railguns
Magnetic projectile weapons
A railgun is a weapon that uses electromagnetic force rather than explosives to accelerate projectiles to extreme velocities.
Two parallel metal rails conduct electric current through the projectile, generating magnetic fields that propel it forward.
Railguns appear frequently in science fiction and video games, though military prototypes exist: The Navy tested its experimental railgun.
The technology promises greater range and impact than conventional artillery.
Involving electric and magnetic fields
- coilgunElectromagnetic projectile launcher
- linear motorPropulsion without rotating parts
- superconductorMaterial with zero electrical resistance
- magnetic fieldsRegions of magnetic influence
accelerator · energy transfer · prototype · particle accelerator · power supply · charging system · induction · armature
Naked terrestrial mollusk
- tungstenElement seventy-four
- sabotCarved wooden footwear
- kinetic energyPower from movement
- hypersonicFaster than Mach five
muzzle velocity · trajectory · ballistics · aerodynamics · momentum · acceleration · supersonic · penetrator
Speculative fiction with technological themes
- cyberpunkDystopian tech-noir fiction
- space operaDramatic sci-fi in cosmos
- energy weaponsWeapons using focused electromagnetic output
- plasmaElectrified matter state
futuristic · Mass Effect · Halo · Quake · Transformers · mecha · starship · video game
Large-caliber battlefield weapons
- ordnanceMilitary weapons collectively
- warfareArmed conflict between groups
- defenseProtection against harm
- tacticalStrategically planned
strategic · armament · arsenal · military technology · combat · weapon system · fire control · targeting
One that ruins completely
- cruiserVehicle for extended patrol
- shipboardOn a vessel
- fleetVehicles under unified command
- seapowerMaritime military capability
maritime · turret · engagement · salvo · anti-ship · coastal defense · shipborne · naval artillery
Degree of correctness
- targetingSelecting as objective
- aimPurpose or direction
- guidanceAdvice for decisions
- sightingInstance of perceiving something
rangefinding · calibration · computerized · sensor · tracking · adjustment · zeroing · alignment
electromagnetic
Involving electric and magnetic fields
- coilgunElectromagnetic projectile launcher
- linear motorPropulsion without rotating parts
- superconductorMaterial with zero electrical resistance
magnetic fields · accelerator · energy transfer · prototype · particle accelerator · power supply · charging system · induction · armature
slug
Naked terrestrial mollusk
- tungstenElement seventy-four
- sabotCarved wooden footwear
- kinetic energyPower from movement
hypersonic · muzzle velocity · trajectory · ballistics · aerodynamics · momentum · acceleration · supersonic · penetrator · impact
science fiction
Speculative fiction with technological themes
- cyberpunkDystopian tech-noir fiction
- space operaDramatic sci-fi in cosmos
- energy weaponsWeapons using focused electromagnetic output
plasma · futuristic · Mass Effect · Halo · Quake · Transformers · mecha · starship · video game · anime
artillery
Large-caliber battlefield weapons
- ordnanceMilitary weapons collectively
- warfareArmed conflict between groups
- defenseProtection against harm
tactical · strategic · armament · arsenal · military technology · combat · weapon system · fire control · targeting · range
destroyer
One that ruins completely
seapower · maritime · turret · engagement · salvo · anti-ship · coastal defense · shipborne · naval artillery · warship
accuracy
Degree of correctness
sighting · rangefinding · calibration · computerized · sensor · tracking · adjustment · zeroing · alignment · long-range
- weaponsknife, sword, swords, rifle, pistol
- Weaponryrifles, shotguns, grenades, missiles, bombs
- naval weaponstorpedo, cannon, naval mines, torpedoes, depth charge
- magnetismmagnet, magnetic field, magnetic fields, magnetic poles, ferromagnetism
- naval warfarenaval battles, naval battle, battleship, destroyer, sea battles
- space policymilitarization, liability limits, international law, space weapons, satellite weapons
railgunscatapults
Devices for launching projectiles
trebuchets · ballistae · slings · bows · crossbows