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
-
![Irish defence budget increased by just €100 million despite €25 billion surplus]()
Irish defence budget increased by just €100 million despite €25 billion surplus
The budget of more than €1.3 billion is a record figure for the Irish Defence Forces but almost a quarter is to meet to meet the pensions costs of Defence Forces Veterans and their dependents.
-
![Just released: Night Vision & Situational Awareness Technology Report 2024 now available to read]()
Just released: Night Vision & Situational Awareness Technology Report 2024 now available to read
How night vision devices and soldier-worn sensors are underpinning advanced tactical C4ISR capabilities
-
![How temporary funding could affect the US military’s critical acquisition programmes]()
How temporary funding could affect the US military’s critical acquisition programmes
Operating under continuing resolutions would affect Patriot, Virginia-class, Columbia-class and B-21 programmes.
-
![Brazil’s proposed $23.7 billion defence budget targets GDP-linked military funding]()
Brazil’s proposed $23.7 billion defence budget targets GDP-linked military funding
Brazil’s 2025 budget proposals will see a 5.9% increase in defence spending, with funds allocated for key programmes including the procurement of helicopters, armoured vehicles and nuclear-powered submarines, despite looming fiscal challenges.
-
![Russia is evading sanctions and purchasing US components for its arsenal, warns US Senate]()
Russia is evading sanctions and purchasing US components for its arsenal, warns US Senate
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal has claimed that Russian bombs, missiles and drones “supported by American technologies” have been fatally used on Ukrainians soldiers and civilians.
-
![Sweden makes preparations to give Gripens to Ukraine]()
Sweden makes preparations to give Gripens to Ukraine
The 17th package provided by Sweden to Ukraine has seen the Scandinavian country provide SEK48.1 billion (US$4.6 billion) in military support since February 2022, having provided a total of SEK25 billion in 2024.
