China ‘developing electromagnetic rocket with greater fire range’
Programme’s lead scientist speaks of ‘substantial progress’ in devising a high-velocity rocket that can fly further from Tibet
China is developing the world’s first electromagnetic surface-to-surface rocket that offers greater fire range and could give its military an advantage in high-altitude regions like the Himalayas and Tibetan plateau, according to state media.
Details of the rocket system – such as its precise range and deployment schedule – remain unclear. But the programme’s lead scientist Han Junli told the state-run Science and Technology Daily that “substantial progress” had been made on the rocket.
Conventional rockets rely on explosive powder for the initial push, but the new rockets will be launched using additional electromagnetic force, similar to the catapult launchers that China and the United States are developing for their next-generation aircraft carriers. The same technology is also used to develop rail guns.
An electromagnetic catapult system “can give the rocket a very high initial speed on its launching stage”, said Han, recalling his discussion with Rear Admiral Ma Weiming, the chief scientist of the PLA Navy’s electromagnetic technologies.
Some observers say that China’s next domestically built aircraft carrier – its second – is likely to be equipped with electromagnetic catapult launchers.