GA-EMS tests railgun projectiles
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) has successfully tested railgun projectiles with on-board electronics at the US Army’s Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, the company announced on 22 June.
Four tests were conducted consecutively in mid-June which saw the projectiles survive the launch environment and perform their functions. The tests also marked the 100th successful launch from GA-EMS’ Blitzer electromagnetic railgun.
According to the company, the test projectiles were launched at accelerations over 30,000 times that of gravity and were exposed to the full electromagnetic environment of the railgun launch. The on-board electronics successfully measured projectile dynamics and in-bore accelerations, and the data link continued to operate after the projectiles hit the ground.
Nick Bucci, vice president missile defense systems, GA-EMS, said: ‘This is a significant milestone in the technology development toward a railgun weapon system and marks the first time flight dynamics data have been successfully measured and down-linked from an aerodynamic projectile fired from our railgun on an open test range.
‘GA-EMS’ successful testing and on-going investment to advance our scalable railgun and projectile technologies illustrates our commitment to mature this transformational weapon system and provide the warfighter multi-mission advantages across several platforms.’
More from Land Warfare
-
![India’s drone industry ambitions accelerate with Xtend technology transfer deal]()
India’s drone industry ambitions accelerate with Xtend technology transfer deal
The localised production of interceptor and tactical drones further strengthens India-Israel industrial alignment and could position India for future cooperation opportunities.
-
![US Army to procure next-gen remote sensing capabilities to boost battlefield mobility]()
US Army to procure next-gen remote sensing capabilities to boost battlefield mobility
The US Army Materiel Command is seeking solutions that can automatically detect and classify natural or man-made obstacles preventing the manoeuvrability of land vehicles.
-
![Next-generation Franco-German tank under threat as France opts for interim solution]()
Next-generation Franco-German tank under threat as France opts for interim solution
The French Army’s upgraded Leclerc main battle tank is expected to begin retiring before the end of the 2030s and the government is looking to adopt an interim solution ahead of a next-generation tank.
-
![US Marine Corps provides US$900 million for prototypes as vehicle refresh motors on]()
US Marine Corps provides US$900 million for prototypes as vehicle refresh motors on
General Dynamics Land Systems and Textron Systems are competing to replace the US Marine Corps’ fleet of light armoured vehicles. The companies have been awarded contracts to provide prototypes of three different vehicle variants.
-
![Canada’s Inkas to complete development of improved M1 MRAP in May]()
Canada’s Inkas to complete development of improved M1 MRAP in May
PT Sentra Surya Ekajaya’s P2 Tiger, the SCATA Mk1 and the Inkas M1 armoured personnel carriers are each built on the proven Celeris base, but all are still awaiting firm orders.
