"Weapon from the future" tested in Japan. Here's the recording
The Japanese Agency for Technology and Logistics for Takeovers (ATLA) has conducted a test firing of a modern naval railgun - as reported on the DefenceBlog website. The so-called railgun is a solution that could revolutionize the protection of ships against threats from the air and sea.
Oct 17, 2023 | updated: 9:17 AM EDT, October 18, 2023
The railgun system tested by the Japanese is the most advanced weapon of its type in the world. DefenceBlog explains that the equipment uses projectiles whose capabilities surpass conventional artillery. Work on the railgun illustrates a desire to increase the defensive capabilities of Japanese machines at sea.
Successful test of modern weapons in Japan
"This is a pivotal moment in the development of railgun technology for maritime applications" - we read. The difference in the operation of modern weapons primarily involves the use of electricity and an electromagnet to fire a projectile
In conventional artillery, an explosive chemical mixture is used for firing, which causes ignition. The compressed gas in such ammo causes the projectile to leave the cannon - usually making a loud noise in the process.
The electromagnetic railgun simplifies the process of firing projectiles from artillery, but also increases efficiency during an attack. Replacing powder-based technology is primarily associated with financial savings, and moreover allows an increase in the range of fired projectiles.
Today it is known that Japan has a railgun capable of handling projectiles weighing approximately 0.71 pounds. The energy used for its launch is at the level of 5 MJ, although in the future it is to be increased to 20 MJ, which will contribute to increasing efficiency (projectile speed and range).
At this moment, projectiles from the railgun reach a speed of 6.5 Ma (4982 mph) at the moment of firing. The durability of the Japanese railgun weapon is estimated at over 120 fired rounds. Japan intends to mount electromagnetic cannons on ships (including destroyers) to enhance their defensive capabilities against aerial threats (especially hypersonic missiles). Further developmental work is underway to increase the efficiency and usefulness of the modern cannon.
