12 points | by anigbrowl 4 hours ago ago
7 comments
In June. Source is a tweet from two weeks ago: https://x.com/atla_kouhou_en/status/1965701798448013737
Previously: (27 points) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45227997
Related: Japan releases image of Railgun installed on naval vessel (13 points) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43788741
What is the advantage of using a railgun over a hypersonic missile? Maybe cost, since even if they destroy their rails I assume those are cheaper to replace than a whole rocket?
From the article: "As railguns use electricity instead of explosive force, their projectiles are considered more durable and safer to store."
I read that the US navy abandoned its rail gun efforts and the technology was deemed impractical. What changed that makes this railgun practical?
The issues were durability, fire rate, and well power.
I don’t know that the first two have changed significantly.
Nothing from what I understand. The issue is material science. The rails have a very short life unless fired at far less than full power.
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In June. Source is a tweet from two weeks ago: https://x.com/atla_kouhou_en/status/1965701798448013737
Previously: (27 points) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45227997
Related: Japan releases image of Railgun installed on naval vessel (13 points) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43788741
What is the advantage of using a railgun over a hypersonic missile? Maybe cost, since even if they destroy their rails I assume those are cheaper to replace than a whole rocket?
From the article: "As railguns use electricity instead of explosive force, their projectiles are considered more durable and safer to store."
I read that the US navy abandoned its rail gun efforts and the technology was deemed impractical. What changed that makes this railgun practical?
The issues were durability, fire rate, and well power.
I don’t know that the first two have changed significantly.
Nothing from what I understand. The issue is material science. The rails have a very short life unless fired at far less than full power.
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