China claims a breakthrough in electromagnetic cannons for warships.

Electronic portal81.cnThe Chinese military confirmed on March 14 that it is testing its domestically developed electromagnetic cannon, which it is installing on warships. Beijing claims to have achieved a new breakthrough, enabling the electromagnetic cannon to operate stably on warships.

Zhang Xiao, an expert from the Naval Engineering University of the Chinese military, is the chief engineer of the manufacturing project.The system, which uses a pulsed DC power supply to charge electromagnetic cannons, claims to have achieved a breakthrough after hundreds of failures and more than 50,000 different tests.

Zhang also heads a research team seeking to overcome the technical hurdles in installing electromagnetic catapult systems on warships, which are believed to be applicable to China's future aircraft carriers.

Military experts believe that the US still holds an advantage in developing power sources for electromagnetic cannons, but new breakthroughs will help China catch up with its rival and possess this powerful weapon.

The electromagnetic cannon project involves 200 scientists from 20 research institutions across China. In early February, images circulated on Chinese technology forums showing the navy installing what appeared to be a large electromagnetic cannon on the bow of a Type-072II class landing ship.

Electromagnetic cannons do not use explosives but instead utilize the energy of electromagnetic rails to propel projectiles at speeds up to 7,200 km/h, nearly six times the speed of sound and far faster than conventional artillery shells. According to the U.S. Naval Research Office (NRO), electromagnetic cannons could change the landscape of warfare. Their long range and rapid response speed will enhance the capabilities of warships equipped with this weapon.

Tu Quynh