Artistic concept of an electromagnetic cannon / railgun
The new Chinese electromagnetic cannon, a railgun X -shaped, it allows extreme acceleration without magnetic fields interfering with each other. The result is a weapon with great destructive potential, with increased range and firepower.
China took a decisive step in the arms race by presenting a electromagnetic cannon land capable of firing projectiles at speeds from up to Mach 7.
According to, the new railgundeveloped by the Popular Liberation Army of China (PLA), represents a strategic bet on long -range hypersonic artillery.
The system, which was given the name of X-railgunintroduces an unprecedented design based on perpendicular combination of two engines independent linear inside the same cannon.
This approach allows extreme acceleration without magnetic fields interfering with each other, solving one of the main technical challenges of this type of weaponry.
The new weapon was developed by a scientific team led by the teacher Lyu Qingaofrom the University of Engineering at Shijiazhuang, which conceived this cross architecture to overcome the physical limits that so far prevented the power of railgun.
To the duplicate the rails and separate their electrical circuits, the fusion is avoided or rupture of the metal parts, caused by the intense currents that travel the system in each shooting.
PLA
Conceptual design of X-railgun developed pel University of Engineering of Shijiazhuang
This new model clearly differs from Chinese Railgun Naval tested in 2018, limited to 15 kg projectiles. According to researchers, the X-railgun could accelerate ammunition up to 60 kg and reach targets at 400 km in just six minutes, with a impact speed higher than Mach 4.
In addition to the innovative dual armor design, this electromagnetic cannon does not use electric condensers, which allows it to reach a cadence of shooting 3,000 projectiles per minute.
This capacity, unprecedented in electromagnetic weaponryputs China ahead of countries such as OS or O, whose similar initiatives were limited by costs, complexity or insufficient income.
O exclusive use of electricity converts this system to a tool silent, without retreat, difficult to intercep It is much more economical by firing than hypersonic missiles. Logistic risk reduction and the lowest thermal impact suppose key advantages in real operating environments.
If its viability in real tactical scenarios is confirmed, the X-railgun could radically transform strategic use of the terrestrial artillery long distance.
