| From: | bellovar@***.WISC.EDU |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Re: Rail Guns |
| Date: | Thu, 18 Mar 93 21:45:24 CST |
> possible to build a simple "rail gun" out of non-obvious parts capable
> of being broken down and quickly reassembled (a couple of minutes).
> This could then be used to walk into a place unarmed, but apparently
> carrying a "large pen" and a few other items to make into a single-shot
> weapon for assasination/holdout purposes.
>
> Oh, how much power would you need to run this hypothetical device. It
wouldn't
> be much use to you if you had to plug into the wall to run it, and not
> much better if you need a couple of 24v car batteries in series.
Interesting idea, however I don't think it is feasible. Even
assuming fairly efficient superconductors in 2054, I can't imagine being
able to reduce the bulk enough to be concealable. Right now I am not even
going to bother trying to whip up an idea of the power consumption,
because first I would have to dream up what the slug would consist of, and
then run it through a bunch of calculations. I think I can come up with
something without bothering.
Now, just to follow this idea further, assuming that one could make
a mini gail gun, I can't imagine anything so necessarily small being able
to deliver any worthwhile mass at a significant velocity, so if that is out
one could still make it project chemical shells like an Ares Squirt, but at
that point, why not just use a custom Squirt gun. It would be a heck of a
lot smaller, just as quiet, and you might even make it capable of two shots,
just in case.
Chris Bellovary
-- CrossFire --
Come to think of it, I imagine superconductors are too much more advanced in
2054 than they are now. If they were, the MP Laser probably wouldn't be so
fraggin heavy. Catch ya later.
