How does a railgun work?

A railgun (also spelled rail gun) is a linear motor device, typically designed as a weapon, that uses electromagnetic force to launch high velocity projectiles. The projectile normally does not contain explosives, instead relying on the projectile's high speed, mass, and kinetic energy to inflict damage.

Will Japan develop working railguns?

Nikkei reports that $56 million has been included in the 2022 defense budget for Japan to develop working railguns by the end of the decade. On land, railguns can plug into existing power grids, or have dedicated generators without the space and power constraints of operating from a ship.

What is the range of a railgun?

While explosive-powered military guns cannot readily achieve a muzzle velocity of more than ≈2 km/s (Mach 5.9), railguns can readily exceed 3 km/s (Mach 8.8). For a similar projectile, the range of railguns may exceed that of conventional guns.

Is the Navy's railgun program over?

The U.S. Navy’s push to create a $500 million electromagnetic railgun weapon —capable of slinging projectiles at hypersonic speeds—aappears to have come to an end. The service is ending funding for the railgun without having sent a single weapon to sea, while pushing technology derived from the program into existing weapons.