Rheinmetall’s NATTER 7.62 is essentially a remote-controlled weapon station designed for tracked vehicles and wheeled vehicles. Thanks to its modular design, operators can install different kits for holding weapons that vary in caliber (5.56 x 45 mm to 7.62 x 51 mm). This system was originally developed for trucks due to its roof load capacity of 231-pounds and it utilizes carbon-based mount technology to reduce weight as well as vibration.
Photo credit: R euters
LodeStar Works and SmartGunz LLC are finally bringing smart guns to the US. Both companies are beta testing their firearms with law enforcement agents currently and unlike earlier models, the LodeStar smart gun boasts a fingerprint reader and a near-field communication (NFC) chip activated by a smartphone app as well as a PIN pad. The gun can be authorized for more than one user if necessary. Read more for a video and additional information.
The US Navy successfully conducted a high-energy laser weapon system test on December 14, 2021 while the USS Portland (LPD 27) was sailing in the Gulf of Aden. A Solid State Laser, also known as the Technology Maturation Laser Weapons System Demonstrator (LWSD) Mark 2 MOD 0, managed to engage a static surface training target.
Most already know that a gun turret is essentially a mounting platform that can be used to fire weapons for protection, visibility and the ability to turn as well as aim. Is it possible to build one using scrap metal, an airsoft gun, a 3D printer, solar charger and a Raspberry Pi computer? Most definitely, but it took this inventor a little bit of tinkering to get things just right.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has just unveiled a new Unmanned Aircraft System called Mojave, named after one of the harshest and most grim areas the world. This drone is based on the avionics and flight control systems of MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1C Gray Eagle-ER, but focuses more on short-takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities as well as increased firepower.
Forget tanks, Elbit Systems partnered with Roboteam to launch ROOK. This is essentially a multi-payload military 6X6 Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), complete with an integrated autonomy suite that provides a combination of greater capacity, improved maneuverability as well as must-have on-field agility that are key for greater mission effectiveness.
The Tesla Model X may not be as rugged as the Cybertruck, but that doesn’t mean you can’t install reinforced parts like a bulletproof Armormax windshield. However, there is only one way to test its durability, and that is by using a real live firearm. This person decided to do just that, and not only with an AK47, but also a .50 caliber BMG as well as an MP5 submachine gun.
Need to take out a swarm of drones and fast? You might want to use Rheinmetall’s truck-mounted Skynex Air Defense System. Its Oerlikon 35mm Revolver Gun Mk3 boasts an effective range of 13,123-feet and can fire up to 1,000 rounds per minute. The gun module comes equipped with an X-Band tracking radar that allows an operator to use autonomous sector search function to quickly track and engage a target.
We have seen the future of fighter jets, and it includes Lockheed Martin’s Tactical Laser Weapon System (TALWS). The company is currently developing a directed energy system for fighter jets, and hope to deploy it within 5-years. This system will include a beam director, or the optical system that places the high-energy light on target and keeps it there with enough precision to defeat the threat.
Here’s a blast from the past for those who remember the Swiss mini gun from over a decade ago. It’s officially the world’s smallest functional revolver and made in Switzerland by SwissMiniGun. Measuring 5.5 cm (2.2 in) long, 3.5 cm (1.38 in) tall and 1 cm (0.39 in) wide and weighing just 19.8g, it uses 2.34mm rimfire ammunition that is also produced by the same company.