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Scientists in China have developed a groundbreaking weapon capable of firing an impressive 450.000 rounds per minute, redefining the standards of military technology.
A China took another important step in the development of new advanced military technologies, with the creation of a weapon capable of firing 450.000 rounds per minute per barrel.
This new Chinese technology puts the country ahead of similar systems, such as the US Phalanx, which only fires 4.500 rounds per minute.
The project, revealed by scientists from North University of China in a article published on Chinese Journal of Detection & Control, promises to transform the dynamics of military conflicts and open up new possibilities for strategic defense.
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Innovative solutions
Researchers from Taiyuan, one of the main industrial hubs in China, developed a system of disposable chargers in a container format. These magazines come pre-packaged with bullets and barrels, allowing the assembly to be discarded after use.
This innovation solves two critical problems: barrel wear and the need for fast loading in intensive operations.
The system allows for continuous, multiple and precise attacks. In addition, the new electronic trigger eliminates the limitation of traditional machine guns with mechanical triggers, which cannot meet the demand of 7.500 rounds per second required by the Exercito de Libertação Popular (PLA, in the English acronym).
Electronic trigger operation
Lu Xutao and his team detailed how the non-contact trigger works, which uses coils to instantly melt an alloy wire embedded in the bullet. This process creates a high-energy jet of metal that ignites the explosive in the ammunition.
Tests have shown a firing time of just 17,5 microseconds per bullet. This ensures that the weapon achieves the impressive rate of fire 450.000 rounds per minute per pipe, far exceeding the capacity of other technologies currently available.
The origin: from Metal Storm to the current scenario
The idea isn't entirely new. In the 1990s, Australian inventor Mike O'Dwyer developed a technology known as Metal Storm. His prototype system, with 36 barrels, could fire 1 million rounds per minute.
In 2006, China reportedly offered $100 million for the technology, which caused concern in the United States.
The U.S. Department of Defense partnered with O'Dwyer to explore the military application of Metal Storm, but the project faced technical and logistical hurdles. Over time, it was abandoned and the company Metal Storm Inc declared bankruptcy in 2012.
Meanwhile, Beijing has not given up. Using its vast network of scientific and industrial resources, China has continued to invest in perfecting this technology. In recent years, the country has made significant progress in what once seemed insurmountable.
Technological challenges and solutions
The Chinese version of the Metal Storm weapon faces complex challenges, such as controlling bullets packed inside the barrel.
To overcome them, teams of scientists have developed ammunition equipped with sensors and chips that improve accuracy and provide real-time data.
Another focus of the researchers is reducing costs and increasing the reliability of disposable pipes.
This work also aims to increase the efficiency of the system, ensuring that it can operate consistently even under adverse conditions.
Impact on the global military scenario
With the potential to surpass the original prototype's rate of fire by up to ten times, the Chinese weapon could become an essential asset for a variety of military applications.
One of its most promising uses is the interception of hypersonic missiles, which travel at speeds in excess of Mach 7.
Although there is no official confirmation of its large-scale deployment, the progress made indicates that China is getting closer to developing a fully functional system. This weapon represents a technological leap that could redefine the concept of military superiority in the coming years.
