Unfortunately a gauss rifle is unlikely to have those advantages to the
degree you expected
1) It is hard to not cause heating using any form of power
2) Multimach speeds tend to cause a sonic boom, even on small scales, so
may not be silent
3) Multimach speeds will leave a small thermal flash as it exits the
barrel but no normally visible one
4) Equal and opposite reactions mean for the bullet to reach high mach
speeds there must be some push and thus recoil, but since it is spread
over a longer duration it will be much lower than explosive driven ones.
The last is the key to operation and why many other effects are lower.
Smoother accelerations improve stability and accuracy as do high mach
speeds making it an excellent sniper weapon.
Some designs may be able to shoot more than one shot while previous is
still in transit but this will cause more heat.
Note: There is a Russian sniper rifle that can fire 5 shots before the
first one leaves and that supposedly increases the accuracy and lethality.
Overall the changes in operation should make it stealthier than the
equivalent explosive driven weapon.
Drawbacks:
Large energy cells, most likely a backpack
Electromagnetic impulse that is difficult to shield well, most likely
making it detectable with the right electronic gear.
Many shots in a short time will make the gun hot in more than just the
barrel.
The drive electronics will need cooling and much will be inside the
backpack where it can be better protected.
Note: There is an explosive method to generate the magnetic impulses
needed than gives a result between the two methods
Use of carrier casing for higher magnetic efficiencies lowers the
stealth and cleanliness.
Best if directly accelerates the bullet making it caseless munitions.
But a magnetic bullet will have other problems
Alternately a conductive bullet can be accelerated using hysteresis but
will require more power.
Note: This technology opens up use of flechettes or needle guns in
extremely high firing rates.
Nate wrote:
>
>
> Mmmmmm, gauss rifles. *drool* That would be so perfect for a sniper.
> No report, no muzzle flash to give away your position, next to no
> recoil. Not even a heat signature from a hot barrel to give it away. I
> want one!
>
> --- In SkunkworksAMA_at_yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:SkunkworksAMA%40yahoogroups.com>, "jmhcustomart2004"
> <a_change_of_plans_at_...> wrote:
> >
> > Oh, I've got a book on small arms that some friends sent me a few
> years ago. I never knew it would come in handy! I'm not much of a gun
> nut, though. I practice at the range, maintain the weapons, and
> practice responsible ownership. But I couldn't tell you anything about
> a gun by looking at it. Now, bikes, on the other hand...
> >
> > The weapons the Caterwaul folks have are not the same as weapons
> we'd have. They carry both standard weapons (which fire bullets) and
> military specialty weapons (laser and/or grenade weapons), so
> obviously, a vast majority of this shit is gonna be made up. The specs
> would list stuff like weight, length, ammunition, range, accessories,
> etcetera. Nothing too in-depth.
> >
> > --JMH
> >
> >
> > --- In SkunkworksAMA_at_yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:SkunkworksAMA%40yahoogroups.com>, Lyle K <selaxes_at_> wrote:
> > >
> > > Well, if you're looking for some good solid specs on real life
> weaps, check out Janes Guide to Guns. Good stuff for the technical
> stuff. I'll leave it at that before that whole 'This/That' thread
> starts again.
> > > And no nookie dreamage? Truly a bummer, my friend. You did get
> shafted in that department.
>
Received on Wed Nov 04 2009 - 12:12:19 CST