EMRG

Abstract

Electro-Magnetic Railgun (EMRG) is a high-power, kinetic energy weapon capable of launching precision guided projectiles using electricity instead of chemical propellants. When released into the railgun, an electric pulse launches the projectile at speeds up to Mach 6. EMRG will bring new capabilities, increased capacity and improved operational economy to fleet operations at sea. With its increased velocity and extended range, the EM Railgun provides multi-mission potential for hypersonic missile defense, anti-air & surface warfare, and naval surface fire support. EMRG is a multi-year effort in various stages of research and development within with the Navy's Innovative Naval Prototypes (INP) family of RDT&E programs. INP investments are typically 4-8 years in duration. They provide a continuance of basic research by maturing technologies from a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 2 or 3 to a TRL of 6. It is intended that prototypes developed within this program, requiring both Budget Activity 2 (BA2) and Budget Activity 3 (BA3) funding, are demonstrated in a relevant environment to prove the feasibility of the new technological capability. Successful experiments and demonstrations are intended to present the Department of the Navy with a programmatic challenge as these new capabilities can lead to the obsolescence of existing capabilities, requiring significant decisions as to the path forward for integrating the new technological capabilities into the warfighting systems of the future. The Activity identified in Project Unit 2481 specifically addresses Applied Research in support of the Electro-Magnetic Railgun (EMRG) high-power, kinetic energy weapon prototype development INP effort. Due to the nature of these projects, technology development plans have been written with limited details due to information security concerns. Specific information on each project will be provided separately to the Congressional oversight committees.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2020
Source ID
2481_0602792N_2_1319_PB_2020

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.
  • Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.
  • ballistics.

Technology Areas

  • Hypersonics

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