In the field of armaments, innovation is a constant. Recently, a major technological breakthrough has captured the world’s attention: the development of an electromagnetic gun. This weapon, the result of a collaboration between the France, Germany and now the Japanpromises to revolutionize current artillery systems.
Unlike conventional cannons, the electromagnetic cannon uses a revolutionary method to propel its projectiles. Instead of using explosives, it harnesses magnetic force to accelerate the shells to impressive speeds, until they reach Mach 5. This technique would allow a shell to be delivered over distances up to five times greater than those of current artillery systems, and at a significantly lower cost.
The operating principle is simple in theory, but putting it into practice requires overcoming several technological challenges. The design of such a gun requires solving mechanical constraints, problems related to the materials used and the power supply, among other challenges. However, despite these obstacles, the progress made is remarkable.
L‘European Unionthrough his Research program Preparatory action on defense research (PADR), is committed to this ambitious project. L’Franco-German Research Institute of Saint-Louis (ISL) was appointed to coordinate the project PILUM (Projectiles for Increased Long-range effects Using ElectroMagnetic railgun)an initiative that aims to explore the possibilities offered by electromagnetic weapons.
The ISL has unique facilities in Europe, including several laboratory demonstrators. This equipment, such as the cannon NGL-60 (New Generation Launcher) and the cannon RAFIRA (RApid FIre RAilgun)are at the cutting edge of technology and demonstrate significant progress in this field.
At the same time, the Japan, aware of the potential advantages of this technology, joined the European effort. L’Japanese agency dedicated to acquisitions, technology and logistics (ATLA) has developed its own electromagnetic cannon and recently conducted a test firing from a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force ship. This initiative marks an important step in international defense cooperation.
Besides the Japan, other countries are taking a close interest in this emerging technology. THE UNITED STATES also invested in electromagnetic weapons research, although their project ran into financial difficulties. However, progress in this area is attracting growing interest globally.
