General Atomics tests railgun projectile
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) has conducted testing of hypersonic projectiles with prototype components for its Guidance Electronics Unit (GEU) at the US Army Dugway Proving Ground in Utah.
The testing saw the projectiles successfully perform programmed actions and communicate component performance to a ground station via a telemetry link. The GEU, housed in the aerodynamically stable test projectile, consists of a number of components, including integrated navigation sensors and processors for guidance, navigation and control.
Five test projectiles were fired from GA-EMS' 3 mega joule Blitzer electromagnetic railgun system at accelerations greater than 30,000 times that of gravity (>30,000 gees).
The projectiles and the critical components within them experienced, survived and operated in the multi-Tesla magnetic field within the launcher and the overall launch environment. According to the company, all of the GEU components performed as expected during and after the launch event, and through multiple seconds of aero-stable flight.
Nick Bucci, vice president, missile defense and space systems, GA-EMS, said: ‘This latest testing series completes the risk reduction and technology maturation of the individual components of our electromagnetic railgun launched hypersonic projectiles.
‘We continue to fire and test our projectiles in an open range setting, allowing us to collect and analyse a significant amount of performance data under real-world conditions.’
GA-EMS' Blitzer railgun is a test asset designed to advance technology development toward multi-mission railgun weapon systems. Railguns launch projectiles using electromagnetic forces instead of chemical propellants and can deliver muzzle velocities greater than twice those of conventional guns.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Estonia boosting defence industry with lessons from Ukraine, says country’s economic minister]()
Estonia boosting defence industry with lessons from Ukraine, says country’s economic minister
Estonia is looking to boost its local defence industry with directed funding, industry parks, support through international orders for equipment and rapid prototyping.
-
![UK faces cost of balancing defensive capabilities abroad as Iran conflict widens]()
UK faces cost of balancing defensive capabilities abroad as Iran conflict widens
The UK has recently deployed a Type 45 destroyer to Cyprus and has bolstered its presence in the Middle East in recent weeks with supporting air power to protect neighbouring countries’ air defences.
-
![White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production]()
White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production
Intended to sustain Operation Epic Fury against Iran, efforts to increase the production of weapons and ammunition could expose long-standing weaknesses in the US defence industrial base.
-
![India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict]()
India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict
The latest escalation between Iran and Israel could shape New Delhi’s next-generation shield as India deepens cooperation with Israel on missile defence and drone production.
-
![Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?]()
Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?
The Pentagon spent a considerable number of THAAD and SM-3 rounds to defend against Iranian missiles in 2025 and has not fully replenished its reserves.
-
![New Zealand buys tri-service uncrewed kit from Syos Aerospace]()
New Zealand buys tri-service uncrewed kit from Syos Aerospace
As uncrewed technology continues to play an increasingly central role in modern military activities, New Zealand’s recent acquisitions point towards its the force’s focus on cost-effective capability.
