~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~09~RS~)
US military unveils 'smart gun'
Page last updated at 11:20 GMT, Tuesday, 30 November 2010
- E-mail this to a friend [an error occurred while processing this directive]
A US soldier prepares to fire the XM-25
A new gun the US military hopes will help take on the Taliban has been unveiled.
Called the XM-25 it has been described by the US Army as a 'game changer'.
It uses a laser guidance system and specially developed 25mm high explosive rounds which can be programmed to detonate over a target.
Richard Audette helped develop it for the US Army and says it's a big leap forward because it's the first small arms weapon to use smart technology.
Full solution
"The way a soldier operates this is basically find your target, then laze (laser) to it, which gives the range, then you get an adjusted aim point, adjust the fire and pull the trigger.
"Say you've lazed out to 543 metres... When you pull the trigger it arms the round and fires it 543 metres plus or minus one, two or three metres."
The XM-25 is already being used by US soldiers in Afghanistan
It means the weapon can be used to target insurgents hiding behind walls or in ditches without the need to call in air strikes.
"That makes it a full solution fire control weapon".
It's already been issued to soldiers in the US military serving in Afghanistan and could be used by British special forces too.
In a statement the MOD wouldn't comment on the new gun but said it is committed to provide front line troops in Afghanistan with the best possible equipment.
In addition it said it is always interested in evaluating emerging technology.
- E-mail this to a friend [an error occurred while processing this directive]
Print Sponsor
On Newsbeat today
Top stories
-
'My son didn't deserve to die in Cyprus'
Mother of Fusilier David Collins says she still can't believe her son is dead as a British teenager is jailed.
-
New music fund set up for artists
The PRS for Music Foundation and the Arts Council England announce a new grant to help new acts.
-
Samantha Womack back in EastEnders
The actress, who plays Ronnie Mitchell in EastEnders, is to return to the BBC soap after a two-year break.
-
Watch Katy B to play new songs at festivals
The singer says she is looking forward to playing new material over the summer as she prepares to release her second album.
-
Bruce Forsyth re-signs for Strictly
Sir Bruce Forsyth signs up for the next series of BBC One show Strictly Come Dancing.
See also
-
UK troops use iPad app for fire mission training
30 July 10Technology
-
Soldiers' exoskeleton system tested
20 July 10Technology
-
New airships to protect British troops
13 July 10Technology
-
VIDEO: New kit for British troops
07 June 10Technology
Most popular stories now
shared
-
Police name victims of A419 crash
-
In pictures: Things come apart
-
Lennon guitar sells for $408,000
-
Grandmother's 99th birthday abseil
-
In the Dutch earthquake zone
read
-
What next for the UK in Eurovision?
-
Man dies after being found shot
-
Google chief defends tax affairs
-
Two hurt, one trapped in plane crash
-
Briton 'held in France over deaths'
-
Philpott mother 'intends to appeal'
-
Tyler: 'I did my best at Eurovision'
-
In pictures: Things come apart
-
'Sole winner' nets record US jackpot
-
Grandmother's 99th birthday abseil
