Sci-Fi Weapon Tested by Navy - the Railgun

On January 31, 2008 in Dahlgren, Va., the U.S. Navy tested a supra-powerful big gun blue-printed to take over conventional weaponry aboard its ships.

It's called the "Railgun", and instead of the standard explosive chemical propellants, this sci-fi futuristic weapon uses and pulses out electromagnetic energy which can fire a projectile in long distances more than 200 nautical miles. In essence, more than 230 miles (370 kms) - with an apparent muzzle velocity seven times the speed of sound (Mach 7) and a velocity of Mach 5 (3,700 mph).

Navy officials are calling it the "world's most powerful electromagnetic railgun".

According to Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Gary Roughead, "I never ever want to see a Sailor or Marine in a fair fight. I always want them to have the advantage."

He further mentioned, "We should never lose sight of always looking for the next big thing, always looking to make our capability better, more effective than what anyone else can put on the battlefield."

The possibility of explosions on Naval ships is eliminated as the railgun uses electricity and not gunpowder. "The railgun's lack of explosives means ships would be safer", said Elizabeth D'Andrea, Electromagnetic Railgun Program Manager.

Here's footage of a recent test:

Though the Navy's goal is to demonstrate a full-capability prototype by 2018, the weapon isn't expected to be deployed until at least 2020.

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