See the powerful naval gun that can shoot over 100 miles, seven times the speed of sound

The U.S. Navy will install railguns on ships as early as 2018. The railgun is a powerful weapon that uses a magnetic field, instead of chemical reaction, to fire a projectile at seven times the speed of sound for a distance of a hundred miles. The projectile uses kinetic energy, rather than chemical explosives, to destroy its targets.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Until today, modern naval guns were just refinements of the centuries old cannon. Explosive powder hurled explosive shells at relatively low speed and with reduced accuracy to targets that could be several miles away. Upon arrival, the shell's result could be described as random at best.

Not anymore. The railgun eliminates the chemical prerequisites, and uses electromagnets to fling a shell at many times the speed of sound. The projectile strikes with tremendous energy, and is capable of penetrating at least six half-inch steel plates in a row. It can pass through a concrete target at a hundred miles away. The energy of impact is so great, no explosives are required, the target is literally shattered in an explosion of kinetic and heat energy.

The railgun has spent several years in development, costing the Navy billions. However, the project has gone so well the Navy is ready to install he first railgun on at least one active-duty ship in 2018. That ship will probably be one of the new Zumwalt class guided missile destroyers. The Zumwalts have an integrated power plant sufficient to power the railgun, which requires a tremendous electrical current every time it is fired.

The railgun was originally planned during the Regan administration for use as part of the Star Wars defense initiative. The railgun has long been sought because it is safer for its crews while being much cheaper than conventional munitions.

An evolution is taking place in the world of naval warfare. Lasers and railguns will soon replace conventional weapons while cruise missiles, ultra-fast torpedoes and even cutting-edge software programs will round out the offensive capability of tomorrow's naval vessels.

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