General Atomics to Further Develop Railgun Projectile Tech for Army

General Atomics' electromagnetic systems business has received a U.S. Army contract modification to advance hypersonic projectile technology designed to integrate with a railgun system and intercept targets in electromagnetic environments.

The Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center issued the award as part of efforts to demonstrate the potential of projectiles, guidance and control electronic systems to support the U.S. military's command network for air and missile defense platforms, General Atomics said Thursday.

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems will produce the guided weapon for demonstration with a U.S. Navy railgun during test-firing exercises slated to take place this year at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS, said the effort will serve as a step toward the integration of railgun projectiles into air and missile defense missions and the precision engagement of airborne threats.

“We are looking forward to verifying the projectiles’ capability to sustain data links, control its trajectory via actuated control surfaces using command guidance, and hit moving airborne targets, all while undergoing incredible G-forces and at hypersonic speeds,” said Nick Bucci, vice president of missile defense and space systems at GA-EMS.

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