2006-09-28 04:32:04 · 4 answers · asked by wizkid 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Yes. They can fire projectiles at extremely high velocities, and they have been successfully used as weapons. However, firing the railgun weapon causes significant damage, so they are not efficient for large scale usage at this time.
2006-09-28 04:35:49 · answer #1 · answered by DavidK93 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Army has the biggest research program now, and the Navy has some smaller scale research that dovetails with the Army work. They have been making some significant advances, though I'm a little doubtful that it will be fielded in any big way.
One of the main objectives is to achieve a hyper velocity projectile speed.
In some ways it makes more sense for the Navy than for the Army. Navy ships already have multi megawatt elec. generators on board. The Navy is also keen on getting rid of all the gunpower required for the big guns. It requires re-supply, takes up storage space and weight & is a hazard if the ship takes a hit.
2006-09-28 12:36:43 · answer #2 · answered by Tom H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but they are too heavy and use too much power to be used as a battlefield weapon. Rather, they are used to test high-Mach aerodynamics for missile designs and such, in the same manner as a rocket sled. They are used for research at this point, not weaponry.
2006-09-28 11:54:06 · answer #3 · answered by poorcocoboiboi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
correct, They can fire projectiles at extremely high velocities.
2006-09-28 12:04:03 · answer #4 · answered by doctor asho 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋