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ONR Historical Timeline 2010-2020

  • Electromagnetic Railgun

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    Electromagnetic Railgun

    The Electromagnetic Railgun is a long-range, high-energy gun launch system. It uses electricity rather than gun powder or rocket motors to launch projectiles. Its projectiles are capable of striking targets well in excess of 50 miles. The ONR-sponsored railgun program has set numerous records for muzzle velocity and range.

  • Directed Energy

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    Directed Energy

    Directed energy weapons, such as high-power lasers or high-power microwaves, and their associated applications as weapons systems have been under investigation since the 1960s and 1970s. ONR led the development and implementation of the Maritime Laser Demonstration program. This project led to the first installation of an operation laser at sea aboard the ship USS Ponce (AFSB[I] 15) in 2014. The Laser Weapon System is effective at defeating various small boat and aircraft threats. An improved system, which successfully shot down an aerial vehicle during a test in 2020, is now aboard USS Portland (LSD 27).