To avoid friction and heat on rails, Could magnetic levitation not be considered an option?

magnetic levitation would remove the physical contact, sure. but then they\'d need another contact anyway to propel the object.
rail guns work on electric currents and the force they apply. remove the contact and you remove the circuit for that electricity.

I dream of a day that we will invent machines of peace instead of machines of destruction.

There is immense impact of the missile due to momentum generated and counter offensive measures will take time to find out means to save a ship lest enemy get hold of this new technology

The thermal problem has to do with release of energy in a very short space of time in a small volume (the rails), solutions for this problem will be found in better conduction. The projectile is moved by the magnetic field generated in the rails, magnetic levitation in the direction of where the projectile must go. I wholly agree with Artisteroi, we´d be a lot better off when this sort of reseach would rise from the need to better life instead of destroying it.

I agree with Artisteroi\'s comments, however remember that something that may start as research for military/weapons use can often expand to other uses. Some of our biggest technology innovations have originated from military projects. Look at this technology and think about what possibilities it has beyond weapons.

Guys, Rail guns already utilize magnetic levitation. Once the projectile is moving it\'s not touching anything, it\'s friction from the air it\'s moving through that generates the heat.

@Nasuti This is true as is the inverse. There is an article on gizmag about neurologically controlled weapons being developed from the research being done to enable better prosthesis for the handicapped. That is a prime example of research done for peaceful purposes being used to facilitate weapons.

i\'m with pete kratsch, why is friction a problem here? I thought it was like a maglev train, but in gun form (so magnets all around the projectile). I understand high current and resistance and heat could be an issue. What about the magnetic disturbances to everythng else on a ship, from small munitions to highly technical electronics. Also the munitions must be ferro-magnetic, which limits their technology somewhat, some of the densest (and more powerful munitions) are not magnetic. I\'ve never held any depleted uranium nor can speak on its magnetism; my tungsten ring was allowed inside a cat scan b/c it was not a risk. All military technology seems to involve hurling rocks at each other better than the other guy. Guns to me have always been high efficiency rock throwers. or H.E.R.T.s. Which, if anyone agrees, is an awesome way of thinking about it that comes with an appropriate anagram.

This tech can be used to, for example, send cargo to the ISS at much lower costs than we can do now.