The EMG-01A
ArcFlash Labs, a small startup company founded by David Wirth and Jason Murray, announced last Sunday night that their 3D-printed coil gun was available for purchase. Dubbed, the EMG-01A, the polymer-framed weapon uses a series of electromagnetic coils to magnetically accelerate, and propel a projectile.
In a video released two days ago, Mr. Wirth explains that the EMG is, “an eight-stage, linear accelerator powered by a 6S LiPo battery, and features nearly a half farad of capacitance.” For most firearms enthusiasts, these terms are meaningless.
In a nutshell, the EMG uses a semi-common, high-powered battery to power eight electromagnetic coils that kick on as the magnetic projectile passes by. The concept is similar to that of a rail gun like the massive test gun in Virginia, capable of launching multiple salvos at six times the speed of sound, out to 100 nautical miles.
Unlike the enormous rail gun, the EGM-01A isn’t the size of an office building, and has only a fraction of a fraction of its kinetic power. But the EGM-01A seems more like a functional proof of concept, than a combat-ready weapon.
Also, since the EGM is a coil gun and not a rail gun, it doesn’t use a pair of linear magnetic rails, but sequential coils to launch projectiles. The different is more academic than practical, but is noteworthy nonetheless.
Despite using cutting edge tech, some components of the design should be very familiar to shooters. For example, the detachable nine-round magazine appears to be based on a hybrid of a Glock magazine, and a power drill battery pack.
But what about performance? Is the EGM-01 the beginning of the end for gunpowder, lead and steel?
Not likely – At least not yet.
