High Tech Weapons

DREAD

2008-12-13T23:09:00.000-08:00

Imagine a gun with no recoil, no sound, no heat, no gunpowder, no visible firing signature (muzzle flash), and no stoppages or jams of any kind. Now imagine that this gun could fire .308 caliber and .50 caliber metal projectiles accurately at up to 8,000 fps (feet-per-second), featured an infinitely variable/programmable cyclic rate-of-fire (as high as 120,000 rounds-per-minute), and were capable of laying down a 360-degree field of fire. What if you could mount this weapon on any military Humvee (HMMWV), any helicopter/gunship, any armored personnel carrier (APC), and any other vehicle for which the technology were applicable?

You're not going to want to be on the receiving end of this DREAD gun, capable of cranking out 120,000 rounds per minute of .308 and .50 caliber round metal balls at 8000 feet per second (ft/s). To give you some perspective, the M-16 rifle delivers its ammunition at 3200 ft/s, and can shoot a mere 900 rounds per minute.

With this monster, it's easy to fill the air with lead (or steel, tungsten, tungsten carbide, ceramic-coated tungsten, etc...), because it has no recoil, spinning its projectiles out using electrical energy, not gunpowder. That makes it suitable for use in unconventional places, such as aboard satellites. Jeez, it's as if time travelers dropped this ferocious beast off on someone's doorstep; it looks like the Starship Enterprise.

Surprising info and a kick-ass video of this devastating new weapon:

There's no muzzle flash, either, so those dreaded enemies won't be able to use your gunfire for targeting. Plus, the thing can engage multiple targets at the same time. It's relatively small, too, especially considering its firepower. It's intended to be tripod-mounted and is 40 inches long, 32 inches wide and 3 inches tall. It has just 30 component parts and weighs a mere 28 pounds when empty.

There's an advanced prototype now operating at the gun's Connecticut maker, Trinamic Technologies, but there is no mention of when this electrically-powered centrifuge weapon might be deployed. We're just glad this mofo is on our side. – Charlie White

Future Combat Systems Mobile Technologies Demonstration

2008-12-13T23:06:00.001-08:00

Future Combat Systems (FCS) Mobile Demonstration Trailer and Technologies Display-a simulation-like device involving modernized Army FCS vehicles and prototype FCS capabilities.

The Mobile Demonstration Trailer is a simulation-like device that involves modernized Army FCS vehicles. The trailer helps demonstrate the Army's innovative new fighting strategy (or network-centric concept of operations) from the perspective of a Soldier inside an FCS mounted combat system. Developed by the Army's Lead Systems Integrator (LSI), the trailer houses three mock, motion-based operator stations. These stations allows visitors to experience a simulated operation from inside a modernized FCS vehicle. Indeed, vehicle operators can drive through a simulated battlefield mission, engage targets, control an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), and experience, firsthand, other operational benefits of improved situational awareness.

The Technologies Display will feature prototype FCS technologies and complementary systems, including the:

- Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV)
- Class I Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)
- Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS), Tactical and Urban
- Network Battle Command
- Joint Tactical Radio Systems (JTRS)

LR - 300

2008-12-13T22:51:00.000-08:00

The LR 300 is an assault rifle based on the M4 Carbine, designed and manufactured by Z-M Weapons.

The rifle is touted as an 'excellent entry weapon system' indicating that this version is available for military usage. One stated feature of the rifle is its 'diverted felt recoil' which helps prevent muzzle rise common to most other select-fire rifles and carbines.

Also notable is the rifle's capability to use a fully folding skeletal stock. Most AR-15/M16 rifle variants have a thick, cylindrical recoil buffer tube that protrudes several inches straight back from the rear of the receiver, and the weapon cannot operate without it. This normally precludes the use of anything but fixed or telescoping stocks. The LR 300 gets around this problem in two ways - the bolt carrier is half the length of a standard AR-15 carrier. Secondly, the return spring for the bolt carrier is mounted forward of the receiver on the extended carrier key.

LR-300MLs have flat top receivers with Weaver rails, allowing them to be used with multiple types of sights. The trigger, as well as the charging handle, magazine button, and hold open device etc., are the same as the M16 and AR-15 rifles. The barrel has a 1:9 twist ratio, is chrome lined and has a Phantom flash suppressor.

Weight 3.1 kg (6.9 lb)
Length 546 mm (21.5 in)
Barrel length 292 mm (11.5 in)
Cartridge 5.56x45mm NATO
Action Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire 950 rounds/min
Effective range 300 m
Feed system Various STANAG Magazines.