Name: M16 vs AK-47: Which One Would You Pick?
Uploaded: 2023-01-09T03:02:31+00:00
Description: Both guns made their debut in 1997. (Golden Eye 007 for AK-47 and Tomb Raider II for M16)

Both guns made their debut in 1997. (Golden Eye 007 for AK-47 and Tomb Raider II for M16)
And since then, if one of them is in a game, the other is almost certain to be found there too.

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From video games to movie flicks, these action-packed and military or battle-inspired forms of entertainment feature either one of the most recognized weapons or even both. The M-16 and AK-47 are two weapons that can be easily distinguished by enthusiasts and more often than not, comparisons are made between which of the two is the better weapon.Scenes from the original Predator film feature action star Arnold Schwarzenegger on fire using an M16. The same weapon was also featured in the 1983 movie Scarface, with Al Pacino’s character, Tony Montana saying the line: “ Say hello to my little friend” while blasting some enemies down. Meanwhile, films that feature the AK-47 include Lord of War in 2005 with Nicholas Cage and Tarantino’s  Jackie Brown in 1997 with Samuel L. Jackson’s character quickly recognizing the iconic weapon on television. Aside from being featured on the silver screen, the two weapons also made their way into video games. Of course, we are all familiar with those combat and battle games available on different devices and game consoles that feature both weapons but it was in 1997 when both guns made their first appearances in video games. The M-16 first appeared in Tomb Raider II  while the AK-47 debuted in Golden Eye 007.Through time, many variations have been made to these two weapons but they also have a lot of similarities. Both weapons were actually invented by great weaponsmiths in history. Alexander Kalashnikov is the brain behind the AK-47 and while the M-16 was made by Eugene Morrison Stoner. These two weapons can actually be seen as two brothers from different fathers. In terms of gun mechanism, the AK-47 is air-cooled, long-stroke piston gas-operated with a rotating bolt. Meanwhile, the M-16 is also air-cooled but direct impingement gas-operated, with a rotating bolt and straight-line recoil design. Both guns have their own pros and cons which may vary according to user preferences.The range of the M-16 is generally said to be better and more accurate than that of the AK-47. However, when it comes to cost, AK-47  was designed to be an inexpensive but dependable weapon with approximately 75 million units produced during the Cold War in comparison to the total worldwide production of M-16s amounting to approximately 8 million units.  Still, it is undeniable that both weapons are equally deadly and of course, the easiest-to-recognize weapon duo in the industry. Regardless if you already experienced using these weapons in real life or observed them in films or games, which of the two do you think is the best?

Both guns made their debut in 1997. (Golden Eye 007 for AK-47 and Tomb Raider II for M16)

M16 vs AK-47: Which One Would You Pick?

M16 vs AK-47: Which one would you pick?

Combat Tech video series, we explain how and why war technologies develop chronologically. We are looking for the answer to the question of what kind of an improvement caused a counter-development.

Combat Tech Videos | Interesting Engineering Original Videos

These 5 deadly ICBMs could turn the world into a real-life version of 'Thanos' snap, so hold onto your seats!

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Ballistic missiles are long-range missiles that are guided during their ascent but follow a ballistic trajectory during the middle part of their flight before re-entering the Earth&#39;s atmosphere to strike their intended target. They can be armed with conventional or nuclear warheads and have been used as strategic weapons by various nations throughout history. Among these mighty weapons, five are considered the most potent of all, the “Trident II,” RS-24 “Yars,” LGM-30G “Minuteman III,” Dongfeng-41, and RS-28 “Sarmat.”These intercontinental ballistic missiles were developed by different countries and are considered some of the most effective and destructive weapons. But what do you know about them? Let’s have a look at them in turn. The “Trident II,” also known as the “Trident D5,” is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) used by the United States and the United Kingdom. It is carried on Ohio-class submarines and can deliver multiple nuclear warheads over a distance of up to 12,000 kilometers. The “Trident II” has been in service since 1990 and has undergone upgrades to improve its accuracy and range. It is considered one of the most powerful and reliable ballistic missiles in the world and serves as a key element of the US and UK&#39;s nuclear deterrence strategy. The US Navy Strategic Systems Programs and the UK&#39;s Royal Navy operate the “Trident II.”The RS-24 “Yars” is a Russian intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that was first introduced into service in 2010. It is designed to replace the older Topol-M rocket and can be launched from silos and mobile launchers. The RS-24 “Yars” can carry multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) with nuclear warheads and range around 11,000 kilometers. It is considered one of Russia&#39;s most advanced ICBMs and plays a key role in its nuclear deterrence strategy. The RS-24 “Yars” is operated by the Russian Strategic Missile Troops and is one of several ballistic missiles in Russia&#39;s nuclear arsenal.The LGM-30G “Minuteman III” is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) used by the United States Air Force. It is the only land-based ICBM currently in service in the US and can deliver multiple nuclear warheads. The “Minuteman III” has been in service since 1970 and has undergone upgrades to improve its accuracy, reliability, and range. It has a range of up to 13,000 kilometers and is stored in underground silos across several US states. “Minuteman III” plays a key role in the US nuclear deterrence strategy and is operated by the US Air Force Global Strike Command.The Dongfeng-41 is a Chinese intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that was first publicly displayed in 2015. It is one of the most powerful ICBMs in the world, with a reported range of over 12,000 kilometers and the ability to carry up to ten nuclear warheads. The Dongfeng-41 is considered road-mobile, making it more challenging to locate and target in a potential conflict. The Dongfeng-41 is operated by the People&#39;s Liberation Army Rocket Force.The RS-28 “Sarmat” is a Russian intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) currently being developed and is expected to replace the older R-36M2 “Voyevoda” missile. The “Sarmat” is designed to be one of the most powerful and advanced ICBMs in the world, with a range of around 18,000 kilometers and the ability to carry multiple nuclear warheads. It is also believed to be capable of evading missile defense systems.While these missiles have some similarities, they are all distinct regarding their origin, deployment, and capabilities.

These five bad boys could turn the world into a real-life version of 'Thanos' snap, so hold onto your seats!

Top 5 Most Deadly ICBMs: From 'Mad Max' to 'Fallout', these missiles will blow your mind!

5 ICBMs that could end the world: A look at the most deadly missiles in existence

We looked for ways to put insanely powerful engines in our cars when we first started building them. And when we figured out how to build flying machines, we really pushed the envelope.

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Developed at the height of the “Cold War,” the Lockheed SR-71 “Blackbird” would quickly become a legend of aviation in its own lifetime. Painted jet black, this aircraft combined good looks and superb performance to make it one of the finest pieces of engineering ever developed. A long-range, high-altitude, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft, the Lockheed SR-71 &quot;Blackbird&quot; is designed and produced by the American aerospace firm Lockheed Corporation. It was run by NASA and the United States Air Force (USAF).In the 1960s, Lockheed&#39;s Skunk Works branch transformed the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft into the SR-71 as a secret project. The SR-71&#39;s form was inspired by the A-12, one of the first aircraft to be built with a smaller radar cross-section. The SR-71 is longer and heavier than the A-12, allowing it to contain additional fuel and a two-seat cockpit. Mission equipment for the reconnaissance duty included signals intelligence sensors, side-looking airborne radar, and a camera.Able to fly at over 2,000 miles per hour (Mach 3) at altitudes of over 85,000 feet, the SR-71 was primarily used for reconnaissance missions and flew many successful missions during its operational period. Due to its high speed and altitude capabilities, it could evade enemy radar and interceptors. It was a highly advanced aircraft for its time and was the fastest manned aircraft in the world until its retirement.She entered service in January 1966, and would continue to provide unparalleled reconnaissance abilities for the United States until 1998. The SR-71 was an important aircraft for several reasons. One of its key strengths was its speed and altitude capabilities, which allowed it to evade enemy radar and interceptors, making it an ideal reconnaissance aircraft. Its high speed and altitude made it difficult for an enemy to shoot it down.Its unique design, composed of titanium and other high-temperature materials, also enabled it to fly at high speeds without overheating.Furthermore, its reconnaissance capabilities were exceptional; it carried a range of sensors and cameras that could take high-resolution images of large land areas. This provided valuable intelligence during the Cold War, especially in countries closed off to other forms of reconnaissance, such as the Soviet Union.It was also the fastest manned aircraft in the world until its retirement and symbolized American technological superiority during the Cold War.All in all, 32 aircraft were produced; 12 were lost in accidents, and none were destroyed by enemy action. The USAF primarily decommissioned the SR-71 in 1989 due to political considerations; a few were briefly resurrected in the 1990s before its second decommissioning in 1998. The Blackbird&#39;s ultimate user, NASA, scrapped it in 1999 after using it as a research platform. A combination of surveillance satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have filled the SR-71&#39;s mission since it was retired. A potential UAV replacement, the SR-72, is being developed by Lockheed Martin and is expected to launch in 2025. As of 2022, the SR-71 holds the fastest air-breathing piloted aircraft, formerly held by the related Lockheed YF-12. This record was set in 1976.But, most importantly, this incredible aircraft has won the hearts and minds of millions of aircraft enthusiasts worldwide. It is one of the only aircraft few would question being called a “legend” of the skies.

We humans are obsessed with speed. We bred the fastest horse when we first started riding. We looked for ways to put insanely powerful engines in our cars when we first started building them.

What made the SR-71 Blackbird the world's fastest jet?

How fast is SR-71 blackbird?

The Thompson submachine gun, also known as the "Tommy Gun," is a historical firearm with an interesting and lengthy history.

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More commonly known as the “Tommy Gun,” the Thompson submachine gun was developed in the late 1910s and early 1920s by John T. Thompson. Made famous for its use by gangsters and law enforcement during the 1920s and 1930s, it was more important (historically speaking) for its use by military forces during World War II. The Thompson gun was known for its high rate of fire, portability, and large .45 caliber bullet. It was also considered a powerful weapon, as it could fire up to 600 rounds per minute. Another major feature was its use of a drum magazine that could hold around 50 rounds. It can also be loaded with a 20-round conventional magazine. It is also widely recognized for its iconic role in many gangster movies and TV series.Also nicknamed the &quot;Chicago Typewriter,&quot; &quot;Chicago Piano,&quot; &quot;Trench Sweeper,&quot; or &quot;Trench Broom,&quot; the gun was first developed by American Army Brigadier General John T. Thompson in 1918.It has a blowback mechanism, an air cooling system, and a magazine-fed selective fire capability. The “Tommy Gun” was initially intended to halt the trench combat during World Conflict I, but it was only completed once the war was over.The Auto-Ordnance Corporation hired the Colt Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company in Hartford, Connecticut, to produce the inaugural mass production of 15,000 Thompson Submachine Guns in 1920. Auto-Ordnance and Savage Arms produced over 1,700,000 Thompson submachine guns for WWII, of which 1,387,134 were the more straightforward M1 and M1A1 versions (without the Blish lock and oiling system).The FBI, the Irish Republican Army, the Republic of China, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the United States Marine Corps all used the Thompson in its early stages during the Banana Wars (following the Kansas City Massacre).But, its legacy would be cemented when the general public was also sold the firearm.For example, the Thompson gained notoriety during the Prohibition era as the go-to firearm for numerous organized crime syndicates in the United States in the 1920s because it was so simple to obtain. Both law enforcement officials and criminals employed it at the time, and it was a familiar sight in the media.The American armed forces widely adopted the Thompson during World War II, and other Allied armies also heavily used it during the conflict. The M1928A1, M1, and M1A1 were its three primary models at the time. During World War II, more than 1.5 million Thompson submachine guns were created. It was also the first firearm to bear the term &quot;submachine gun&quot; and be sold as such.Although the original selective-fire Thompson variants are no longer manufactured, Auto-Ordnance makes many semi-automatic civilian versions. Although they have undergone several modifications to comply with US weapon restrictions, these models resemble the original models in terms of look.Today, partly due to its infamy, Thompsons are prized as collectibles because of their excellence, craftsmanship, and ties to the gangster era and World War II.Depending on condition and extras, a genuine Colt Model 1921 A or AC, Model 1927 A or AC, or Model 1928 Navy A or AC, correctly registered in functional order with original components, can easily bring from $25,000 to more than $45,000. For example, on January 21, 2012, a Model 1921A, thought to have belonged to Bonnie and Clyde, sold at auction in Kansas City for $130,000 without supporting historical records.The “Tommy Gun” is no longer in widespread use today as it has since been largely replaced by more modern firearms. But, some police and military units may still use the “Tommy Gun” in specialized roles.

The Thompson Gun: From Gangland Weapon to Military Icon

The Thompson Gun: From gangland weapon to military icon

In this video, we will be taking a look at Little David, Tsar Cannon, Paris Gun, Schwerer-Gustav, and Project Babylon – five of the largest and most powerful guns ever made.

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Gunpowder is one of the few inventions in human history that has impacted many human lives throughout the ages. It has the power to both fascinate and intimate all who experience its potency. While it can be used for the benign or good, like fireworks, it can, and has, been used to end so many lives prematurely over centuries. The pinnacle of the evolution of its use is, of course, modern-day artillery. So, how did we get from fancy fireworks to the death-from-the-sky devastation of artillery pieces? Let’s take a quick tour of history. Artillery, or large-caliber guns for military purposes, has a long history dating back to ancient China, where crude &quot;fire lances&quot; were used in warfare as early as the 9th century. The advent of modern artillery, however, is generally considered to have occurred during the Renaissance with the invention of the &quot;muzzle-loading&quot; cannon. And such weapons were used to great effect by the likes of the Ottomans under Sultan Fatih Mehmed II. European nations would also see its potential, accelerating their adoption and technological development over the coming centuries. This type of artillery, loaded from the front end of the barrel rather than the back, allowed for greater accuracy and range and was widely used in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries.During the 18th and 19th centuries, advancements in metallurgy and manufacturing techniques led to the developing of more robust, durable artillery pieces. Rifled barrels, which had spiral grooves inside the barrel that imparted a spinning motion to the projectile, greatly increased the accuracy and range of artillery. The introduction of breech-loading artillery in the mid-19th century further improved the efficiency and speed of firing. Around this time, more stable and smokeless explosives were also developed, ultimately replacing gunpowder as the main propellant. During World War I, artillery played a major role in the trench warfare that characterized the conflict. The use of heavy artillery and long-range guns, along with innovations such as poison gas and tanks, led to devastating casualties on both sides.In the interwar period and World War II, artillery continued to evolve with the development of new technologies such as radar and proximity fuses. Self-propelled artillery, which combined the gun and its mobility into one vehicle, became increasingly important.After World War II, artillery continued to evolve with the development of new technologies such as guided missiles and precision-guided munitions. Electronic systems for fire control and navigation have also become more advanced.In recent years, artillery systems have become more compact and mobile, and many systems now use GPS and inertial navigation systems to provide accurate targeting. Additionally, the use of artillery in urban warfare has led to the development of new systems specifically designed for use in built-up areas.Modern pieces would be completely alien to military commanders from even a hundred years ago, but their basic principle is, more or less, unchanged. But, quite what artillery would look like in the future is anyone’s guess. Who knows, projectiles launched by explosions will be seen as antiquated as the trebuchets or bows are to us today. We can but only imagine.

In this video, we will be taking a look at Little David, Tsar Cannon, Paris Gun, Schwerer-Gustav, and Project Babylon

From Fireworks to Artillery: The Evolution of Giant Guns

From fireworks to artillery: The evolution of giant guns

FGM-148 Javelin is a fire and forget missile capable of guiding itself to the most vulnerable region of a tank.

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Tanks are generally considered as a symbol of great firepower in battles. In a war between two parties, the side which presents more tank units on the battlefield is usually seen as the one with the upper hand. After all, tanks really come in huge sizes with destructive blows that would at least intimidate those on the other side. Having a tank on your side, however, doesn’t necessarily mean that victory is already secured. Yes, it does provide a huge advantage but just like with all other things in the world, these huge battle tanks also have a breaking point or a weakness.The battle situation as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine showed many tanks of various models under Russia’s command. Most of these tanks are of the T-72 model, which was originally introduced in 1973, under upgraded models making the T-72B3 and T-72B3M variants, third-generation tanks.However, around 1,450 Russian tanks were lost in battle with around 900 damaged or destroyed according to a warfare research group. Now the question is: how could such metal giants be defeated in the field? The answer is the FGM-148 Javelin.The javelin is a portable, antitank device usually operated by a single soldier in the battlefield. This weapon can eject missiles that can be used to target the tanks in either a direct or top trajectory mode. The key to the Javelin winning against tanks is by targeting the tank’s weakness. The T-72 tanks have weak armor on top of the turret which can be hit using direct trajectory. On another note, the top trajectory of the Javelin can strike the tin top armor of the tanks. Furthermore, the Javelin uses a 5.0” (127 millimeter) shaped charge warhead that could easily damage the top armor of the tank.To counter the tank&#39;s weakness, Russian tanks used SLAT or cage armor to protect the vulnerable parts of the unit from being hit by the Javelin. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian artillery weapon managed to defeat the Russian tanks because the Javelin has a tandem charge warhead that can knock out local ERA stones, so the main warhead can still hit the tank.This explains how the Ukrainian infantry managed to damage several Russian tank units. It&#39;s even said to be the biggest tank slaughter in Europe the second World War II. A US official also stated that half of Russia’s main battle tanks were lost in the battle. Being able to damage a large number of huge battle beasts just shows to be the reason why Ukraine wants more javelin missiles and is indeed a good tactic in battle.

This weapon enables a single soldier to move around the battlefield enabling guerrilla warfare tactics to be used against an invading army.

Javelin vs T-72 | Why Ukraine Wants More Javelin Missiles?

Javelin vs T-72 | Why Ukraine wants more Javelin missiles?

The Iron Beam system, a prototype of which was unveiled last year, uses lasers to super-heat and disable aerial threats.
This is a battle between low-tech and high-tech.

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Any action or battle-themed movie fans definitely know the importance of a shield in combat. Shields are mainly used to defend oneself from attacks and they can also be used in making an offense in battle. From war shields just like the ones seen in the epic battle of Helm’s deep in the Lord of the Rings to Captain America’s infamous vibranium shield, this piece of armor is indeed an essential battle gear.While most of the examples mentioned are from fictional films, shields were also present throughout the different events that have occurred in our history. Some shields were even kept in museums for safekeeping. They also come in different shapes and forms. Some shields that we have today are so unique that don’t necessarily adhere to characteristics of the standard armor piece. They can be somehow invisible and protect such a large area from offenses.  How is this possible? Is it magic or a force field like in sci-fi flicks? The answer is the Iron Dome.The Iron Dome is Israel’s air and missile defense platform that can detect and intercept rockets and artillery within a 43.4-mile (70km) range. Think of it like a shield being used to block arrows except that it is with enemy rockets and an invisible shield that covers a huge surface area. This platform was developed by Israel’s Rafael and commissioned by the government. They are mainly used in intercepting the Qassam missiles fired at Israel. Around 4,369 missiles were filed toward Israel and yet the Iron Dome was able to maintain its 90% interception rate, making it an effective shield against the projectiles. The Qassam missiles being used to target Israel are locally produced at a low cost. These rockets have no guidance systems and are inaccurate, requiring multiple rockets to be launched simultaneously toward a general location. Regardless of the cost and production, the Qassam missiles are still able to cause distress to Israeli citizens aside from the possibility of causing actual physical harm. On the other hand, the Iron Dome is one of the best air defense systems in the world. The production and operation costs are relatively high compared to Qassam missiles. Each battery in the Iron dome is estimated to cost $50 million and uses Tamir missiles which are estimated to cost around a minimum of $40,000 but can go as high as around $163,000.The Iron Dome became Israel’s shield from Qassam missiles as well as from any other possible aerial attacks. The discrepancy between the operating costs of the Iron Dome and the low-cost missile attacks calls for innovative solutions to be integrated into the air defense system. Nevertheless, this invisible shield is powerful enough to protect the citizens from harm and is the most important aspect of having this shield.

The Iron Beam system, a prototype of which was unveiled last year, uses lasers to super-heat and disable aerial threats.

This is a battle between low-tech and high-tech.

How Iron Dome defends Israel?

Despite the initial Sherman's flaws, it underwent a number of upgrades and developed into an extremely dangerous foe to Tiger I.

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This is a tale of two iconic battle tanks that fiercely faced each other in World War II. Both of them devoured enemy forces and demonstrated unmatchable strength.It all began in 1942 when the Germans started deploying Panzerkampfwagen VI a.k.a Tiger I at the Eastern Front, Western Front, and in North Africa during World War II. Tiger I was no ordinary tank, it was a beast with an almost impregnable nickel-steel plate armor. On June 13, 1944, German tank commander Michael Wittman conducted the most ruthless tank operation in World War history. In the Battle of Villers-Bocage, he and his Tiger I turned an entire fleet of 25 enemy tanks, 14 half-tracks, and 14 bren-gun carriers into dust. With its savage 88mm KwK 36 top gun, Tiger 1 could shoot down targets even from a distance of 1400 meters (4600 ft). Rounds fired from this mighty anti-tank gun were powerful enough to pierce armors as thick as 112 mm. So if enemy tanks were komodo dragons, Tiger I’s main gun alone was an anaconda  Tiger tanks caused a lot of damage to the army units of allied powers, and now it was not just a battle between miliaries. These war machines highlighted the strength and caliber of German engineers before the world. Tiger I was not a tank but an open challenge to all the smart defense engineers working on the side of the allies. They needed a hunter to catch the Tiger and the hunter came in the form of an M-4 Sherman, the famous American tank that eventually leveled the playing field. It was a fast-moving military vehicle that offered state-of-the-art transmission, engine performance, and controllability. There was a time when the US was manufacturing 40 Shermans in response to every Tiger I being deployed by the Axis powers. This is because, unlike Sherman, Tiger I was an expensive and high-maintenance tank. The manufacturers had to provide a detailed manual called “Tigerfibel”, just to keep soldiers aware of the tank’s labor-intensive and complex maintenance operations. However, despite being large in numbers, Shermans couldn’t stand before the Tigers in their very first faceoffs. Shermans and their 75 mm main guns failed to damage their enemy’s nicker-steel armor, and when Tigers responded with their 88 mm death weapon, the men operating M-4s were helpless.This was the beginning of probably the biggest tank rivalry in human history.Although the first round went to Tiger-1, it revealed various weaknesses of the German tank before the Americans. They realized that, unlike a Sherman, a Tiger 1 carried a lot of weight as armor. Plus, their overlapping wheel design if tampered could become an unsolvable problem on the field. They also improved Sherman’s range and performance, replaced its 75 mm gun with a 76.2 mm Tiger I destroyer, and provided the tank armor that didn’t come in the way of its speed and maneuverability. Sherman was all set to annihilate Tiger I and the rounds after the first one, probably have gone in the favor of the American tank. That’s what the victory of the allies over the axis powers tells us. However, when it comes to comparing the engineering behind Sherman and Tiger-1. It’s still difficult to judge which one is better. Both tanks served their sides well and filled the hearts of their enemies with horror and shock, but above all, they were one of the most fearsome engineering marvels of the 20th century.

How Did Shermans Defeat the Superior Tiger I?

How did shermans defeat the superior Tiger I?

The Superforts that had terrorized Tokyo in 1945 were such sitting ducks in 1950 that they had to switch to night bombing missions where the MiG-15 was much less deadly.

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The first jet vs. jet dogfight in history broke out between America and North Korea during the first ‘small war’ after World War I – the Korean War in 1950. Resembling the propeller plane dogfights of World War 1, these jets took the air battle to a new level. The best American jet at the time was the straight-wing F-80, while the Koreans went into battle with the much faster MiG-15.Used to always bringing the best toys to the party, the Americans were shocked to discover the Koreans’ MiG-15. They were fast, maneuverable, light, and heavily armed.The MiG-15 downed fighters and bombers in massive numbers, flipping the scales on an otherwise U.N. Air Forces-controlled airspace. Then entered the American F-86 Sabre into the ring. This jet was razor-sharp! It could dive faster than its opponents but still couldn’t fly as high, climb as fast, or maneuver as agilely as the Soviet-made opponent. It was, however, more aerodynamic, had a radar gunsight, and fired much lighter shells at a higher rate than the MiG-15. However, there was a downside to these lighter shells – they didn’t pack as great a punch and so inflicted less damage on enemy planes. In the high-speed dogfights over MiG-Alley, the Communist pilots found it difficult to hit the aerodynamic F-86s. But on December 20th, after the North Korean and Soviet pilots lost six MiGs in combat, the first F-86 Sabre was shot down by a MiG-15. The U.N. forces assumed the MiGs were being flown by experienced pilots who had fought in World War II and it was, in fact, later admitted that most of the early MiG-15s dogfighting in the Korean War had been Soviet pilots. Interestingly, Chinese and Soviet MiGs were marked with the North Korean insignia, and pilots wore North Korean uniforms and tried to speak Korean during radio contacts.As it was so hard to know which nationality of the pilot in the MiG seat, U.S. Sabre pilots nick-named them “Honchos” – Japanese for “boss” or “squad leader.”So, how did these jets’ stats actually add up? A recent RAND report that the F-86 kill-to-loss ratio was 1.8:1 overall and 1.3:1 against MiGs flown by Soviet pilots. The numbers for the jets flown by Chinese or Korean pilots were much different. 12-1 in favor of the American F-86 Sabres! That’s quite the difference! 41 of the pilots who achieved the status of “ace” during the Korean War, all but one flew an F-86 Sabre. Now that’s impressive, indeed!

The Korean War was the first of the small wars that dragged the American flag through Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq after 1945.

The technological protagonists were different, yet curiously well-matched.

F-86 vs. Mig 15: The knights of the Korean skies

The Hellcat carried six .50 cal Browning machine-guns and could also carry up to 2,000lb of bombs.

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At the start of World War II, the Mitsubishi A6M Zero was one of the most advanced and capable fighters. Designed and built largely in secret, it was an unknown package for the Allied Forces at the start of the war. When it came out at the start of World War II, the Zero was thought to be the best carrier-based fighter in the world because of how well it could turn and how far it could fly. The Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service (IJNAS) used it a lot as a fighter based on land too.Powered by a Nakajima NK1C Sakae-12 14-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine, it could reach speeds of up to 331 mph (533 kph). It was also heavily armed, with two 7.7mm Type 97 machine guns above the nose and two 20mm Type 99-1 Mk3 cannons in its wings. Most Allied aircraft at the time were only equipped with machine guns. The Zero had a service ceiling of 33,000 feet (10,000 meters) and an enormous range of 1,160 miles (1,870 km). Its range is one of the Zero’s secret weapons, as it was almost unheard of for a single-seat fighter of the day. This would later prove a tactical and psychological advantage as the aircraft could pop out of nowhere. This would make the Allies think that the Japanese Imperial Navy either had more carriers than they knew about or had information about where the American fleet was.Early in the war, the Zero gained a reputation as a great dogfighter, with a kill-to-loss ratio of 12 to 1 by the middle of 1942. But the Allies in the Pacific Theater came up with new plans and methods to deal with this threat. One such adaptation was the introduction of the American Grumman F6F Hellcat. A dedicated carrier-based fighter aircraft, the Grumman F6F Hellcat, was made to replace the aging F4F Wildcat and respond in kind to the Japanese Mitsubishi A6M Zero. During the second half of the Pacific War, it was the most common fighter plane in the US Navy. It got the job because it was faster than its rival, the Vought F4U Corsair, which at first had trouble seeing and landing on carriers.The F6F Hellcat was a completely new design, but it looked like the Wildcat in many ways. It was powered by a 2,000-horsepower (1,500 kW) Pratt &amp; Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp, the same engine used for both the Corsair and the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) Republic P-47 Thunderbolt fighters.At was Also heavily armed with six 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns in its wings but could also swap out two machine guns for 20 mm AN/M2 cannons. The Hellcat had a service ceiling of 37,300 feet (11,400 meters) and a range of 1,945 miles (1,521 km).The F6F first went into battle in September 1943. The thing that people remember most about it is that it was better than the A6M Zero and helped set up air superiority over the Pacific Theater. It was a tough, well-designed carrier fighter. 12,275 units were delivered to the US Navy in just over two years. While in service with the American Navy, American Marine Corps, and Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm, Hellcats are credited with shooting down 5,223 enemy aircraft. That accounted for 75% of all air-to-air kills during the war. That was a kill-to-loss ratio of about 19 to 1. From an air superiority point of view, the Hellcat was the best plane based on paper comparisons and actual combat effectiveness. But it should be noted that the Japanese Navy took heavy losses in battles like the Battle of Midway, losing many highly skilled pilots and carriers. After this, the Zero was tasked mainly with suicide kamikaze attacks using poorly trained pilots. For the Zero, the end was unavoidable. After the war, both the Zero and the Hellcat were phased out of front-line service for both Navies (completely and entirely for the Japanese after their surrender), but F6F-5Ns with radar were still used as night fighters in 1954.

It had the largest wings of any fighter in the Second World War, with a total area of 334 square feet which could be folded away.

Hellcat vs. Zero: Which one is more lethal?

Season 1

Let's take a look at the commercial and DIY drones and the small special-purpose military drones used in Ukraine.

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The ongoing conflict in <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/ukraine-captures-russia-aerial-warfare-pod" title="" rel="dofollow" target="_blank" class="underline border-color-ie" data-id="embedded internal links" data-type="link" data-url="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/ukraine-captures-russia-aerial-warfare-pod">Ukraine</a> has become a showcase for the use of <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/a-brief-history-of-drones-the-remote-controlled-unmanned-aerial-vehicles-uavs" title="" rel="dofollow" target="_blank" class="underline border-color-ie" data-id="embedded internal links" data-type="link" data-url="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/a-brief-history-of-drones-the-remote-controlled-unmanned-aerial-vehicles-uavs">unmanned aerial vehicles</a> (UAVs) in <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/culture/modern-warfare-world-governments-recruit-social-media-warriors" title="" rel="dofollow" target="_blank" class="underline border-color-ie" data-id="embedded internal links" data-type="link" data-url="https://interestingengineering.com/culture/modern-warfare-world-governments-recruit-social-media-warriors">modern warfare</a>. The use of <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/culture/drones-are-banned-in-the-uae-following-a-drone-attack-that-killed-three" title="" rel="dofollow" target="_blank" class="underline border-color-ie" data-id="embedded internal links" data-type="link" data-url="https://interestingengineering.com/culture/drones-are-banned-in-the-uae-following-a-drone-attack-that-killed-three">drones</a> has become so prevalent that this conflict is now being called the world&#39;s first full-fledged drone war. Both sides in the conflict have been utilizing a variety of<a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/the-tdr-1-one-of-the-first-ever-combat-uavs" title="" rel="dofollow" target="_blank" class="underline border-color-ie" data-id="embedded internal links" data-type="link" data-url="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/the-tdr-1-one-of-the-first-ever-combat-uavs"> UAVs</a>, ranging from expensive military-grade systems to commercially available and even <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/diy-drone-learn-how-to-build-your-own-quadcopter-drone" title="" rel="dofollow" target="_blank" class="underline border-color-ie" data-id="embedded internal links" data-type="link" data-url="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/diy-drone-learn-how-to-build-your-own-quadcopter-drone">DIY drones</a>.One of the most popular drones being used in the conflict is the <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/video/dji-mavic-pro-drone-captures-the-destruction-of-hurricane-irma-in-satellite-beach-florida" title="" rel="dofollow" target="_blank" class="underline border-color-ie" data-id="embedded internal links" data-type="link" data-url="https://interestingengineering.com/video/dji-mavic-pro-drone-captures-the-destruction-of-hurricane-irma-in-satellite-beach-florida">DJI Mavic 3</a>, which costs around $1,500. This drone is used extensively by both sides for surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as for targeting enemy positions. Another drone that has gained popularity among <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/culture/ghost-of-kyiv-is-myth" title="" rel="dofollow" target="_blank" class="underline border-color-ie" data-id="embedded internal links" data-type="link" data-url="https://interestingengineering.com/culture/ghost-of-kyiv-is-myth">Ukrainian forces</a> is the R-18, which is an octocopter built from scratch by the Ukrainian company Aerorozvidka. This drone is highly prized by the company and is used for a variety of purposes, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting.But it&#39;s not just expensive military-grade drones that are being used in this conflict. Both sides have also employed smaller, special-purpose drones, such as the Switchblade 300 and the Warmate 1. The Switchblade 300 is a backpackable, rapidly deployable, loitering precision strike missile that can be used against beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) targets from either mobile or fixed defensive positions in the field. The Warmate 1, on the other hand, is a small, plane-like unmanned system with a centrally mounted wing and a v-tail that weighs no more than 12 lb (5.4 kg).The use of drones has had a significant impact on the course of the conflict in Ukraine. <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/russian-made-drone-shoots-down-other-drones-with-shotgun" title="" rel="dofollow" target="_blank" class="underline border-color-ie" data-id="embedded internal links" data-type="link" data-url="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/russian-made-drone-shoots-down-other-drones-with-shotgun">Drones</a> have allowed both sides to gather valuable intelligence on enemy positions, movements, and intentions. They have also been used to strike at enemy positions with precision, reducing the risk of collateral damage and casualties. However, the use of drones has also led to an arms race between the two sides, with each trying to develop and deploy more advanced and effective UAVs.One of the challenges facing both sides in the conflict is the use of jamming systems, which can disrupt or disable the signals that control drones. Both sides have employed these systems, which has led to a cat-and-mouse game of developing and deploying more advanced jamming and counter-jamming technologies.The conflict in Ukraine has shown that drones have become an increasingly important tool in modern warfare. The use of UAVs has allowed both sides to gather valuable intelligence and strike at enemy positions with precision. However, it has also led to an arms race and the development of advanced jamming and counter-jamming technologies. As the use of drones in warfare continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how they are used in future conflicts and what impact they will have on the course of those conflicts.

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Ukraine's ongoing conflict has turned it into the world's first full-fledged drone war.

Drone warfare in ukraine: impact and future

The drone wars: DJI Mavic 3, R-18, the Switchblade and Warmate defending Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has evolved into a bloody combination of trench warfare techniques from 100 years ago and 21st century technology.

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The ongoing conflict in <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/culture/russia-attacked-pivdennoukrainsk-nuclear-plant" title="" rel="dofollow" target="_blank" class="underline border-color-ie" data-id="embedded internal links" data-type="link" data-url="https://interestingengineering.com/culture/russia-attacked-pivdennoukrainsk-nuclear-plant">Ukraine</a> has been a brutal and bloody affair, combining the trench warfare tactics of the past with the technological advancements of the present. The frontlines around Bakhmut, in particular, have become a critical battleground that requires careful consideration from military strategists, as images from the press and social media demonstrate.One of the key features of the conflict has been the relative absence of <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/culture/russian-su-34-crashes-residential-building" title="" rel="dofollow" target="_blank" class="underline border-color-ie" data-id="embedded internal links" data-type="link" data-url="https://interestingengineering.com/culture/russian-su-34-crashes-residential-building">Russian air power</a>. Instead, the Russian forces have had to rely heavily on their massed artillery to achieve their objectives. At the start of the war, both sides had access to ex-Soviet artillery. However, the balance of power has shifted since then, with Ukraine receiving billions of dollars worth of munitions from <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/nato-may-be-planning-to-build-solar-panel-powered-tanks" title="" rel="dofollow" target="_blank" class="underline border-color-ie" data-id="embedded internal links" data-type="link" data-url="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/nato-may-be-planning-to-build-solar-panel-powered-tanks">NATO</a> and other nations.Of these, the M777 <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/the-caesar-howitzers-all-about-the-powerful-french-weapons-sent-to-ukraine" title="" rel="dofollow" target="_blank" class="underline border-color-ie" data-id="embedded internal links" data-type="link" data-url="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/the-caesar-howitzers-all-about-the-powerful-french-weapons-sent-to-ukraine">Howitzer</a> and <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/ie-originals/military-mechanics/season-3/ep-7-how-himars-is-helping-ukraines-war-effort" title="" rel="dofollow" target="_blank" class="underline border-color-ie" data-id="embedded internal links" data-type="link" data-url="https://interestingengineering.com/ie-originals/military-mechanics/season-3/ep-7-how-himars-is-helping-ukraines-war-effort">HIMARS</a> have been among the most game-changing pieces of artillery equipment. These systems have provided the Ukrainian military with two critical advantages over their Russian counterparts: pinpoint accuracy and mobility.<a href="https://interestingengineering.com/ie-originals/military-mechanics/season-3/ep-5-m777-is-dead-on" title="" rel="dofollow" target="_blank" class="underline border-color-ie" data-id="embedded internal links" data-type="link" data-url="https://interestingengineering.com/ie-originals/military-mechanics/season-3/ep-5-m777-is-dead-on">The M777 Howitzer</a>, for example, is a lightweight 155mm howitzer that is highly mobile and can be easily transported by helicopter. This makes it ideal for use in mountainous terrain, such as that found around Bakhmut. Its advanced targeting system allows it to hit targets with great precision, even at long range. This is crucial in a conflict where civilian casualties are a major concern.The HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System), on the other hand, is a truck-mounted rocket launcher that can fire a range of different munitions, including GPS-guided missiles. Its mobility and flexibility make it a highly effective weapon in a fast-moving conflict like the one in Ukraine. It can be quickly repositioned to respond to changing circumstances on the battlefield, and its precision-guided missiles can strike targets with incredible accuracy.Perhaps even more important than the weapons themselves, however, is the specialized ammunition that accompanies them. The M982 Excalibur round, for example, is a highly accurate GPS-guided artillery shell that can hit targets up to 40 kilometers away with pinpoint precision. The XM1156 Precision Guidance Kit (PGK) is another example of advanced ammunition that has given the Ukrainian military a significant advantage. This system can be fitted to conventional artillery shells, allowing them to be guided to their targets with extreme accuracy.

Learn advanced artillery equipment like the M777 Howitzer and HIMARS, along with specialized ammunition.

Game-changing artillery equipment and ammunition in Ukraine

M777 and HIMARS: The modern kings of battle fighting in Ukraine

These next generation hypersonic missiles with conventional, non-nuclear warheads are most effective against high-value targets like aircraft carriers.

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In the world of military technology, hypersonic weapons are the latest frontier. These weapons refer to any vehicle that can travel at speeds faster than Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound, while maneuvering through the atmosphere. The main reason nations are investing in these next-generation weapons is due to their speed, maneuverability, and hard-to-predict flight path, making them difficult to defend against.One example of a hypersonic weapon is the <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/culture/russias-kinzhal-missile-not-hypersonic" title="Kinzhal," rel="dofollow" target="_blank" class="underline border-color-ie" data-id="embedded internal links" data-type="link" data-url="https://interestingengineering.com/culture/russias-kinzhal-missile-not-hypersonic">Kinzhal,</a> which is an aeroballistic system. This means that after being dropped from an aircraft, it accelerates to hypersonic speed using a rocket and then follows a ballistic trajectory. The Kinzhal is a formidable weapon that can travel at Mach 10 and is designed to take out high-value targets, such as aircraft carriers.Another hypersonic weapon under development is the DF-ZF, previously known as the Wu-14 as a prototype, which is a hypersonic glide vehicle being developed by the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Forces in <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/china-hypersonic-tech-twice-powerful" title="China" rel="dofollow" target="_blank" class="underline border-color-ie" data-id="embedded internal links" data-type="link" data-url="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/china-hypersonic-tech-twice-powerful">China</a>. This weapon can travel at speeds of up to Mach 10 and can be maneuvered both horizontally and vertically while in flight.The United States is also developing its own hypersonic weapons, with the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon, or <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/us-air-force-hypersonic-missile" title="ARRW" rel="dofollow" target="_blank" class="underline border-color-ie" data-id="embedded internal links" data-type="link" data-url="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/us-air-force-hypersonic-missile">ARRW</a> (&quot;Arrow&quot;), expected to be the country&#39;s first operational hypersonic weapon. The ARRW is designed to be launched from an aircraft and can travel at speeds of up to Mach 20.The <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/hypersonic-missile-equipped-russian-frigate" title="Zircon" rel="dofollow" target="_blank" class="underline border-color-ie" data-id="embedded internal links" data-type="link" data-url="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/hypersonic-missile-equipped-russian-frigate">Zircon</a> is another type of hypersonic weapon, which is a scramjet-powered hypersonic cruise missile. Unlike hypersonic glide weapons, hypersonic cruise missiles rely on cooled supersonic combustion ramjet engines, which use the flow of air at supersonic speeds, compressed by the forward motion of the missile, to drive combustion. The Zircon can travel at speeds of up to Mach 8 and is designed to be highly maneuverable.The main advantage of hypersonic weapons is their speed, which allows them to quickly reach their targets and evade enemy defenses. However, the development of these weapons also presents significant challenges, including the need for advanced <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/ie-originals/materials-lab" title="materials" rel="dofollow" target="_blank" class="underline border-color-ie" data-id="embedded internal links" data-type="link" data-url="https://interestingengineering.com/ie-originals/materials-lab">materials</a> to withstand the extreme temperatures and forces generated during flight, as well as the need for sophisticated guidance systems to ensure accuracy.In conclusion, hypersonic weapons are the latest frontier in military technology, with nations around the world investing in their development. These weapons offer unparalleled speed and maneuverability, making them difficult to defend against and highly effective against high-value targets. However, the development of these weapons presents significant technological challenges that must be overcome to ensure their successful deployment.

Hypersonic missiles with non-nuclear warheads are designed to take out high-value targets, such as aircraft carriers, with incredible speed and accuracy.

Effective Conventional Weapons Against High-Value Targets

The unstoppable hypersonic missiles

Infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) are near the top of the list of combat vehicle types that Ukraine requires.

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The US and some European countries, including Germany and France, have announced that they will send various combat equipment to Ukraine to assist Kyiv in seizing a narrow window of opportunity to launch a counterattack against Russian forces.This aid will also assist Kyiv in fending off an expected Russian spring offensive.Of all combat vehicle types that Ukraine needs, Infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) are near the top, IFVs are essentially heavily armored Ubers. Let’s take a look at some of these vehicles.The British FV432 is a part of the FV430 vehicles family which is roughly analogous to the American M113 and its subvariants. The core vehicle weighs just under 17 tons and has a top speed on improved roads of just under 32.5 miles per hour. The Bulldog, also known as the FV432 Mk 3, is a substantial upgrade over the original design that was developed in response to British Army combat experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq in the early 2000s. This variant has a new engine and drive train improvements that give it increased speed and better cross-country mobility, as well as an air-conditioning system.Sweden’s CV90, or Combat Vehicle 90 series, was originally schemed in the mid-1980s as a family of fighting vehicles and has resulted in a wide variety of variants for different missions.  Weighing just over 25 tons when prepared for combat, the CV9040 has a capacity for a maximum of eight troops and is operated by a crew of three: commander, driver, and gunner. The CV9040&#39;s basic armor provides all-around protection against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds. Armour protection over the frontal arc is classified, but all models from CV9040B onwards are said to be protected against 30 mm APFSDS. CV9040  has a very good level of mobility over snow and through marsh and swamps, which could be of significant benefit to Ukraine. The vehicle has a top speed of 43 mph.It’s also designed to operate in extremely cold conditions.  While the CV9040 lacks anti-tank missiles, its Bofors gun is already a powerful weapon against opposition Russian tanks.The Bastion APC is a 4×4 armored personnel carrier vehicle that was produced by French Company ACMAT, a subsidiary of ARQUUS formerly Renault Trucks Defense.It incorporates blast protection technology with the mobility of a light armored vehicle. The design of the Bastion is conventional for a modern wheeled armored vehicle with the engine at the front, crew in the middle, and troop&#39;s compartment at the rear. The vehicle has a crew of two and can accommodate up to 8 infantrymen.The roof of the Bastion APC can be fitted with a one-man open-top turret or a remotely operated weapon station which can be armed with a 7.62mm or a 12.7mm machine gun.The Bastion APC with its Diesel engine developing 215 hp can run at a maximum road speed of 68 mph.The Marder is one of the world’s older IFVs. But despite its age, Marder remains operational owing to its balance of speed, protection, firepower, and capacity. Capable of traveling 40 miles per hour the Marder can keep pace with the German army’s Leopard 1 tanks, drop off infantry in the middle of a firefight then support that infantry with cannon fire and missiles. The Marder is a formidable vehicle almost resembling a light tank. It is armed with an externally mounted 20 mm cannon and coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun over a two-man turret. The hull superstructure armor is well sloped to add protection. The number of troops carried in the troop compartment at the rear is 5 or 6. The original version could carry 6 dismounts, though between 1977 and 1979 a MILAN anti-tank guided missile launcher and reload missiles were fitted to all vehicles. This reduced passenger capacity to 5 soldiers. The US Army’s Bradley infantry vehicle is a full-tracked, medium armored vehicle capable of providing cross-country mobility and protection to mechanized units.It carries the M242 25-millimeter automatic cannon and a 7.62 coaxial machine gun. The IFV’s arsenal also includes armor-piercing, sub-caliber, and high-explosive ammunition. Besides, Bradley has a TOW ATGM launcher. Among the unique features of the Bradley is its independent viewer that allows commanders to scan for targets and maintain situational awareness.The weight of the M2A2 ODS-SA amounts to 37,7 tons. The vehicle is driven by a 600-horsepower engine. With a top speed of 38 miles per hour, the vehicle can accommodate a crew of three and up to seven squad members.
The Stryker is a family of eight-wheeled armored fighting vehicles.Throughout its years in service, the Stryker has undergone various survivability upgrades and received &quot;kit&quot; applications designed to improve the vehicle&#39;s ability to withstand attacks. The Stryker is tougher than many other armored personnel carriers. The front arc can withstand hits from 14.5 mm heavy machine gun rounds. The armor provides all-around defense against 7.62 mm NATO ball rounds. Ceramic add-on armor can also be installed to provide all-around protection against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds. The vehicle&#39;s interior is lined with kevlar to protect the crew and passengers from spalling. To withstand mine blasts, the undercarriage was reinforced.M1126 ICV is the baseline vehicle of the Stryker family. It is fitted with a remotely-controlled weapon station, armed with an M2.50 Cal heavy machine gun, or an MK19 40 mm automatic grenade launcher.

These infantry fighting vehicles will help Ukraine bring the fight to the Russians!

Infantry Fighting Vehicles for Ukraine

Ukraine's battlefield ubers

Can our current energy weapons help us fend off an alien invasion?

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Energy weapons are a type of futuristic weaponry that uses directed energy to cause damage to their targets. While many science fiction depictions of energy weapons may seem far-fetched, several types of energy weapons are currently being developed by various militaries and defense contractors worldwide. Of those currently under development, they tend to fall into one of several main categories: <ul><li>Laser weapons: Laser weapons use focused beams of light to damage or destroy their targets. They are currently in development by the US military, with the US Navy testing a laser weapon on a ship in 2014.</li></ul><ul><li>High-powered microwave weapons: High-powered microwave weapons use bursts of electromagnetic radiation to disrupt or damage electronic equipment. Several countries, including the US and China, are developing them.</li></ul><ul><li>Railguns: Railguns use electromagnetic fields to launch projectiles at hypersonic speeds. They are being developed by the US Navy and are seen as a potential alternative to traditional guns.</li></ul><ul><li>Particle beam weapons: Particle beam weapons use streams of charged or neutral particles to damage their targets. Various countries, including the US and Russia, have studied them.</li></ul><ul><li>Sonic weapons: Sonic weapons use sound waves to cause physical harm to their targets. Several militaries, including the US and China, are developing them.</li></ul>But that’s the theory; what ones exist? Believe it or not, the United States Navy has developed and tested a railgun, an electromagnetic launcher that uses electromagnetic fields to launch projectiles at hypersonic speeds. The railgun uses a pair of parallel metal rails to accelerate a projectile, which can reach speeds of over 7,000 miles per hour (11,265 kph), making it one of the fastest projectiles in existence. Developed for possible deployment on Zumwalt-class destroyers, the project has since been mothballed due to the challenges of creating a reliable and efficient power source that can provide enough energy to accelerate the projectile to its high speeds.The United States has also developed and tested several types of laser weapons. The US military has been exploring using lasers for various applications, including anti-missile defense, precision targeting, and disabling enemy equipment. In 2017, the US Army also announced the successful testing of a 60-kilowatt laser weapon capable of shooting down unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other small drones. However, despite these successful tests, the deployment of laser weapons in the field still needs to be improved and is subject to continuous development and refinement. Other systems have been developed for general Dynamics’ Stryker armored vehicles, and Israel is making excellent progress with its “Iron Beam” anti-aerial defense system. However, like railguns, one of the main challenges of laser weapons is developing reliable, powerful, and efficient systems while minimizing the risk of collateral damage.As for sonic weapons, some have been developed for use by various militaries and law enforcement agencies. While currently non-lethal, these weapons are effective for crowd control. The same is also true for microwave weapons. Examples include high-powered microwave (HPM) devices, which can disable or destroy electronic equipment, and microwave-based crowd control systems, which can produce a burning or painful sensation on the skin or other physiological effects.As for particle beams, these are still (as far as we know) beyond our current technological capability. Energy weapons are still mainly in the experimental and prototype phase, and it may be some time before they become widely deployed. Whatever the future may have in store, their development does come with important ethical and legal questions surrounding using such weapons, and their deployment is subject to international law and treaties.

The electromagnetic railgun (EMRG) is a weapon that fires projectiles using electricity rather than gunpowder.

Can energy weapons help us win the day?

Are rail guns and lasers powerful enough to fight UFOs?

Leopard 2, Challenger 2 and M1A1 Abrams are about to join the battle in Ukraine.

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<a href="https://interestingengineering.com/ie-originals/combat-tech/season-2/ep-3-ukraines-battlefield-ubers" title="Ukraine" rel="dofollow" target="_blank" class="underline border-color-ie" data-id="embedded internal links" data-type="link" data-url="https://interestingengineering.com/ie-originals/combat-tech/season-2/ep-3-ukraines-battlefield-ubers">Ukraine</a> has been requesting <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/ie-originals/combat-tech" title="Western armour" rel="dofollow" target="_blank" class="underline border-color-ie" data-id="embedded internal links" data-type="link" data-url="https://interestingengineering.com/ie-originals/combat-tech">Western armour</a> since the beginning of the conflict in order to repel Russian forces. Ukrainian commanders believe that 300 Western main battle tanks (MBTs) will be sufficient to assist their troops in evicting all Russian forces from their territory in the coming months.Ideally, they’d love to see supplies of French Leclerc, German Leopard 2, British Challenger 2, and American M1A1 Abrams. So, what’s so great about these behemoths of war? Let’s take a look…<ul><li>Leclerc: The Leclerc is a French main battle tank designed and produced by Nexter (formerly Giat Industries). It features a 120mm smoothbore gun, a 12.7mm machine gun, and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. The tank is powered by a 1,500-horsepower turbocharged diesel engine and features advanced armor protection, including a modular composite armor system and reactive armor tiles. However, the Leclerc is known for having a relatively small fuel capacity and limited range.</li></ul><ul><li>Leopard 2: The Leopard 2 is a German main battle tank designed and produced by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. It features a 120mm smoothbore gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and a 12.7mm heavy machine gun. The tank is powered by a 1,500-horsepower turbocharged diesel engine and features advanced armor protection, including a composite armor system and explosive reactive armor tiles. The Leopard 2 is also known for its reliability and ease of maintenance.</li></ul><ul><li>Challenger 2: The Challenger 2 is a British main battle tank designed and produced by BAE Systems Land &amp; Armaments. It features a 120mm rifled gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and a 7.62mm pintle-mounted machine gun. The tank is powered by a 1,200 horsepower diesel engine and features advanced armor protection, including a Dorchester composite armor system and explosive reactive armor tiles. The Challenger 2 is also known for its long range and high accuracy.</li></ul><ul><li>M1A1 Abrams: The M1A1 Abrams is an American main battle tank that was designed and produced by General Dynamics Land Systems. It features a 120mm smoothbore gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and a 12.7mm heavy machine gun. The tank is powered by a 1,500-horsepower gas turbine engine and features advanced armor protection, including a Chobham composite armor system and explosive reactive armor tiles. The M1A1 Abrams is also known for its mobility and high speed.</li></ul>All four of these tanks are highly advanced and capable vehicles, with varying strengths and weaknesses. They have all seen combat in various conflicts around the world, and have proven to be effective in a variety of situations. For example, the Leclerc is known for its speed and maneuverability, while the Challenger 2 is known for its heavy armor and long range. The Leopard 2 and M1A1 Abrams are both highly capable tanks with advanced fire control and targeting systems, but the Leopard 2 is known for its ease of maintenance and the M1A1 Abrams is known for its mobility. All four <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/9-ww1-tanks-that-changed-war-forever" title="tanks" rel="dofollow" target="_blank" class="underline border-color-ie" data-id="embedded internal links" data-type="link" data-url="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/9-ww1-tanks-that-changed-war-forever">tanks</a> have advanced armor protection systems and are considered to be among the most capable main battle tanks in the world. For these reasons, a shipment of any one of them would be a serious boon to Ukraine in the coming days, months, and, possibly, years.