Can the Navy’s Electric Cannon Be Saved?

The Navy’s futuristic electric cannon, or railgun, received yet more hype this week for its ability to fire a shell at up to 5,600 miles per hour, and do it far more cheaply than a missile. But there’s a daunting reality behind the hype: the Pentagon is already looking past the railgun to a less power-intensive, more easily deployable alternative.  The railgun rounds can be fired from more conventional cannons, giving the same capability sooner and cheaper.  more