To continue getting breaking news and the full stories from The Boston Globe, subscribe today.

The Boston Globe

Business

Boston.com

Tests await no-gunpowder cannon

By Hiawatha Bray

 |  Globe Staff  

  February 13, 2012

The US Navy will soon test a futuristic weapon developed by BAE Systems, a global defense contractor with operations in Massachusetts, that uses electricity rather than gunpowder to hurl shells over 100 miles at more than 5,000 miles per hour. BAE has delivered the new weapon, called a railgun, to the US Navy for tests expected to begin later this month. Another Massachusetts defense contractor, Raytheon Co. of Waltham, won a $10 million contract to build a vital railgun component.

Stay with the story. Get full access to BostonGlobe.com for just 99¢

Unlimited access to BostonGlobe.com for only 99¢ for the first 4 weeks. You can cancel at any time.

  • The FULL story all day: Enjoy all of the high-quality, in-depth journalism in the print edition of the Boston Globe — plus breaking news that's updated 24/7.
  • A truly reader-friendly format: It's online news that looks and reads just like the newspaper — uncluttered, uninterrupted.
  • Breakthrough technology: The responsive design automatically adapts content so it always reads perfectly on the digital device of your choice.
Get started today

Free access for home delivery subscribers.

Just need to link your home delivery account; one easy step.

Link my home delivery account

BostonGlobe.comSubscriber Log In

Contact us for help