A standard Railgun uses two conductive rails with a projectile bridging them. When a massive electrical current flows through the rails and the projectile, a magnetic field forms. The interaction of current and magnetic field creates Lorentz force, accelerating the projectile forward.
Basic system parts:
• two conductive rails
• power supply (capacitor bank / generator)
• conductive projectile or armature
• insulating barrel structure
Current path:
Power → rail → projectile → second rail → back to power supply.
Because the current in each rail flows in opposite directions, a strong magnetic field forms between them, pushing the projectile down the barrel.
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Typical Sizes
Laboratory systems
• 1–3 m long
• small projectiles
• used for physics experiments
Military prototypes
• 6–10+ m barrels
• multi-ton installations
• megajoule energy pulses
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Advantages
• extremely high projectile speed
• long range
• projectiles don’t require explosives
Disadvantages
• rails wear out quickly
• enormous power requirements
• heavy infrastructure needed
Basic system parts:
• two conductive rails
• power supply (capacitor bank / generator)
• conductive projectile or armature
• insulating barrel structure
Current path:
Power → rail → projectile → second rail → back to power supply.
Because the current in each rail flows in opposite directions, a strong magnetic field forms between them, pushing the projectile down the barrel.
⸻
Typical Sizes
Laboratory systems
• 1–3 m long
• small projectiles
• used for physics experiments
Military prototypes
• 6–10+ m barrels
• multi-ton installations
• megajoule energy pulses
⸻
Advantages
• extremely high projectile speed
• long range
• projectiles don’t require explosives
Disadvantages
• rails wear out quickly
• enormous power requirements
• heavy infrastructure needed
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Example concept:
Instead of a solid projectile, the launcher accelerates plasma.
How It Works
A Plasma Railgun still uses two electrodes like a normal railgun, but the armature is replaced with ionized gas (plasma).
Steps:
1. gas becomes ionized into plasma
2. current flows through plasma between rails
3. electromagnetic forces accelerate the plasma forward
This produces a jet of extremely fast plasma.
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Uses
These devices are usually not weapons.
They are used in:
• plasma physics research
• fusion experiments
• high-energy density physics
• spacecraft propulsion studies
Some plasma railguns can accelerate plasma to tens or hundreds of km/s in laboratory experiments.
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Typical Sizes
Research devices:
• 0.5–2 meters long
• vacuum chamber setups
• powered by pulsed electrical systems
Instead of a solid projectile, the launcher accelerates plasma.
How It Works
A Plasma Railgun still uses two electrodes like a normal railgun, but the armature is replaced with ionized gas (plasma).
Steps:
1. gas becomes ionized into plasma
2. current flows through plasma between rails
3. electromagnetic forces accelerate the plasma forward
This produces a jet of extremely fast plasma.
⸻
Uses
These devices are usually not weapons.
They are used in:
• plasma physics research
• fusion experiments
• high-energy density physics
• spacecraft propulsion studies
Some plasma railguns can accelerate plasma to tens or hundreds of km/s in laboratory experiments.
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Typical Sizes
Research devices:
• 0.5–2 meters long
• vacuum chamber setups
• powered by pulsed electrical systems
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A Helical Railgun is essentially a hybrid between a railgun and a coilgun.
How It Works
Instead of straight rails alone, the system includes a helical electromagnetic winding around the rails.
Current path:
1. current flows through rails
2. sliding electrical contacts on the projectile activate the helical winding
3. the winding creates additional magnetic acceleration
This means the projectile interacts with both:
• rail current
• magnetic coils
This can reduce the extreme current required by normal railguns.
Historical Prototype
One early experimental system at MIT:
• about 3 meters long
• powered by large capacitor banks
• launched small gliders in experiments.
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Advantages
• lower current requirement
• potentially more efficient
Disadvantages
• complex electrical contacts
• still experimental
How It Works
Instead of straight rails alone, the system includes a helical electromagnetic winding around the rails.
Current path:
1. current flows through rails
2. sliding electrical contacts on the projectile activate the helical winding
3. the winding creates additional magnetic acceleration
This means the projectile interacts with both:
• rail current
• magnetic coils
This can reduce the extreme current required by normal railguns.
Historical Prototype
One early experimental system at MIT:
• about 3 meters long
• powered by large capacitor banks
• launched small gliders in experiments.
⸻
Advantages
• lower current requirement
• potentially more efficient
Disadvantages
• complex electrical contacts
• still experimental
🔥3
Coilgun (Gauss Gun)
A Coilgun is the most well-known electromagnetic launcher alternative.
How It Works
Instead of rails, a coilgun uses a sequence of electromagnets (coils).
When powered sequentially:
1. first coil pulls projectile forward
2. next coil activates as projectile passes
3. magnetic field continues pulling it down the barrel
The projectile never touches the barrel, which reduces wear.
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System Components
• magnetic coils along barrel
• timed switching electronics
• ferromagnetic projectile
• energy storage (capacitors or batteries)
Each coil turns on briefly to pull the projectile forward.
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Typical Sizes
Hobby / experimental
• 20–60 cm long
Laboratory
• 1–3 meters long
Research launchers
• multi-stage accelerators several meters long
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Advantages
• less mechanical wear
• easier to miniaturize
• quieter operation
Disadvantages
• lower efficiency than railguns
• complex timing electronics required
A Coilgun is the most well-known electromagnetic launcher alternative.
How It Works
Instead of rails, a coilgun uses a sequence of electromagnets (coils).
When powered sequentially:
1. first coil pulls projectile forward
2. next coil activates as projectile passes
3. magnetic field continues pulling it down the barrel
The projectile never touches the barrel, which reduces wear.
⸻
System Components
• magnetic coils along barrel
• timed switching electronics
• ferromagnetic projectile
• energy storage (capacitors or batteries)
Each coil turns on briefly to pull the projectile forward.
⸻
Typical Sizes
Hobby / experimental
• 20–60 cm long
Laboratory
• 1–3 meters long
Research launchers
• multi-stage accelerators several meters long
⸻
Advantages
• less mechanical wear
• easier to miniaturize
• quieter operation
Disadvantages
• lower efficiency than railguns
• complex timing electronics required
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What They Are
Microwave weapons emit high-energy radio frequency pulses that disrupt or destroy electronics.
Instead of physical damage, they attack:
• circuits
• sensors
• communication equipment
• navigation systems
These systems are often called High Power Microwave (HPM) weapons.
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How They Work (Concept)
The weapon produces a powerful electromagnetic pulse.
When the pulse hits electronics:
1. energy enters antennas, wires, and circuits
2. voltage spikes occur
3. components overload or fail
This can:
• temporarily disrupt electronics
• permanently damage circuits
⸻
Current Systems
THOR (Tactical High‑Power Operational Responder)
Developed by the
United States Air Force
Purpose:
• disable swarms of drones
Capabilities:
• wide-area microwave burst
• affects multiple drones simultaneously
⸻
Leonidas Counter‑Drone System
Developed by
Epirus (defense technology company)
Purpose:
• electronic defeat of drone swarms
Website:
https://www.epirusinc.com
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Sizes of Microwave Weapon Systems
Portable research units
• small vehicle mounted
• power: tens of kilowatts
Military vehicle systems
• truck mounted
• large microwave emitters
Air-defense systems
• container sized
• mounted on bases or ships
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Advantages
• can disable many drones at once
• no ammunition required
• instant effect
⸻
Limitations
• range limited compared to missiles
• effectiveness depends on shielding
• high power requirements
Microwave weapons emit high-energy radio frequency pulses that disrupt or destroy electronics.
Instead of physical damage, they attack:
• circuits
• sensors
• communication equipment
• navigation systems
These systems are often called High Power Microwave (HPM) weapons.
⸻
How They Work (Concept)
The weapon produces a powerful electromagnetic pulse.
When the pulse hits electronics:
1. energy enters antennas, wires, and circuits
2. voltage spikes occur
3. components overload or fail
This can:
• temporarily disrupt electronics
• permanently damage circuits
⸻
Current Systems
THOR (Tactical High‑Power Operational Responder)
Developed by the
United States Air Force
Purpose:
• disable swarms of drones
Capabilities:
• wide-area microwave burst
• affects multiple drones simultaneously
⸻
Leonidas Counter‑Drone System
Developed by
Epirus (defense technology company)
Purpose:
• electronic defeat of drone swarms
Website:
https://www.epirusinc.com
⸻
Sizes of Microwave Weapon Systems
Portable research units
• small vehicle mounted
• power: tens of kilowatts
Military vehicle systems
• truck mounted
• large microwave emitters
Air-defense systems
• container sized
• mounted on bases or ships
⸻
Advantages
• can disable many drones at once
• no ammunition required
• instant effect
⸻
Limitations
• range limited compared to missiles
• effectiveness depends on shielding
• high power requirements
Epirusinc
Epirus - Home of Leonidas, the Premier High-Power Microwave cUAS Swarm Solution
Epirus combines the latest in directed energy, long-pulse high-power microwaves (HPM), AI, and advanced electronics for unmatched electronic warfare effects. The Leonidas family of HPM systems by Epirus are the most effective non-kinetic cUAS and counter…
What They Are
Laser weapons fire high-energy beams of concentrated light that heat and damage targets.
Instead of explosive force, they cause:
• structural failure
• sensor damage
• overheating of electronics
Laser weapons operate at the speed of light.
⸻
How Laser Weapons Work
Main components:
1️⃣ power generation
2️⃣ beam generator
3️⃣ cooling system
4️⃣ targeting system
The laser focuses energy on a very small spot, creating intense heat.
This heat can:
• melt metal
• burn drone components
• destroy sensors
⸻
Real Systems
HELIOS Laser Weapon System
Developed by
Lockheed Martin
Used by the
United States Navy
Power level:
~60+ kW laser
Purpose:
• shoot down drones
• disable small boats
More info:
https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/news/features/2021/more-than-a-laser-helios-is-an-integrated-weapon-system.html
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DragonFire Laser Weapon
Developed by the
UK Ministry of Defence
Purpose:
• air defense
• drone interception
Website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/boost-for-armed-forces-as-new-laser-weapon-takes-down-high-speed-drones
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Sizes of Laser Weapons
Portable (experimental)
• suitcase sized
• limited power
Vehicle mounted
• several hundred kilograms
Naval systems
• multi-ton installations
Power output ranges:
• 10 kW (small)
• 50–100 kW (military)
• experimental systems >300 kW
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Advantages
• speed of light engagement
• extremely precise
• unlimited “ammo” (only power required)
⸻
Limitations
• atmospheric interference (fog, dust)
• cooling requirements
• large power demand
Laser weapons fire high-energy beams of concentrated light that heat and damage targets.
Instead of explosive force, they cause:
• structural failure
• sensor damage
• overheating of electronics
Laser weapons operate at the speed of light.
⸻
How Laser Weapons Work
Main components:
1️⃣ power generation
2️⃣ beam generator
3️⃣ cooling system
4️⃣ targeting system
The laser focuses energy on a very small spot, creating intense heat.
This heat can:
• melt metal
• burn drone components
• destroy sensors
⸻
Real Systems
HELIOS Laser Weapon System
Developed by
Lockheed Martin
Used by the
United States Navy
Power level:
~60+ kW laser
Purpose:
• shoot down drones
• disable small boats
More info:
https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/news/features/2021/more-than-a-laser-helios-is-an-integrated-weapon-system.html
⸻
DragonFire Laser Weapon
Developed by the
UK Ministry of Defence
Purpose:
• air defense
• drone interception
Website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/boost-for-armed-forces-as-new-laser-weapon-takes-down-high-speed-drones
⸻
Sizes of Laser Weapons
Portable (experimental)
• suitcase sized
• limited power
Vehicle mounted
• several hundred kilograms
Naval systems
• multi-ton installations
Power output ranges:
• 10 kW (small)
• 50–100 kW (military)
• experimental systems >300 kW
⸻
Advantages
• speed of light engagement
• extremely precise
• unlimited “ammo” (only power required)
⸻
Limitations
• atmospheric interference (fog, dust)
• cooling requirements
• large power demand
Lockheed Martin
More Than a Laser, HELIOS is an Integrated Weapon System
The High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance, or HELIOS, provides the U.S. Navy with game-changing directed energy capability through integration of high energy laser and optical dazzler technology into the ship and combat system.
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