BY LETTER
Gauss Gun
Technology > Technology Type or Material > Drytech/Hylotech
Technology > Technology Levels > Middle Tech / Midtech
Technology > Application > Weapons > Personal Weapons
Technology > Application > Weapons > Space-Based Weapons
Technology > Application > Weapons > Surface Weapons
Technology > Technology Levels > Middle Tech / Midtech
Technology > Application > Weapons > Personal Weapons
Technology > Application > Weapons > Space-Based Weapons
Technology > Application > Weapons > Surface Weapons
 Image from Steve Bowers | |
| Gauss Pistol | |
'Gauss gun' is a generic term for kinetic weapon that uses a magnetic charge to accelerate a projectile. Hand-held models tend to use a simple small calibre (usually 2 to 4 mm) high density solid ferrous slug which is accelerated to hypersonic velocity. Some variants use a combination of explosive and magnetic accelerant. These weapons rely on a very high rate of fire to make them effective. Large vehicle or ship-mounted gauss guns with open barrels are called railguns.
Related Articles
Appears in Topics
Development Notes
Text by M. Alan Kazlev
Initially published on 01 November 2001.
Initially published on 01 November 2001.
