Electromagnetic Weapons: Forensic and Ballistic Examination of Railguns and Coilguns

Abstract

Electromagnetic gun has different ballistic dynamics and criminal traces as opposed to traditional firearms. Portable railgun and coilgun systems and similar weapons introduce new challenges in forensic investigations due to their portability and the possibility of being made at home. The ballistic effects of such weapons, physical traces they leave are studied during forensic medical examinations (research on caused fatal and non-fatal injuries). The technical features of railgun and coilgun systems are examined. The effects of ammunition fired using the Lorentz force, compared to those of firearms, are evaluated. The scope of forensic analyses regarding high speed and kinetic energy transfer in attacks using electromagnetic gun is being expanded. Other security risks include the silent operation of portable railgun and coilgun type electromagnetic gun and the reasons why they do not leave chemical waste. With the increasing use of electromagnetic railguns and coilguns, including those produced at home, new approaches and technical methods and examination methods need to be developed in forensic science investigations, as well as relevant international and national legislative rules to govern the proliferation of such weapons and unify research methods. The author aims to examine technical and physical properties of electromagnetic guns, damage they cause, methods for researching them, and the need to amend relevant international and national regulations on proliferation and research of these and similar weapons. To achieve the set goal, the following scientific methods were used: analysis, synthesis, statistical analysis, generalization, etc.