# Navy Develops 8-Megajoule Railgun Video Game Weapons Come to Life By Chris Skleryk | Published 2007-01-19 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/navy-develops-8-megajoule-railgun-video-game-weapons-come-to-life References: [engadget](http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/18/navy-develops-8-megajoule-railgun-nukem-bows-down/) With technology pushing the boundaries these days it only makes sense that weapons would be one to benefit from it. The Railgun once a [fictional FPS video game weapon](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-quimera) from quake has spawned on our generation in very real 3D form. An 8-Megajoule Railgun has been officially created and tested worthy of being added to [US naval ships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/naval-update). The Railgun utilizes massive amounts of energy, rather than combustible gun powder to propel nonexplosive projectiles at incredible speeds. These projectile are powerful enough to equal the damage inflicted by a Tomahawk cruise missile. Ranging 200 - 250 nautical miles, which is substantial to the 15 nautical mile range that current 5" barrel guns have now, i would not want to be sailing in it's vicinity. Only costing the [Navy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flykitt) around $1000 per shot once aboard, will put a little more change in the Navy's pocket, where a cruise missile costs around $1,000,000 once it is deployed. Not only does this sound like a revolutionary step in weaponry technology, imagine a 32-Megajoule Railgun planned to be released in June! ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 46% | Activity: 49% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Railgun Technology Advancements:** Developments in railgun technology are set to revolutionize the weaponry industry by utilizing massive amounts of energy to propel nonexplosive projectiles at incredible speeds. - **Cost-effective Weapons:** The Railgun weapons system offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional weaponry options, ensuring that militaries can save money while still maintaining military readiness. - **Increasing Weapon Range Capabilities:** The discovery of Railgun technology has the potential to increase weaponry range by hundreds of nautical miles, providing military forces with an even greater advantage when engaging in battle. ### Where This Applies - **Military Equipment Manufacturing:** The manufacturing of Railgun systems and related equipment creates a unique opportunity for businesses involved in the military equipment industry to leverage this disruptive technology for their products and services. - **Ammunition Manufacturing:** The development of non-explosive projectiles for Railgun systems creates a unique opportunity for businesses involved in ammunition manufacturing to capitalize on the growing demand for this innovative projectile technology. - **Defense Contracting:** The development and use of Railgun technology will require a significant amount of funding, providing new opportunities for businesses involved in defense contracting to work closely with the military and capitalize on this growing market. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Video Game-Inspired Foam Blasters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nerf-x-destiny-gjallarhorn-blaster.md) - [Gel Pellet Toy Guns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hasbro-1.md) - [Synchronous Firing Water Guns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/synchronous-firing-water-gun.md) - [Adult-Targeted Foam Disc Blasters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disc-blaster.md) - [Creator-Backed Toy Guns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mrbeast.md) - [Gel-Equipped Toy Blasters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pro-gelfire-mythic.md) - [Compact Gel Capsule Blasters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nerf-pro-gelfire-legion-blaster.md) - [Digital Laser-Powered Blaster Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/laser-tag-set.md) - [Range-Roving Sniper Scopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sniper-scope.md)