Rail guns... we have a starting point.
 

http://hackedgadgets.com/2006/07/08/...fire-coil-gun/

http://hackedgadgets.com/2009/05/07/...ark1-coil-gun/

Not the greatest looking things, but it's a start. :-)

Re: Rail guns... we have a starting point.
 

These are using the same principle as Metal Storm uses. I guess the two key constraints are power and velocity. Both designers have been battling the power requirements problem and haven't been able to get around that very effectively. I guess that just comes down to money.

If they had all the power they needed then I think velocity would be higher. The top link guy seems to have stopped development in 2006. The other guy has higer velocity but 110Kms per hour is still only 100 feet per second. They need to be up around 800 - 1000+ fps.

it would be interesting to see if this concept becomes more viable if the weapon was using a rifle format. Longer barrel = more coils should = higher velocity. The second design is clearly longer and weighs in at 5kg but I don't think it is quite rifle size.

I also wonder about the projecticles. They seem pretty heavy. The second design uses 42gram projectiles which is a whopping 648 grains. A .308 projectile might be 110 - 180 grains.

I also wonder about using this technology for something like a wiregun. Smaller projectile, however timing of the coil charges and discharges is still an issue, however you might pick up something in terms of reducing projectile weights.

Both excellent concepts.

Re: Rail guns... we have a starting point.
 

As for the length, the navy already has a working railgun, but it's crazy long so there might be something there with the rifle idea.

Not sure why they used the size ammo they did. Guess it doesn't matter when you're just going for functionality :-)

I'm just glad to see it works..

Re: Rail guns... we have a starting point.
 

yes I do agree, I figured they are prototyping so its all about the concept and that definatelty works. I was very impressed with what those guys were able to achieve working with what they had. :coolbeer:

I remember that navy gun now you mention it. It was indeed pretty massive. I think it gave off a lot of heat if I remember rightly.

Re: Rail guns... we have a starting point.
 

Wrong. Metal storm is caseless ammunition stacked in a barrel with electronic ignition. This is metal slugs being accelerated by magnetic fields produced by a coil.

Re: Rail guns... we have a starting point.
 

For some reason my computer is screwing up the embed option, so there's the link to a railgun shot.

Futureweapons tv show on the railgun

Re: Rail guns... we have a starting point.
 

Blanding Blvd .

Re: Rail guns... we have a starting point.
 

I believe you are correct.... thanks for sorting that out.

Re: Rail guns... we have a starting point.
 

This college kid built one. Pretty neat. This guy is a real genius.

http://www.powerlabs.org/railgun2.htm