The Future of Small Arms

[mfree]

How about a mixed-mode weapon?

Mikey envisions a weapon that uses an inductive pulse to flash-boil water, driving the bullet by steam pressure.

Advantage? Selectable ballistics, only ammunition carried is the bullet itself, propellant is *water*

Disadvantage: power source, rate of fire, propellant is *water*
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Mikey also envisions a suppressive-fire device mounted to a helicopter that uses an engine-driven air pump to fire .50cal balls at fairly high FPS. No heat, no need to carry anything but a bullet, etc.

 

[pignock]

The future of small arms:

I think the biggest area for immediate improvement would be improving the projectiles.

Would it be possible for a projectile to develop a static electric charge while in flight (like a capactitor) and discharge upon impact?

I envision a bullet with a capacitive core, an insulating, inner jacket, and another capactive outer jacket. As the bullet travels through the air, the outer jacket picks up free electrons via friction. When the bullet impacts, the target (assuming some degree of conductability) allows the electrical difference between the jacket and the core to short out.

Just a thought

Keith