via DefenseTech.
BAE Systems officials said an electromagnetic rail gun firing a kinetic energy warhead could be a real option for the Army’s next generation Future Fighting Vehicle, which the service hopes to replace the Bradley Fighting Vehicle.That little blurb on DT got little notice.
Following the cancellation of the Ground Combat Vehicle, Army officials said they want the defense industry to offer a wide range of technologies before the Army decides whether to pursue the Future Fighting Vehicle, or an additional Bradley upgrade.
BAE Systems presented a host of possible technologies at the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual conference last week. Among those was a model of the electromagnetic rail gun the company is developing for the Navy.
The rail gun, which can hit ranges of 100 miles or more, uses electricity stored on the ship to generate a high-speed electromagnetic pulse sufficient to propel a kinetic energy warhead. The result is an inexpensive, high-impact and long-range offensive weapon, service officials said.
BAE has done nothing to shout the news to the roof tops. But if they're right this could place us on the verge of a revolution in warfare that will rival the introduction of gunpowder, jet propulsion for airplanes and nuclear powered aircraft carrier.
This literally could change armored warfare forever. Imagine. Being able to put fire on targets from a tank gun that normally would require rocket artillery! Think about the possibility of miniaturizing it so that IFV suddenly become tank killers with their standard guns. Naval artillery could strike from offshore deep into a continent. Combat on the high seas would see the aircraft carrier revert to a supporting role for modern day battleships.
I'm just spit balling these examples but you get the point.
One little blurb on DT has HUGE implications for the future...and most people missed it.
