In recent years, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy has reignited interest in electromagnetic cannons, also known as railguns. Despite a recent experiment being considered a failure, the weapon’s capability to reach speeds of Mach 5 and an altitude of 15 kilometers using electromagnetic forces has once again highlighted why this technology is sought after by powerful countries, including the United States.
The concept of electromagnetic cannons dates back to French inventor Louis Octave Fauchon-Villeplee in 1918. These weapons use electromagnetic force to launch projectiles at extreme speeds by placing a conductive projectile on two parallel metal rails and applying an intense electric current. This technology offers high speeds, precision, and the ability to fire without traditional chemical propellants.
In the 1980s, the United States began serious research on electromagnetic cannons, with the US Navy leading the initiative to equip destroyers with this technology. Over the years, the US invested significant resources into developing the Electromagnetic Railgun (EMRG) but faced challenges with range limitations, power usage, and rapid wear of the gun barrel. The project was officially paused in 2021 as the focus shifted to other more practical weaponry.
China, along with other countries such as India, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Japan