General Atomics Blitzer Railgun update shows off a streamlined projectile and sabot

The latest General Atomics video of the navy railgun project shows off a streamlined projectile with a sabot.

Blitzer will provide transformational, leap-ahead air defense capability against a number of threats for both naval and land-based applications. With a muzzle velocity of more than twice that of conventional systems, Blitzer provides significant increases in standoff and lethality at lower cost without the need for propellant or high explosives.

The sabot round went seven kilometers downrange after punching through a 1.8-inch thick steel plate.

General Atomics successfully test-fired aerodynamic rounds from its Blitzerâ„¢ electromagnetic (EM) railgun prototype for the first time in September 2010. This test demonstrated the integration and capabilities of a tactically relevant EM railgun launcher, pulsed power system, and projectile. The test was performed at the U.S. Army Dugway Proving Grounds under a contract with the Office of Naval Research, using projectiles developed by Boeing’s Phantom Works in St. Charles, Mo. The projectiles were launched by the Blitzer system at Mach 5 speed with acceleration levels exceeding 60,000 gee, and exhibited repeatable sabot separation and stable flight. The video of the tests is new.

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