Naval rail gun, mv 4,500 mph

[lysanderxiii]

You would run into a wall of air at Mach 5-7 right outside the barrel. I'm not sure how big a problem muzzle flash in a modern navel engagement (mostly beyond the horizon). Did the Big Naval guns ever use triple base anti-flash powder like land based artillery? I don't know, so I'm asking.

Mike

In WW1 low smoke was deemed more important than low flash, but by WW2, yes, reduced flash propellant was used extensively, especially in night, ship-to-ship engagements.

 

[Arizona_Mike]

Thanks

 

[jim in Anchorage]

Why bother with this when you can use a guided rocket ?

 

[Flechette]

Why bother with this when you can use a guided rocket ?

A guided missile can be about $1M a pop depending on the type.

The bullet from a railgun can be just a chunk of metal and the electricity costs a couple of bucks (if you can accurately account for it).