Railgun Revolution: Why the U.S. Navy’s Abandoned Dream Could Be China’s Next Big Thing!

Recent reports indicate that the Chinese Navy has unveiled a revolutionary electromagnetic railgun capable of launching projectiles at hypersonic speeds, using advanced electromagnetic technology. This railgun, resembling futuristic weaponry seen in movies like “Transformers,” can propel its projectiles at speeds of up to 2 kilometers per second (1.24 miles per second)—roughly six times the speed of sound—and strike targets as far as 62 to 124 miles away. This remarkable capability has earned the railgun the moniker “dream weapon.”

The railgun’s extraordinary range and power have positioned it as a potential game-changer in naval warfare. Its ability to deliver high-speed projectiles with precision could fundamentally shift the dynamics of future conflicts. Japan has also reported successful tests of similar technology, further emphasizing the railgun’s significance.

According to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), researchers from the National Key Research Institute of Electromagnetic Energy at the Naval University of Engineering in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, have achieved a notable milestone. The research team disclosed that they successfully fired 120 railgun projectiles at speeds reaching Mach 7—seven times the speed of sound—in rapid succession. They confirmed that the weapon maintained accuracy throughout continuous firing, a feat that had not been publicly reported before.

In their published paper, the researchers highlighted the transition from chemical to electromagnetic propulsion in weapon systems. They emphasized that the ability to fire continuously, stably, and rapidly is a critical measure of the combat effectiveness of electromagnetic rail launch systems. This advancement marks a significant leap in the development of railgun technology, underscoring its potential impact on modern warfare.

Instead of relying on explosive power, this weapon launches projectiles using electromagnetic force.

Instead of relying on traditional explosive power, China’s new railgun uses cutting-edge electromagnetic force to launch projectiles at extraordinary speeds. The weapon operates by accelerating a metal projectile using electrical energy, eliminating the need for gunpowder or chemical propellants.

The Chinese Navy anticipates that this railgun could significantly shift the balance of maritime power. According to the SCMP, the research team at the National Key Research Institute of Electromagnetic Energy in Wuhan has credited their success to an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system. This AI can simultaneously collect and analyze data from over 100,000 points, enabling precise measurements and diagnostics. This technology has drastically reduced the time required to resolve issues in machinery under extreme conditions to mere milliseconds.

The railgun’s projectiles are capable of reaching speeds of up to 2 kilometers per second. This extraordinary velocity and range are possible due to the use of electromagnetic force, which surpasses the capabilities of traditional gunpowder-based systems.

Despite its potential, the railgun’s development has seen mixed fortunes. The U.S. Navy invested heavily in railgun technology but abandoned its project in 2021 to concentrate on hypersonic missile development. The decision reflects a strategic shift in focus amidst competing technological priorities.

The concept of the railgun dates back to early 20th century innovations. French inventor André Villepreux developed a working prototype during World War I and publicly demonstrated it in 1919, filing a patent in the U.S. in 1922. Although Villepreux’s design was similar to modern railguns, the technology did not advance commercially due to post-war disinterest.

The U.S. renewed interest in railguns in 1985 following a significant research presentation by the House Defense Science Committee. The Army, Navy, and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) were tasked with developing railguns for military applications. By January 2008, the U.S. Navy demonstrated a railgun capable of firing a projectile with 10.64 megajoules of energy at a speed of 2,520 meters per second, highlighting the weapon’s potential despite the subsequent shift in focus away from its development.

The U.S. abandoned the project due to disappointing firing rates

The U.S. Navy’s railgun project faced significant setbacks, ultimately leading to its abandonment. Despite initial successes, including the world’s first in-flight railgun test conducted in 2016 aboard the high-speed transport vessel USNS Trenton (JHSV-5/T-EPF-5), the project struggled with performance issues. While the test demonstrated some potential, operational tests in 2017 did not advance beyond preliminary test firings.

The U.S. Navy had ambitious plans to install the railgun on Zumwalt-class destroyers by 2018. However, escalating costs, exceeding budget, and technical challenges led to the project’s termination. One major issue was the railgun’s firing rate, which only achieved 4.8 rounds per minute—well below the targeted rate of 10 rounds per minute. This shortfall, combined with budgetary constraints, prompted the U.S. Navy to discontinue the railgun program in July 2021. This decision also resulted in the cancellation of the Hypervelocity Projectile (HVP) hypersonic projectile development.

In contrast, Japan is intensifying its railgun research. The Ministry of Defense’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency recently reported significant progress, highlighting that continuous firing tests have demonstrated growing stability. In May, Japan unveiled a prototype of a medium-sized electromagnetic railgun capable of launching 40-millimeter projectiles weighing 320 grams. Japan also conducted successful naval firing tests, marking a global first for railgun projectile flight stability.

Japan’s commitment to railgun technology is driven by the need to counter hypersonic missiles, which travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (approximately 3,836 miles per hour). With adversaries like Russia, China, and North Korea advancing their hypersonic missile capabilities, Japan views the railgun as a critical asset for future defense against these high-speed threats.

France is developing a railgun for naval artillery with a muzzle velocity of 2 to 3 kilometers per second.

France and Germany are advancing their railgun technology, with significant developments in naval artillery. The two nations have been collaborating on railgun research since 1987 at their joint research institute, ISL. This project has largely been shrouded in secrecy, with details emerging only recently.

The first public glimpse of their work came in 2017 when the Pegasus railgun was unveiled. This truck-mounted model is notable for its impressive muzzle velocity of 2.5 kilometers per second. Additionally, ISL developed the RAFIRA anti-ship railgun, capable of firing 100-gram projectiles at a rate of 5 rounds per minute, reaching speeds of 2.4 kilometers per second (1.5 miles per second).

In July 2023, the French Defense Procurement Agency announced its intention to procure a new railgun for naval artillery, promising a muzzle velocity between 2 and 3 kilometers per second. This move underscores France’s commitment to enhancing its naval capabilities with cutting-edge technology.