Speed Kills: The Case For Hypersonic Weapons

F-35 Armament, fuel tanks, internal and external hardpoints, loadouts, and other stores.
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by uclass » 04 Jun 2014, 15:21

With great speed comes naff range.


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by popcorn » 04 Jun 2014, 21:50

Back on topic, the focus at the AFRL is pushing key tech that will go into the HSSW.

www.armed-services.senate.gov/download/ ... 4-08-14pdf

The near term strike effort is the High Speed Strike Weapon (HSSW) program. This effort will mature cruise missile technology to address many of those items necessary to realize a missile in the hypersonic speed regime including: modeling and simulation; ramjet/scramjet propulsion; high temperature materials; guidance, navigation, and control; seekers and their required apertures; warhead and subsystems; thermal protection and management; manufacturing technology; and compact energetic booster technologies. The Air Force conducts research and development in all aspects of hypersonic technologies in partnership with NASA, DARPA, and industry/academic sectors. The HSSW program will include two parallel integrated technology demonstration efforts to leverage DARPA’s recent experience in hypersonic technologies that are relevant to reduce risk in key areas. One of the demonstrations will be a tactically-relevant demonstration of an air breathing missile technology that is compatible with Air Force 5th generation platforms including geometric and weight limits for internal B-2 Spirit bomber carriage and external F-35 Lightening II fighter carriage. This demonstration will build on the X-51 success and will include a tactically compliant engine start capability and launch from a relevant altitude.
"When a fifth-generation fighter meets a fourth-generation fighter—the [latter] dies,”
CSAF Gen. Mark Welsh


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by count_to_10 » 04 Jun 2014, 23:59

weasel1962 wrote:
popcorn wrote:Do you have a source documenting the specs for the weaponized rail gun system and ammo? Note what they will put out to sea initially is a,prototype with a 100nmi range if memory serves. The Navy hopes,to,weaponize a rail gun with twice that range. Please,share rate-of-fire info for,a,rail gun but also keep in mind there will be more than one rail gun in a CSG.
Somebody can do the physics but anything coming i at hypersonic,speed,i.e Mach 5 and above impacting with another object, even if only the size of a metal ball bearing at a similar,speed... not good for the i,coming package. Now multiply that by thousands of hypersonic marbles forming a gauntlet ... ouch.


There is a bore life (as well as 20kg packages).
http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a528667.pdf

Although meant for army rail gun (studying penetration of tank armor), this study gives a nice formula to calculate penetration based on mass, RHA, velocity etc.
http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a443240.pdf

Note that these are the things that they are going to try to accomplish in the program, not things they are sure can be done, nor something that has been demonstrated. I know people closer to the effort that are fairly certain that rail guns are not going to be deployed any time soon.
Einstein got it backward: one cannot prevent a war without preparing for it.

Uncertainty: Learn it, love it, live it.


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by spazsinbad » 05 Jun 2014, 00:28

This is why the interstitialbrickthrowinginternet is so great: "... I know people closer to the effort that are fairly certain that rail guns are not going to be deployed any time soon." BRICK is an old NAVY name for a SHELL.
Navy to Deploy Electromagnetic Railgun Aboard JHSV
Story Number: NNS140407-03 Release Date: 07 Apr 2014
From Naval Sea Systems Command Office of Corporate Communication


"WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy plans to install and test a prototype electromagnetic railgun aboard a joint high speed vessel in fiscal year 2016, the service announced today.

This test will mark the first time an electromagnetic railgun (EM railgun) has been demonstrated at sea, symbolizing a significant advance in naval combat.

EM railgun technology uses an electromagnetic force - known as the Lorenz Force - to rapidly accelerate and launch a projectile between two conductive rails. This guided projectile is launched at such high velocities that it can achieve greater ranges than conventional guns. It maintains enough kinetic energy that it doesn't require any kind of high explosive payload when it reaches its target.

High-energy EM railguns are expected to be lethal and effective against multiple threats, including enemy warships, small boats, aircraft, missiles and land-based targets.

"The electromagnetic railgun represents an incredible new offensive capability for the U.S. Navy," said Rear Adm. Bryant Fuller, the Navy's chief engineer. "This capability will allow us to effectively counter a wide-range of threats at a relatively low cost, while keeping our ships and sailors safer by removing the need to carry as many high-explosive weapons."

EM railgun technology will complement current kinetic weapons currently onboard surface combatants and offer a few specific advantages. Against specific threats, the cost per engagement is orders of magnitude less expensive than comparable missile engagements. The projectile itself is being designed to be common with some current powder guns, enabling the conservation of expensive missiles for use against more complex threats.

"Energetic weapons, such as EM railguns, are the future of naval combat," said Rear Adm. Matt Klunder, the chief of naval research. "The U.S. Navy is at the forefront of this game-changing technology."

This demonstration is the latest in a series of technical maturation efforts designed to provide an operational railgun to the fleet. Since 2005, the Navy and its partners in industry and academia have been testing railgun technology at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren, Va., and the Naval Research Lab where the service has a number of prototype systems.

The final operational system will be capable of launching guided, multi-mission projectiles to a range of 110 nautical miles against a wide range of threats. The series of tests are designed to capture lessons for incorporation into a future tactical design and will allow the Navy to best understand needed ship modifications before fully integrating the technology.

The Navy is using JHSV as a vessel of opportunity because of its available cargo and topside space and schedule flexibility. Because JHSVs are non-combatants, there is no plan to permanently install a railgun on any ship of the class. A final decision has not been made on which ship classes will receive a fully operational railgun."

PHOTO: "120621-N-PO203-041 DAHLGREN, Va. (June 21, 2012) The second of two Office of Naval Research (ONR) Electromagnetic (EM) Railgun industry prototype launchers is being evaluated at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division. Both General Atomics and BAE Systems have designed next generation prototype EM Railguns capable of increased firing rates. The EM Railgun is a long-range weapon that launches projectiles using electricity instead of chemical propellants and is under development by the Department of the Navy for use aboard ships. (U.S. Navy photo by John F. Williams/Released)"
http://www.navy.mil/management/photodb/ ... 03-041.jpg

Source: http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=80055


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by count_to_10 » 05 Jun 2014, 01:46

Well, Spaz, the way I've heard it, the GA effort isn't going to be sufficient, so they are going to give BAE a try before throwing in the towel. I'd really like it if the rail gun worked out, but it doesn't look like its in the cards.
Einstein got it backward: one cannot prevent a war without preparing for it.

Uncertainty: Learn it, love it, live it.


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by popcorn » 05 Jun 2014, 04:40

count_to_10 wrote:Well, Spaz, the way I've heard it, the GA effort isn't going to be sufficient, so they are going to give BAE a try before throwing in the towel. I'd really like it if the rail gun worked out, but it doesn't look like its in the cards.

Seeing is believing and come,2016 and they do manage to test a prototype rail gun aboard a ship then I count that as major progress,,a significant step up from,what they've achieved in a lab environment. It would help your story if the naysayers could go on record as to their specific concerns and reveal their identities and credentials,for the record,so,we,may also determine how credible they are,,all in the interest of having a meaningful discussion. Otherwise it's really in the realm,of unsubstantiated,hearsay really.
"When a fifth-generation fighter meets a fourth-generation fighter—the [latter] dies,”
CSAF Gen. Mark Welsh


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by sferrin » 05 Jun 2014, 13:27

count_to_10 wrote:Well, Spaz, the way I've heard it, the GA effort isn't going to be sufficient, so they are going to give BAE a try before throwing in the towel. I'd really like it if the rail gun worked out, but it doesn't look like its in the cards.



not sure where you pulled this from but they're not "throwing in the towel". Both are moving forward.
"There I was. . ."


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by weasel1962 » 05 Jun 2014, 16:37

popcorn wrote:
count_to_10 wrote:Well, Spaz, the way I've heard it, the GA effort isn't going to be sufficient, so they are going to give BAE a try before throwing in the towel. I'd really like it if the rail gun worked out, but it doesn't look like its in the cards.

Seeing is believing and come,2016 and they do manage to test a prototype rail gun aboard a ship then I count that as major progress,,a significant step up from,what they've achieved in a lab environment. It would help your story if the naysayers could go on record as to their specific concerns and reveal their identities and credentials,for the record,so,we,may also determine how credible they are,,all in the interest of having a meaningful discussion. Otherwise it's really in the realm,of unsubstantiated,hearsay really.


Whether BAE gets a try hasn't been decided. ONR has basically thrown out a RFP which closes later this year. We'll know whether the phase 2 research contracts get awarded after that.


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by uclass » 10 Jun 2014, 16:48





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by spazsinbad » 11 Jul 2014, 17:14

+ VIDEO ON PAGE.... Now on Utube....
Navy unveils prototype railguns
08 Jul 2014 Derek Staahl

"SAN DIEGO – Navy officials unveiled two prototype weapons Tuesday that have been cloaked in secrecy for years, and are capable of firing seven times the speed of sound.

They are electromagnetic railguns, developed by the Office of Naval Research.

A railgun can fire a projectile up to 5,600 miles per hour – about six times faster than a bullet from a handgun – at a range of up to 110 miles, Rear Adm. Matthew Klunder said.

It delivers up to 32 megajoules of energy.

“Literally it is like taking a huge freight train and going through the wall that's a few feet to my left at over 100 miles an hour. Right through that wall,” said Klunder, the Chief of Naval Research.

The Navy showed off two working prototypes aboard the USS Millinocket at Naval Base San Diego. They fire by sending an electrical pulse across metal rails to create electromagnetic force. There's nothing explosive inside or out...."

Source: http://www.sandiego6.com/news/local/Nav ... 45791.html



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by KamenRiderBlade » 11 Jul 2014, 17:34

spazsinbad wrote:+ VIDEO ON PAGE.... Now on Utube....
Navy unveils prototype railguns
08 Jul 2014 Derek Staahl

"SAN DIEGO – Navy officials unveiled two prototype weapons Tuesday that have been cloaked in secrecy for years, and are capable of firing seven times the speed of sound.

They are electromagnetic railguns, developed by the Office of Naval Research.

A railgun can fire a projectile up to 5,600 miles per hour – about six times faster than a bullet from a handgun – at a range of up to 110 miles, Rear Adm. Matthew Klunder said.

It delivers up to 32 megajoules of energy.

“Literally it is like taking a huge freight train and going through the wall that's a few feet to my left at over 100 miles an hour. Right through that wall,” said Klunder, the Chief of Naval Research.

The Navy showed off two working prototypes aboard the USS Millinocket at Naval Base San Diego. They fire by sending an electrical pulse across metal rails to create electromagnetic force. There's nothing explosive inside or out...."

Source: http://www.sandiego6.com/news/local/Nav ... 45791.html



I bet you that once they put the shroud on the rail gun, it'll look similar to other naval guns.

=D


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by steakanddoritos » 11 Jul 2014, 18:10

I laughed so hard when they used the Transformers 2 clip.


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by spazsinbad » 23 Jan 2015, 14:47

Washingtontonians can check out the RAILGUN:
U.S. Navy Electromagnetic Railgun Weapon to Debut at Future Force EXPO
22 Jan 2015 NAVY Recognition

"The Electromagnetic Railgun—a weapon that will play a significant role in the future of the U.S. Navy—will be on display to the public for the first time on the East Coast Feb. 4-5 at the Naval Future Force Science and Technology (S&T) EXPO in Washington, D.C., officials at the Office of Naval Research (ONR) announced....

...The Railgun program continues to move swiftly toward scheduled at-sea testing in 2016. Its revolutionary technology relies on electricity instead of traditional chemical propellants, with magnetic fields created by high electrical currents launching projectiles at distances over 100 nautical miles—and at speeds that exceed Mach 6, or six times the speed of sound.

That velocity allows the weapon’s projectiles to rely on kinetic energy for maximum effect, and reduces the amount of high explosives needed to be carried on ships. It also minimizes the dangers of unexploded ordnance remaining on the battlefield.

“The Electromagnetic Railgun brings significant technological advances to our Sailors and Marines,” said Roger Ellis, program manager at ONR. “As the system moves forward along its planned schedule from the laboratory launcher, we’ve achieved breakthroughs in compact power and gun design, and will test the next phase of prototype at both sea- and land-based sites in 2016 and 2017.”..."

Source: http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=2353



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by bring_it_on » 24 Jan 2015, 01:50

AFRL Boss confirmed a 600 million investment in the HSSW being split equally between DARPA and AFRL.

The Air Force and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency hope to start flying follow-ons to the X-51 hypersonic testbed circa 2018, Maj. Gen. Thomas Masiello, head of Air Force Research Laboratory, told Air Force Magazine in a Wednesday interview. "We've each invested about $300 million" in a project AFRL is calling the High Speed Strike Weapon, Masiello said. Two hypersonic vehicles are being explored: one is a waverider using technology like that of the X-51, which achieved 209 seconds of hypersonic flying in 2013. The other is called tactical boost-glide technology, "where there's no scramjet power; you're just basically taking a booster, accelerating it to hypersonic speed, then it glides to the target," Masiello explained. If all goes well, he said, by 2020, "we could have the technology matured to the point of a program of record," applying hypersonics to a cruise missile-type of weapon "with an acceptable level of risk." Beyond that, by 2030, Masiello envisions a reusable platform that could be used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance work, which could be turned within days between missions. By "2040-plus" AFRL expects "a no-kidding, re-usable, persistent, penetrating hypersonic vehicle that could be manned or unmanned."


http://www.airforcemag.com/DRArchive/Pa ... Hyper.aspx

Also see this as a bit of a background on the current status of AFRL's hypersonic R&D:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mZopFn ... =WL#t=1844


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by spazsinbad » 27 Jan 2015, 00:08

The Real Railgun of the U.S. Navy
Published on Apr 7, 2014 Department of Defense

"Railguns: weapons that can tear through walls like a pencil punctures a balloon. If you thought lasers were going to change the game, rail guns are going to blast the doors wide open."



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