US Navy Pursuing Electromagnetic Railgun

[Metallic]

17 february 2009

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota � BAE Systems has been awarded a $21 million contract from the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to develop an advanced Electromagnetic (EM) Railgun for the U.S. Navy. The 30-month contract is for the detailed design and delivery of an Innovative Naval Prototype (INP) Railgun.

"This EM Railgun contract is a continuation of BAE Systems' dedication to delivering advanced technology for tomorrow's Sailors," said Jim Schoppenhorst, vice president of Navy Programs for BAE Systems.

Under this contract, BAE Systems will develop advanced Railgun technologies including a composite launcher (barrel) that will be demonstrated in 2011. BAE Systems is partnered with IAP Research, and SAIC to develop the Railgun.

ONR's INP program is part of the Department of the Navy's Science and Technology investments focused on developing new technologies to support Navy and Marine Corps warfighting needs. Railguns use electrical energy instead of chemical energy to launch projectiles at hypervelocities that can provide range in excess of 200 nautical miles. One of the greatest potential advantages for the Railgun program is the safety and logistics aspect because it uses no explosives in firing or storage.

In addition to the INP program, BAE Systems developed a Laboratory Launcher for the Navy in 2007. This Laboratory Railgun continues to set world-record launch energies at the Naval Surface Warfare Center test facility in Dahlgren, Virginia.

ONR INP contract work will be performed in Minneapolis and in Dayton, Ohio.