USA Resumes Testing of Electromagnetic Railgun

The United States has resumed testing of an electromagnetic railgun in New Mexico.

The tests are being conducted by the White Sands Detachment to gather critical information on firing at ultra-high speeds.

A report from the US Navy Naval Sea Systems Command notes that the tests are being conducted for the US Navy Naval Sea Systems Command and the Joint Hypersonic Technology Transition Office.

In the early 2020s, the service put its railgun development efforts on hold.

The revival of this high-performance weapons project signals the Department of Defense’s renewed interest in kinetic weapons concepts.

As for the anticipated carrier platform, it is possible that the gun could be mounted on the so-called ‘Trump-class’ battleship.

The first Trump-class battleship for the US Navy could cost more than $20 billion, according to US Congressional estimates. Last year, the American company General Atomics demonstrated a design for its railgun, intended for engaging air targets.

An infographic from General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems shows that such a system is capable of launching projectiles at speeds of up to six Mach.

The company notes that these systems can intercept ballistic and cruise missiles.

Japan is also actively developing a new generation of naval weapons—railguns. Development of the railgun in Japan began back in 2016.

The main goal of the program is to create a system capable of engaging high-speed targets, including hypersonic missiles and supersonic anti-ship weapons.