Same Projectile Design Fired from Railgun, Powder Gun

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems says it has completed a series of tests of a new design of gun-launched defensive projectile interceptor.

During the tests, conducted in partnership with the US Army and US Navy, Identical projectile designs were fired from a 32 megajoule railgun at White Sands Missile Range, NM and from a 120mm conventional gun at Dugway Proving Ground, UT. The projectiles reached “record hypersonic velocities,” according to the company. The projectiles had guidance electronics, ruggedised to operate within the guns, which enabled staff to test their ability to sustain datalinks and to control trajectory during the intense G forces experienced at hypersonic speeds.

“We tested significant advancements in our projectile design, demonstrating survivability and good aerodynamic performance at these velocities, while testing guidance capabilities that promise greater precision and accuracy to effectively meet and defeat airborne threats,” said GA-EMS President, Scott Forney, adding that the tests complete the company’s contract.