Navy's newest weapon kills at seven times the speed of sound

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The phrase "faster than a speeding bullet" just took on a whole new meaning.

"An electromagnetic rail gun is a gun that uses just electricity -- no gun powder -- and, oh, by the way, can shoot a projectile like this, well over 100 miles at Mach 7," said Rear Adm. Matthew Klunder, the Chief of Naval Research, which developed the rail gun. "Seven times the speed of sound."

An electromagnetic pulse propels a projectile down the barrel, creating a fireball of molten steel. The projectile sheds its steel cladding, and, in video released for the first time Monday, it smashes into a dummy warhead that represents an incoming missile. An explosion is caused by the sheer force of the impact.

"This is a lab gun, and it shoots a slug about this big," Klunder said, holding up a slug. "So think about that. A slug that big -- a slug that big going Mach 7 puts a hole through six half-inch steel plates this big. Just this little slug."

"There's not a thing in the sky that's going to survive against that," Klunder added.
Navy's newest weapon kills at seven times the speed of sound - CBS News
  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    Impressive! It's too bad we can't come up with clean, cheap energy sources and affordable health care near as efficiently as we come up with new ways to kill and blow things up.
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    • Profile picture of the author jm1791
      Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

      Impressive! It's too bad we can't come up with clean, cheap energy sources and affordable health care near as efficiently as we come up with new ways to kill and blow things up.
      was just thinking the same thing
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    • Profile picture of the author David Braybrooke
      Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

      Impressive! It's too bad we can't come up with clean, cheap energy sources and affordable health care near as efficiently as we come up with new ways to kill and blow things up.
      Well, you won't need to worry about clean, cheap energy sources and affordable health care if you are invaded and nuked by a threatening enemy force. The US is a prime target so a bit of a reminder, to the world, about available firepower, just might give you the chance to develop those said energy sources etc. Balancing the budget is a difficult task but decrease defence spending by too much at your own peril.
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      • Profile picture of the author Ron Lafuddy
        Originally Posted by David Braybrooke View Post

        Well, you won't need to worry about clean, cheap energy sources and affordable health care if you are invaded and nuked by a threatening enemy force. The US is a prime target so a bit of a reminder, to the world, about available firepower, just might give you the chance to develop those said energy sources etc. Balancing the budget is a difficult task but decrease defence spending by too much at your own peril.
        B.S.

        I've got over half a century of hearing that cold war crap.

        It's straight up propaganda, spoon fed by puppets of the real
        (not supposed) enemy.

        Doesn't cut it anymore.

        I want something better than a neocon oasis for future generations.
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        • Profile picture of the author SteveJohnson
          Originally Posted by Ron Lafuddy View Post

          B.S.

          I've got over half a century of hearing that cold war crap.

          It's straight up propaganda, spoon fed by puppets of the real
          (not supposed) enemy.

          Doesn't cut it anymore.

          I want something better than a neocon oasis for future generations.
          Who, exactly, is the 'real' enemy?
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          Gun control means never having to say, "I missed you."

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    • Profile picture of the author thunderbird
      Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

      Impressive! It's too bad we can't come up with clean, cheap energy sources and affordable health care near as efficiently as we come up with new ways to kill and blow things up.
      The yin yang symbol strikes me as the most accurate depiction of how things work. Where there is darkness, there is also light. Where there is light, there is also darkness. Advanced weapons research and production is often later used in non-violent ways that benefit society.
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      Project HERE.

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      • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
        Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

        Some of you seem to be mistaking the meaning or the intent of my previous post. It's not a comment about the appropriateness or inappropriateness of the technology itself, nor is it about the morality of such technology.

        I'm just saying, if we have the ability to create these fantastic destructive weapons, we ought to have the will to use some of that brainpower to develop life-affirming technology as well.

        And you know what? If energy was clean, low cost, and abundant, just maybe we wouldn't be involved in so many wars. If we weren't so dependent on oil, there are a few war-mongering countries that would have a lot less money to wage war with.

        We have provable free energy generation systems, now, but the masses hear little!

        Why!

        Greed, mainly, but protecting jobs, and the stock market may be others!


        The latest proven zero point energy systems available now with the most promise, is the 2 steel plates in a vacuum.


        I only read about it, but apparently it can be replicated, and easily created.


        This world is run by stupidity, greed and suppression regardless of how much unnecessary hardship it causes.

        I won't even go into Phar, co, but they are the worst!


        Shane
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  • Profile picture of the author yukon
    Banned
    If it cost $25,000 for the military to build that means it can be built in Joe Blows garage for $137 plus a case of beer.
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    • Profile picture of the author Floyd Fisher
      Originally Posted by yukon View Post

      If it cost $25,000 for the military to build that means it can be built in Joe Blows garage for $137 plus a case of beer.
      I can has railgun now pls?
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  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    This is likely only good for battles, shooting near an enemy, or conventional explosives offshore. So it's use against nukes is likely limited with domestic ground based defense. Of course at 7m at 100miles, who knows, but I stlll think I would prefer on a ship of some sort farther off shore.

    As for being under secret development? ******BULL******! Several years had passed before they started creating movies about it. ONE such movie was ERASER! IT was created in 1996 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eraser_(film)

    So what is the PLOT of eraser? The US military had been developing a rail gun for some years, and had ones that could fit on large ships, but the contractor secretly developed a hand held one(about the size of a large rifle), and was going to surreptitiously ship them to a buyer.

    Meanwhile, a woman found an accounting error, reported it to the FBI, and they had her collect evidence on an illicit arms shipment. Arnold worked to hide her so the defendants couldn't kill her. Of course, the arms were the rail guns, and there were moles at the FBI.

    But YEAH, it was no secret they were developing the rail gun, and they even got the name right.

    Steve
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    • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
      Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

      Impressive! It's too bad we can't come up with clean, cheap energy sources and affordable health care near as efficiently as we come up with new ways to kill and blow things up.

      Yep, maybe they should hook up clean energy to missile silos, then at least they could put a recycle sticker on a nuclear warhead! :rolleyes:

      Although a nuclear weapon is converting 51% of its mass into energy, so...... :rolleyes:


      I would say if we had an all out atomic war, any greenies that crapped on about MMGW afterwards, would probably be shot on sight!

      Cruise missiles cost about 1 million to create, so when you see one flyer over during a war, you are seeing a million bucks on its way to being destroyed! Insane! :rolleyes:



      Shane
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    Some of you seem to be mistaking the meaning or the intent of my previous post. It's not a comment about the appropriateness or inappropriateness of the technology itself, nor is it about the morality of such technology.

    I'm just saying, if we have the ability to create these fantastic destructive weapons, we ought to have the will to use some of that brainpower to develop life-affirming technology as well.

    And you know what? If energy was clean, low cost, and abundant, just maybe we wouldn't be involved in so many wars. If we weren't so dependent on oil, there are a few war-mongering countries that would have a lot less money to wage war with.
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    • Profile picture of the author Ron Lafuddy
      Dennis,

      If you can find a way to take corruption and greed out of the mix, you'd have a chance.

      Until then, you've got none. I wish I had a better answer, but that's how it is.
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      • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
        Originally Posted by Ron Lafuddy View Post

        Dennis,

        If you can find a way to take corruption and greed out of the mix, you'd have a chance.

        Until then, you've got none. I wish I had a better answer, but that's how it is.
        I know, Ron. Sigh. It's still important (at least to me) to shine my little light in the cracks. We never know how far the ripple of our words will carry, or who will repeat them. Maybe someday someone smarter than I will act on a higher ideal, or recast the words in a way that inspires someone else to act on a higher ideal, and something good will take root.
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    • Profile picture of the author seasoned
      Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

      Some of you seem to be mistaking the meaning or the intent of my previous post. It's not a comment about the appropriateness or inappropriateness of the technology itself, nor is it about the morality of such technology.

      I'm just saying, if we have the ability to create these fantastic destructive weapons, we ought to have the will to use some of that brainpower to develop life-affirming technology as well.

      And you know what? If energy was clean, low cost, and abundant, just maybe we wouldn't be involved in so many wars. If we weren't so dependent on oil, there are a few war-mongering countries that would have a lot less money to wage war with.
      For what it is worth, *I* understood what you were saying. And YEAH, this rail gun would be great. They can carry harmless, light, and cheap ammo, which means they are better able to handle their security, and there will be fewer accidents. A number of people have DIED with the conventional ammo which is, itself, DANGEROUS! With these rods, about the worst you might get is a broken foot if you drop the bar on it.

      But we really do need to agree with what the problem is and eradicate it. I mean OIL alone can't be it. The US apparently can handle all of this ITSELF! AMERICA CAN! As for drugs, will SOMEONE explain how a drug created in and shipped from the US gets cheaper abroad?

      And SOLAR POWER! WHY don't we use more solar power? I have been complaining about this since the 70s!!!!!! SERIOUSLY! Since the 1970s! I remember starting a letter to Jimmy Carter about it. I figured he wouldn't read it even if it ever did get to him, so I quickly squashed that idea. I was young anyway. But it certainly marks the time well. Did you know that Home depot has WHOLE KITS for Solar power? They are relatively inexpensive, and could fully power a small house. They are SO complete that you can even get paid by the power company for power you don't use!

      Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
    I think there are many reasons US energy resources and cheap
    energy are not being developed. A less obvious reason is because
    of the instability that would happen if the economies of current
    energy producing countries suddenly collapsed. Right or wrong,
    this is part of it.

    --------------

    Possibly a very useful weapon. I'd need $137 and two cases of
    beer to make it in my garage.
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    "If you think you're the smartest person in the room, then you're probably in the wrong room."

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    • Profile picture of the author seasoned
      There is always a way. SOMETIMES, it is actually legal!

      As for the idea of power diverted to fire the device? It is far from a new problem. Heck, STAR TREK showed the klingons bird of prey had the same problem!

      Steve
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      • Profile picture of the author David Braybrooke
        Originally Posted by seasoned View Post

        There is always a way. SOMETIMES, it is actually legal!

        As for the idea of power diverted to fire the device? It is far from a new problem. Heck, STAR TREK showed the klingons bird of prey had the same problem!

        Steve
        The National Defence Budget should be handed over to the crew of the USS Enterprise! Case Closed ...

        Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

        Some of you seem to be mistaking the meaning or the intent of my previous post. It's not a comment about the appropriateness or inappropriateness of the technology itself, nor is it about the morality of such technology.

        I'm just saying, if we have the ability to create these fantastic destructive weapons, we ought to have the will to use some of that brainpower to develop life-affirming technology as well.

        And you know what? If energy was clean, low cost, and abundant, just maybe we wouldn't be involved in so many wars. If we weren't so dependent on oil, there are a few war-mongering countries that would have a lot less money to wage war with.
        It was your wording of initial comment that drew the response, I think you'll find Dennis. 'Killing and blowing things up' (paraphrased) doesn't imply a strongly positive use for the Navy's weapon, eg the effective defence of the US, and its allies, from threats posed by serious enemy forces.

        Life-affirming technologies are being developed and implemented at an astonishing rate, although perhaps not fast enough for some. No need to deride one area of innovation at the expense of another I think. Give credit where it is due?

        Originally Posted by Ron Lafuddy View Post

        B.S.

        I've got over half a century of hearing that cold war crap.

        It's straight up propaganda, spoon fed by puppets of the real
        (not supposed) enemy.

        Doesn't cut it anymore.

        I want something better than a neocon oasis for future generations.
        I think you'll find that most viewers of 9/11 didn't consider it to be a whole pile of BS actually Ron! Perhaps if the defence budget was adjusted downwards and Al-Qaeda and others can watch how diligently you are working on your clean energy 'life-affirming' projects, the world will all of a sudden be a much nicer, kinder and safer place!? If only it were just the Russkies we have to worry about huh? Next!
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        "The scientific theory I like best is that the rings of Saturn are composed entirely of lost airline luggage." - Mark Russell
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        • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
          Originally Posted by David Braybrooke View Post

          It was your wording of initial comment that drew the response, I think you'll find Dennis. 'Killing and blowing things up' (paraphrased) doesn't imply a strongly positive use for the Navy's weapon, eg the effective defence of the US, and its allies, from threats posed by serious enemy forces.

          Life-affirming technologies are being developed and implemented at an astonishing rate, although perhaps not fast enough for some. No need to deride one area of innovation at the expense of another I think. Give credit where it is due?
          Give credit where credit is due? I did, I opened my post saying it was impressive.

          As a US Navy veteran, I think I understand "threats posed by serious enemy forces" as well or better than most people. I also understand the need for offensive and defensive weapons.

          David, as a Navy veteran, I also think I've also earned the right to wish more brainpower was devoted to benevolent uses. Wishing so doesn't indicate a lack of understanding or non-support of other issues.
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          • Profile picture of the author David Braybrooke
            Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

            Give credit where credit is due? I did, I opened my post saying it was impressive.

            As a US Navy veteran, I think I understand "threats posed by serious enemy forces" as well or better than most people. I also understand the need for offensive and defensive weapons.

            As a Navy veteran, I also think I've also earned the right to wish more brainpower was devoted to benevolent uses.
            Perhaps I read your initial exclamation as sarcasm? Oh, the frustration of interpreting digital comments of Internationals. Unsure if your defence force background gives your viewpoints a greater validity than the rest, haven't the inner workings and protocols of the US Navy changed some since you exited their ranks?

            As a US Navy veteran then, perhaps you'd be so kind to give an expert opinion on effective defence of US interests. Downsizing budgets to channel more revenue in to green energy technologies etc? Without meaning to stir, maybe you could set up wind turbine projects with Al Qaeda operatives in order to distract them from their terrorist agendas?

            A salute to you and best wishes.
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            • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
              Originally Posted by David Braybrooke View Post

              Perhaps I read your initial exclamation as sarcasm?

              Unsure if your defence force background gives your viewpoints a greater validity than the rest, haven't the inner workings and protocols of the US Navy changed some since you exited their ranks?
              The "impressive" was a genuine comment, not sarcasm. Just simply short and to the point.

              David, I didn't say my background gave my viewpoints greater validity. I said, "I think I understand 'threats posed by serious enemy forces' as well or better than most people."

              Since most people haven't been in the service, and haven't gone through the training and war exercises, I think an "understanding equal to or better than most" is a reasonable claim. That experience doesn't necessarily give my viewpoints greater validity, nor did I claim it did.

              As a US Navy veteran then, perhaps you'd be so kind to give an expert opinion on effective defence of US interests. Downsizing budgets to channel more revenue in to green energy technologies etc?
              I think you're reading too much into my comments, David. Not once have I mentioned downsizing budgets to funnel the revenue elsewhere. I've only mentioned efficiency and brain power.
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  • Profile picture of the author whateverpedia
    Pfft.

    An Aussie company called Metal Storm designed a system that would fire a million rounds a minute back in the 90's.

    Unfortunately for them, the US military industrial complex didn't want to lash out the money needed to acquire the weapons on an Aussie invention, so it never took off.

    The "metal storm" was, according to the company, enough to destroy an ICBM in mid flight.

    The company is still going, but has been delisted from the ASX. The last time I looked at them (late 90's) the shares were over $1 a piece, but at the time of delisting they were trading at $0.001.
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    Why do garden gnomes smell so bad?
    So that blind people can hate them as well.
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  • Profile picture of the author David Maschke
    Cheap, clean energy. Affordable, quality healthcare. Healthy food. Education.

    What a laugh!

    Political leaders and the wealthy are absolutely terrified of 13 billion hungry people in the world.
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    I

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  • Profile picture of the author bravo75
    Should sell well to roofing companies. Imagine how fast you could batten out a roof.
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