Japanese ship-mounted railgun successfully hits targets in test(mainichi.jp)
mainichi.jp
Japanese ship-mounted railgun successfully hits targets in test
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250923/p2g/00m/0na/017000c
10 comments
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?
Yea, cost. It was supposed to be installed on the Zumwalt, with a guided 155mm cannon as an interim, also with the goal to be cheaper than missiles. Unfortunately both ended up being more expensive than missiles. Replacing the rails isn't something that can be done quickly or cheaply.
It is kinda comparable to hypersonic missiles in that it can penetrate air defense, but that is about the only overlap, the railgun is long range for a gun, but nothing compared to something like a hypersonic missile.
It is kinda comparable to hypersonic missiles in that it can penetrate air defense, but that is about the only overlap, the railgun is long range for a gun, but nothing compared to something like a hypersonic missile.
Only guessing here but I figure a railgun might be better suited to defense than offense given its range. Then again, it would only be useful against large, relatively slower targets (i.e. not a hypersonic missile).
It has been pitched for that, certainly, but without a guided projectile, it is fantasy.
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.
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.
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