A research project on high-powered electromagnetic launching technology, conducted by the #206 research institute of the Second Academy China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp. (CASIC), has made major breakthroughs, according to a report on the CASIC website.

Li Yan, leader of the research team, explained that chemical energy launching technology is still widely used in modern warfare because of its great explosive power. However, it has many weaknesses: the launching process is irreversible and the emergency control is troublesome. Meanwhile, the traditional launching methods have already neared its speed limit. Applying electric energy to launching technology is an inevitable choice. 

Focusing on common electromagnetic missile launching technology and electromagnetic launching technology for short-range barrage air defense, the technology developed by the research team has significantly improved the launching performance of the missiles as well as their exit velocity; it has also reduced the weight of the missile carrier mechanism and the operation and maintenance cost of the launcher. The electromagnetic launching technology is an indicator of the military's technical improvement, and will be applied to weapon equipment systems across different fields. 

The report also points out that the new technology still has a long way to go before it can be realized as a truly transformative technological achievement.