technology, harnessing electricity to propel projectiles at astonishing speeds, surpassing Mach 5 and reaching distances of over 100 nautical miles.
Beyond their traditional naval applications, railguns have demonstrated remarkable adaptability, finding roles in diverse scenarios such as countering stealth aircraft, intercepting hypersonic missiles, and safeguarding satellites.
This article explores the transformative impact of EMRGs across global military arsenals, focusing on their applications, developments, and the race among major powers to harness this groundbreaking technology.
Electromagnetic Rail Gun, EMRG , is a cannon that uses electricity rather than chemical propellants (i.e., gunpowder charges) to launch projectiles at distances over 100 nautical miles – and at speeds exceeding Mach 5. In EMRG, “magnetic fields created by high electrical currents accelerate a sliding metal conductor, or armature, between two rails to launch projectiles at [speeds of] 4,500 mph to 5,600 mph,” or roughly Mach 5.9 to Mach 7.4 at sea level.
The Naval Frontier:
Originally conceptualized for naval warfare, railguns on warships exemplify a leap forward in naval artillery. By utilizing electromagnetic forces to launch projectiles at unprecedented speeds, railguns offer enhanced range and precision.
The Railguns provide revolutionary military capabilities. They provide Long range artillery (in excess of 200 Km) with increased penetration because of high impact speed and simultaneous impacts via rate of fire and velocity control. Railgun-equipped warships can fire hypersonic projectiles to shoot down stealth aircraft and ballistic missiles, or bombard enemy ships and land targets from hundreds of miles away. They can be employed for Anti-surface (naval), Anti air and anti missile defense (including against hypersonic threats).
Their ability to strike distant targets with incredible velocity presents a formidable deterrent against conventional threats, making them a vital component of modern naval arsenals.
Anti-Stealth Capabilities:
One of the most intriguing aspects of railgun deployment is its application in countering stealth aircraft. Traditional defense mechanisms often struggle against the advanced technologies employed by stealth aircraft, but railguns provide a unique solution. The sheer speed of railgun projectiles, coupled with their electromagnetic launch, can disrupt the stealth capabilities of aircraft, offering a new dimension to anti-aircraft defense.
Hypersonic Missile Defense:
As hypersonic missiles pose an increasing threat on the modern battlefield, railguns offer a promising line of defense. Their rapid projectile acceleration makes them an ideal choice for intercepting hypersonic threats, providing a much-needed response to these ultra-fast missiles. Railguns, integrated into defense systems, contribute to the evolving strategies aimed at neutralizing hypersonic capabilities.
Mobile Platforms:
Trucks and Beyond: Beyond naval deployment, the adaptability of railguns shines in their integration into mobile platforms, including trucks. This mobility enhances the flexibility of railgun deployment, allowing for rapid response and strategic placement. Such versatility transforms railguns into essential assets for land-based defense, extending their reach far beyond traditional naval battlegrounds.
Satellite Protection:
The railguns are expected to become electromagnetic artillery of the future. Installed on warships they can fire at targets at a distance of 300-400 km and even destroy objects in the near-Earth orbit. Railguns, with their precision and speed, also hold potential for satellite protection. By providing a dynamic means to eliminate threats to orbital assets, railguns could play a crucial role in safeguarding vital communication, navigation, and reconnaissance satellites. This application demonstrates the far-reaching impact of railgun technology on the security of assets beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Global Pursuit of Railgun Technology:
Leading global powers, including the United States, China, Russia, Japan, and France, are actively developing their versions of railgun technology. The U.S. Navy, in collaboration with the Office of Naval Research and BAE Systems, has invested billions in research and development. China has taken a significant stride by deploying a working railgun atop a naval ship, showcasing the weapon’s potential as a game-changer in naval warfare.
The US Department of Defense (DOD) has been actively pursuing the development of a super-powerful electromagnetic railgun, a weapon designed to fire rounds at speeds up to Mach 7.5.
The railgun’s remarkable speed is complemented by its cost-effectiveness, priced at $25,000 per round, making it significantly cheaper than explosive alternatives like the Tomahawk or Harpoon. Collaborating with BAE Systems since 2005, the Navy aims to leverage the railgun’s capabilities while eliminating the hazards associated with high explosives on ships and unexploded ordnance on battlefields.
The US Navy is poised to deploy the Electromagnetic Railgun (EMRG), a futuristic weapon developed over a decade-long program.
Successfully tested at sea multiple times, the EMRG boasts impressive features, including the ability to fire projectiles at speeds up to Mach 7, providing interception capabilities against incoming missiles and aircraft. With a range exceeding 100 miles, advanced guidance systems ensure high accuracy. Notably, the EMRG utilizes non-explosive projectiles, offering a less lethal alternative to conventional weapons.
The EMRG’s versatility extends to various missions, encompassing missile defense at sea, engagement of enemy aircraft (including stealth aircraft), anti-ship warfare, and even applications in space warfare by intercepting and disabling satellites. The impending deployment of the EMRG on US Navy warships represents a significant milestone, endowing the Navy with a formidable tool to deter adversaries and safeguard its assets with enhanced defensive capabilities.
Russia, while initially downplaying railguns, has actively entered the arena, successfully testing its electromagnetic railgun.
A team of Russian scientists has successfully tested the country’s first railgun, which relies on electromagnetic forces rather than explosives or propellant. The test took place at the Institute of High Temperatures’ branch in Shatura, just outside Moscow.
The Russian railgun is reportedly capable of firing projectiles at speeds of up to 3 kilometers per second, which is half the speed of sound. This makes it significantly faster than traditional gunpowder-based weapons. Railguns are also more efficient, as they do not waste energy in the form of heat and noise.
The successful test of the Russian railgun is a significant development for the country’s military. Railguns could potentially be used to intercept incoming missiles, destroy enemy satellites, and even engage stealth aircraft. They could also be used to develop new types of propulsion systems for spacecraft.
However, there are also some challenges that need to be addressed before railguns can be deployed on a large scale. One challenge is the power requirements. Railguns require a lot of power to operate, and it is not yet clear how they will be powered on warships or aircraft. Another challenge is the heat generated by the railgun’s electromagnetic fields. This heat can damage the railgun’s components and make it difficult to maintain.
While many countries are already staking on the railgun as a future weapon, Russia is also considering other, more peaceful applications, such as ferrying cargoes to the International Space Station. “The railgun is a big boost to our study of high energy physics as we are now ready to build apparatuses working at speeds exceeding 4.5 kilometers a second,” the Shatura Institute’s director Alexei Shurpov told Zvezda TV.
Reports suggest that China may have developed and deployed a functioning railgun on a naval ship, as indicated by sea trials of the Haiyangshan reported in 2021.
The railgun on the Haiyangshan was purportedly capable of firing projectiles at speeds reaching Mach 4.5. However, the Chinese government has not officially confirmed the existence of a railgun-equipped warship, and the secretive nature of the Chinese military makes it challenging to independently verify such reports.
China’s railgun first appeared in January 2018 in a photo of the Chinese navy Type 072 landing vessel Haiyang Shan while the ship reportedly was at a facility in Wuhan on the Yangtze River. A large cannon was visible on the 390-feet-long Haiyang Shan’s forward deck. In March 2018, Chinese state media confirmed the cannon was an experimental railgun. The PLA-run news portal 81.cn quoted navy engineer Zhang Xiao describing the development of a direct-current electrical system that could power the railgun. Zhang said development of the power system required 50,000 tests and endured hundreds of failures.
If China has indeed deployed a railgun, it would mark a significant advancement for its navy, providing a powerful and versatile weapon with potential applications in missile interception, aircraft engagement, and satellite disablement. The advantages of a railgun for the Chinese navy include high projectile velocity (up to Mach 7), a range exceeding 100 miles, accuracy facilitated by advanced guidance systems, and the ability to fire non-explosive projectiles, offering a less lethal option than traditional weapons. Such deployment would position China’s navy at a strategic advantage over its competitors.
The theoretical benefits of railgun technology are promising but face challenges, including power requirements and managing the heat generated by the electromagnetic fields. China’s potential success in overcoming these challenges would not only represent a leap in military technology but also assert its position as a frontrunner in global military advancements. While the specifics remain unconfirmed, the prospect of China joining the few nations developing and deploying railguns underscores the evolving landscape of military capabilities and strategic power balances.
Japan, too, has allocated funds to develop railguns capable of intercepting hypersonic threats.
Japan is making substantial progress in the realm of railgun technology, evident from recent developments showcasing a dedicated commitment and significant financial investment. The allocation of $56 million in Japan’s 2022 defense budget explicitly for railgun development signals a strong intent to advance this technology rapidly. The successful May 2023 test of a medium-caliber railgun prototype achieving a Mach 6.5 projectile velocity underscores tangible progress, while subsequent announcements from Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) reveal plans to develop a high-power railgun capable of intercepting hypersonic missiles by October 2023. Reports also suggest Japan is contemplating collaboration with the United States to further propel its railgun development efforts.
These strides in railgun capabilities position Japan as a key player in defense technology, offering advantages such as high velocity, long range exceeding 100 miles, remarkable accuracy due to advanced guidance systems, and the capacity to deploy non-explosive projectiles, presenting a less lethal alternative. As Japan continues to enhance its railgun capabilities, the technology is poised to become integral to the country’s defense strategy. Potential deployments on Japanese warships could safeguard against diverse threats, including incoming missiles, enemy aircraft, and even satellites. Furthermore, the exploration of railguns for spacecraft propulsion systems adds an intriguing dimension to Japan’s technological ambitions. Despite challenges to be addressed, Japan’s resolute investment in railgun development underscores its commitment to maintaining a leading edge in defense technology.
India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has achieved significant milestones in advancing electromagnetic railgun (EMRG) technology.
In November 2017, the successful testing of a 12 mm square bore EMRG demonstrated a projectile velocity exceeding 2,000 meters per second. The DRDO is now expanding its efforts, with plans to develop a larger 30 mm square bore EMRG, aiming for even higher projectile velocities. These developments align with India’s broader military modernization strategy, incorporating railguns as potential game-changers in warfare due to their ability to launch projectiles at extremely high speeds, effectively countering various threats such as missiles, aircraft, and satellites.
Key developments in India’s EMRG program include the successful 2017 test of the 12 mm square bore EMRG, the announcement in June 2023 to develop a 30 mm square bore EMRG, and the subsequent successful testing of a new high-power capacitor bank for EMRGs in September 2023. These advancements underscore India’s steadfast commitment to EMRG technology, with the likelihood of deploying EMRGs on its warships in the near future. Railguns offer distinct advantages over traditional weapons, including high velocity (up to Mach 7), long-range capabilities (over 100 miles), exceptional accuracy due to advanced guidance systems, and the ability to fire non-explosive projectiles, presenting a less lethal option. As India progresses in EMRG development, it is poised to assume a more prominent role in shaping its defense strategy, deploying railguns to safeguard against diverse threats and potentially contributing to novel propulsion systems for spacecraft.
Turkey has joined the ranks of railgun developers, achieving success with its electromagnetic weapon named “Tübitak Sapan.”
Turkey has achieved a noteworthy milestone in defense technology by successfully developing an electromagnetic weapon called “Tübitak Sapan,” placing the country among the few actively pursuing railgun technology. The 2021 announcement by Turkey’s Scientific and Technological Research Council (TÜBITAK) revealed the successful testing of the Tübitak Sapan railgun prototype, achieving a Mach 2.8 projectile velocity. This accomplishment signifies Turkey’s commitment to advancing its military capabilities and embracing railgun technology, positioning the nation as an emerging player in this field.
The Tübitak Sapan railgun offers Turkey’s armed forces several strategic advantages, including the ability to propel projectiles at speeds up to Mach 7 for intercepting missiles and aircraft, ensuring enhanced defense against aerial threats. With a range exceeding 100 miles, the railgun enables engagements from a safe distance, minimizing risks to friendly forces. The railgun’s advanced guidance systems ensure precision in projectile delivery, reducing collateral damage and increasing strike effectiveness. Furthermore, the capability to fire non-explosive projectiles provides a less lethal option, potentially mitigating damage and casualties in specific scenarios.
Despite its effectiveness, the primary downside remains the high energy consumption, presenting a challenge for sustained usage. In order to fire at 10 rounds per minute (one shot every six seconds), a railgun requires some 20 megawatts of energy, the output of a power plant used to light and heat some 250 small homes. First tested in 2014, Turkey’s Sapan is a byproduct of Tübitak’s research into inertial confinement fusion technology, also known as controllable thermonuclear energy, Business Times reports.
Turkey’s successful development of the Tübitak Sapan railgun represents a substantial leap in its defense capabilities, showcasing a dedication to advancing military technology. As Turkey continues refining the railgun, it is expected to play a more prominent role in the country’s defense strategy, potentially deploying the railgun on warships for protection against diverse threats. The technology’s applications could extend to space exploration and propulsion systems, aligning with the global trend of nations incorporating railguns to address evolving defense challenges.
EU
The European Defence Agency (EDA) recently concluded the final meeting of the ‘Projectiles for Increased Long-range effects Using electroMagnetic railgun’ (PILUM) project on September 28, 2023. Launched in March 2021 with a budget of €1.5m ($1.57m), PILUM aimed to explore the feasibility of electromagnetic railgun (EMRG) integration as a long-range artillery system. The EDA’s team, collaborating with seven partners from four European countries, focused on disruptive EMRG concepts capable of achieving significantly higher projectile velocities and long-range effects exceeding 200km. The PILUM consortium, featuring key players such as the French-German Research Institute of Saint-Louis, Nexter Systems & Munitions, Diehl-Defence, Naval Group, Explomet, and the Von Karman Institute, showcased significant advancements in EMRG, hypersonic projectiles, and electric energy storage and conversion.
The results obtained in these three critical areas of electromagnetic artillery signify a substantial leap forward, laying the groundwork for advanced electromagnetic weaponry. The success of the PILUM project has paved the way for the next phase, named THEMA (Technology for Electromagnetic Artillery), initiated under the European Commission’s European Defence Fund. THEMA aims to prepare for electromagnetic railgun testing on a firing range by 2028. This collaborative effort demonstrates Europe’s commitment to advancing cutting-edge military technologies and enhancing its defense capabilities.
Conclusion:
The journey of railgun technology from naval innovation to a multi-domain defense solution marks a significant chapter in military advancements. As railguns prove their mettle in countering stealth aircraft, intercepting hypersonic missiles, and protecting satellites, their role in shaping the future of warfare becomes undeniable. The integration of railguns into various platforms underscores their adaptability and cements their status as a transformative force in modern defense strategies.
References and Resources also include:
http://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1059&context=aerosp
https://www.rt.com/news/344894-pentagon-railgun-russia-senator/
https://sputniknews.com/russia/201701091049399104-russia-railgun-tests/
http://www.maritime-executive.com/article/us-navy-tech-moves-forward-emals-lrasm-and-railgun
