Image source: topwar.ru
The Chinese military-themed magazine Modern Weaponry presented pictures of a new defense product – the Metal Storm mobile electromagnetic cannon, which acts as an air defense system.
The anti-aircraft system, mounted on the chassis of a 6x6 military truck, is designed to combat modern aerial threats such as FPV drones, cruise missiles and ATGMs.
Electromagnetic guns, which are often divided into railguns and coil guns (or Gauss guns), represent a significant step forward in the technology of destroying enemy assets. They use electromagnetic forces to accelerate projectiles to large magnitudes without the need for traditional explosives.
Railguns use magnetic fields created by electric currents to move the projectile along the guide rails. This mechanism allows you to develop a muzzle velocity much higher than conventional firearms. Higher projectile speed increases accuracy and increases damage.
Image source: topwar.ru
The Metal Storm system, with its mobile design, is in line with the global trend of developing rapid-fire and cost-effective defensive systems.
At one time, the United States relied on electromagnetic guns, which, in particular, were to become the main caliber of Zumwalt-type destroyers. However, problems such as energy demand and barrel wear did not allow railguns to be adopted.
Russia has been developing prototypes of electromagnetic systems for coastal and naval defense. European countries, particularly France and Germany, have also invested in this type of weapon. Meanwhile, Israel has incorporated an electromagnetic drive into advanced interception facilities.
