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Railgun To Air on National Geographic Documentary

For Immediate Release: Aug 24, 2011
By the Office of Naval Research

ARLINGTON, Va.—The Office of Naval Research’s (ONR) world-record-setting Electromagnetic Railgun (EMRG) will be featured in a nationally televised documentary, “Earth Overhaul,” on the National Geographic Channel, premiering Aug. 25.

Sean Riley, host of “World’s Toughest Fixes,” will join experts in examining a range of innovative technologies. In one segment dedicated to the railgun, Riley takes a theoretical look at EMRG technology and the role it could play in minimizing or reversing the effects of global warming.

EMRG technology uses pulses of electrical power instead of gun powder or rocket motors to launch and accelerate a projectile to speeds greater than Mach 7, when fully developed, and deliver advanced weapon capability for future naval forces.

The one-hour program will air Aug. 25-29. Showtimes are:

  • 10 p.m., Aug. 25
  • 1 a.m., Aug. 26
  • 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., Aug. 27
  • 11 a.m., Aug. 29
  • 8 p.m., Sept. 1

For more information:

About the Office of Naval Research

This year, the Department of the Navy’s Office of Naval Research (ONR) marks its 80th anniversary. For 80 years, ONR — including headquarters, ONR Global and the Naval Research Laboratory — has been a leader in advancing American naval warfighter readiness and dominance through innovations in science and technology for the Navy and Marine Corps. Today, ONR’s continued dedication to providing the Fleet and Force with the technological edge is catalyzing the advancement and delivery of combat systems, sensors, weapons, materials, robotic and autonomous systems and numerous other state-of-the-art, naval platforms and capabilities.