There Seems to Be No End to the Innovation Being Poured Into Weaponry.
Over the next decade, advancements in modern warfare will look as if they belong in a science fiction film.
Expect to see some dramatic technological changes emerging in our mission to protect our soldiers, the homeland, U.S. citizens and our interests abroad. Here are some of the most futuristic weapons in the pipeline:
Quantum Stealth Camouflage
It would seem that this new technology is straight out of the movie Predator, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. His ‘character’ was so lethal due to its ability to match its surrounding, thus rendering it undetectable. Canadian firm, Hyperstealth Biotechnology Corp, has developed what it calls “adaptive camouflage” that ‘bends’ light around the subject wearing it. Reports indicate it has been demonstrated to both the U.S. and Canadian Military. The applications for this highly secretive product are vast—from frontline infantry to counter insurgency operations, even fighter pilots ejected into enemy territory can benefit from its protection.
Self Guided Bullets
This US Military has designed a laser guided bullet that has the ability to change directions. It flies with ‘fins’ that allow it to change course, and like laser guided missiles, it strikes the target that has been ‘locked on’ in it’s laser sights.
LaWS
The U.S Navy currently has a high-tech 30-kilowatt laser weapon system (LaWS) that is capable of destroying sea and air based targets. (The Geneva Convention bans the use of laser weapons directly against humans.) LaWS operators can first warn approaching sea or air based threats with a startlingly bright glare. The second level is a stronger beam which can disable control systems and sensors. Finally, if an enemy remains engaged, the full strength beam can obliterate the target.
CornerShot
In urban combat zones, one of the most dangerous positions is the first to come around a corner. U.S. military experience in Iraq has inspired the CornerShot, a rifle which has a steel hinge so that the weapon can bend and shoot. The shooter views the target using a high resolution camera and and LCD monitor—allowing soldiers to literally see around the corner without exposing themselves. This powerful new tool, which is also equipped with a grenade launcher, is already being used in the field.
The Rail Gun
For several years, the U.S. Navy has been testing a an electromagnetic gun powered by energy (as opposed to gunpowder or chemicals). The Rail Gun, as it is known, works using electric and magnetic forces to achieve an extraordinarily high kinetic energy, able to shoot a shell at Mach 10. Superior to any traditional weapons, this weapon also eliminates the need to handle or carry explosive munitions. Experts predict this weapon will be in the field within the next 10 years.
The Dread Gun
During WWI, attempts were made to create a rapid fire gun utilizing the centrifugal force created from rotating disks. Early versions of this gun were scrapped for various reasons, including inaccuracy, but this idea has been revisited and is once again it the testing phase. Dubbed the Dread Gun, it is capable of firing 120,000 rounds per minute—that’s and astonishing 2,000 rounds per second. Testing is not yet conclusive and as of this writing, it remains unknown if the Dread Gun will be adopted for use by the U.S. military.
HELLADS
High Energy Liquid Laser Area Defense System, or HELLADS, is capable of taking down missiles, rockets and artillery shells without having to pause between shots to cool down (a problem associated with laser beam weaponry in the past). HELLADS benefits from a built-in cooling system which allows it to fire rapidly in high intensity situations. It is still in testing, but estimates suggest that this game changing piece of defense weaponry will be in use within the next five years.
Hybrid Insects
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which is a division of the United States Department of Defense, has developed a part insect/ part machine that they call the Hybrid Insect Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems program. In this application, DARPA takes an insect at the metamorphosis stage of development and then inserts a mechanical device they are able to operate remotely. This allows them to fly the developed insect into tightly controlled spaces for surveillance purposes—quite literally ‘bugging’ the enemy.
Smart Uniforms
In every conflict, we have lost soldiers from gunshot wounds that would not have been fatal if more rapid treatment had been available. In response to these losses, developers have created ‘smart’ uniforms able to notify nearby medics and relate critical information to them instantaneously. Real time information about a wound, such as location of the bullet, a report on vital organs, blood and urine analysis allows medics to immediately know what type of treatment is required and allows those in command centers to track their soldiers health and whereabouts.
