Metal Storm

From TinWiki.org

Metal Storm is a revolutionary weapons system that boasts a more efficient method of delivering projectiles to a target. The technology was developed by Metal Storm Limited, which is headquartered in Brisbane, Australia. The company also has incorporated offices in the USA, Metal Storm Inc. and Metal Storm USA Limited, both of which are located in Washington D.C.

Due to its groundbreaking design, Metal Storm offers potential applications for use in a wide variety of military platforms.

1 The Technology
2 Applications
3 Limitations
4 Weapon of the Future?
5 External Links
6 Relevant Discussion Threads

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The Technology

Metal Storm utlizes the concept of "barrel-stacked projectiles"; multiple projectiles are stacked atop one another within the barrel, and fired sequentially one after another. This allows for a higher rate of fire while eliminating the need for an ammunition cycling mechanism; the only moving parts are in ancillary mechanisms such as recoil-control systems, target-acquisition systems, and turreting platforms. Additionally, systems can have multiple barrels, boosting firepower, target coverage, and lethality.

Each projectile has its own propellant load, but as opposed to current munitions, the projectiles are caseless and electronically initiated. This method of propulsion significantly increases the life of a barrel due to the lowered temperatures and combustion pressures that result from conventional ignition. This feature dramatically reduces recoil, allowing multiple zeroed hits to a target within seconds.

The technology behind Metal Storm allows it to be configured as needed; users can direct the system to provide an electronically variable burst rate of fire, from conventionally slow to rates in excess of 1 million rounds per minute.

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Applications

Due to the its unique method of delivery, the Metal Storm system is not limited by the same requirements that obstruct most other weapons systems, and has a broad spectrum of potential.

The system's flexibility could concievably make an effective sidearm.

Smart Gun

Pictured here is a conceptual 9mm "smart gun" for possible law enforcement applications. The gun could be configured to fire multiple rounds per trigger pull, modified for less-than-lethal use, or a combination of the two. It could be programmed to send out a "help" signal to be activated manually, or automatically if drawn. Metal Storm's relative simplicity could allow it to be mounted on a conventional weapon, such as a rifle, for sharpshooting applications.

Box of Barrels

Rapid Fire

When used in the "box of barrels" configuration, the weapon could serve the military in a variety of roles, configured to deliver precise, long-range strikes as an artillery unit or grenade launcher, mounted on aircraft for defensive countermeasures, delivered from aircraft to ground targets, or ground-equipped with guidance systems to give it anti-air/anti-missile capabilities.

The sytem could even be mounted on a remote vehicle and equipped with cameras and infrared sensors, replacing troops in dangerous missions such as urban patrols while piloted by a specialist from a safe distance.

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Limitations

Although impressive in its array of applications, Metal Storm does have some limitations unique to its design. Due to its electronic nature, proper insulation is key to avoiding moisture-related damage. Metal Storm cannot be submerged or fired underwater.

Additionally, the stacked projectile feature that gives Metal Storm a boost to its firepower, can also be an issue in regard to its maximum effective range. Because they are still propelled by pressure, projectiles closer to the tip of the barrel will have a weaker muzzle velocity than those towards the rear. This can be compensated by increasing the propellant load under the forward projectiles, but can seriously complicate reloading the weapon.

Metal Storm Limited is currently working to iron out these and other flaws which hamper the weapon's effectiveness.

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Weapon of the Future?

While Metal Storm has its flaws, it is an impressive system, with conceptual commercial uses alongside its military potential.

Since September of 2004, the US Navy has been experimenting with Metal Storm for defensive purposes, primarily as an anti-RPG area-denial countermeasure.

On Janurary 18, 2006, Metal Storm, Inc was awarded a two-year, $975,000 contract with the Army's ARDECfor the design, prototyping, and field testing of less-than-lethal munitions, with a focus on crowd control systems. The company is also working on a seperate agreement with ARDEC on the development of HE (high-explosive) munitions.

There are currently no public indications that Metal Storm weapon systems will replace current military equipment.

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