Railguns and lasers strengthen the power-density case

Future electrical weapons could change the propulsion calculation even for navies that do not otherwise need extreme range. If conventional generation and capacitor technology cannot supply railguns and lasers, a reactor may become the practical source of sustained electrical power. The failure of an ambitious American railgun program does not establish that every national effort will fail. Japan's more conservative programme is presented as the most likely to deliver soon, while China is also continuing work. Fielding a modest first generation can produce operating and training experience that supports more capable weapons later.