http://www.difesaonline.it/mondo-militare/difesa-usa-cannone-elettromagnetico-consegnato-primo-generatore-di-potenza-ad-impulso

(Franco Iacch)
05/24/16

Raytheon has delivered the first impulse in support of the US Navy Railgun program generator power. A turret equipped with electromagnetic cannons will be installed on the USNS Millinocket (photo below). It will be up to the carrier-class Spearhead, by next summer, making the fire test, the first in the sea, with the new weapon system capable of firing a projectile at six times the speed of sound.

The latest version of the pulse power generator, capable of providing 32 megajoules of energy, will be integrated in Millinocket. The generators will have to ensure the functioning of the entire electromagnetic assets that will allow the tungsten projectiles to cover large distances without the use of an explosive charge or a rocket engine.

The railgun technology uses an electromagnetic force, known as the Lorentz force, to accelerate quickly and throw a bullet between two conductor rails. This projectile is launched at such high speed that allows him to cover distances greater than several of conventional weapons systems. The bullet retains kinetic energy enough to not require any explosive charge to pulverize the target.

Since 2005, the Navy develops the railgun technology at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren. The final operating system will be capable of launching guided projectiles at distances greater than 110 nautical miles (200 kilometers) against a variety of threats.

(Photo: Raytheon / U.S. Navy)

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One of that ships above was some months ago been repaired in near-my-home shipyard.

Perhaps it had something to do with this:

A Sea of Troubles: US Burning Millions to Repair Newest Ships

More:

http://sputniknews.com/us/20160121/1033497991/us-navy-ships-repair.html

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It seems that their structure, made from aluminum, has a problem with high seas (large waves).
Viewing it on leaving my local shipyard, it had a huge problem with engines also. To much smoke & and loos of push.

IZAKOVIC