Navy Tests Awesome New Weapon

Now this is sweet:

The U.S. Navy yesterday test fired an incredibly powerful new big gun designed to replace conventional weaponry aboard ships. Sci-fi fans will recognize its awesome power and futuristic technology.

The big gun uses electromagnetic energy instead of explosive chemical propellants to fire a projectile farther and faster. The railgun, as it is called, will ultimately fire a projectile more than 230 miles (370 kilometers) with a muzzle velocity seven times the speed of sound (Mach 7) and a velocity of Mach 5 at impact.

The test-firing, captured on video, took place Jan. 31 in Dahlgren, Va., and Navy officials called it the "world's most powerful electromagnetic railgun."

Watch the video and think about what an unbelievable weapon this is. Mach five at impact and 230 miles. I love my Navy and the brilliant engineers who developed this thing that will keep our sailors out of harms way while still being able to accomplish the mission.