Chinese engineers announce machine gun that fires 450,000 rounds per minute

In a groundbreaking development, a team of Chinese scientists and engineers has unveiled a machine gun with an astonishing firing rate of 450,000 rounds per minute per barrel. Built in Taiyuan, an industrial hub in central China, the weapon is designed to be equipped with up to five barrels, offering the potential for a jaw-dropping maximum rate of fire of two million rounds per minute.

According to South China Morning Post's Stephen Chen; this advanced machine gun could prove crucial for countering modern threats, especially hypersonic targets that travel at speeds surpassing Mach 7. If these claims hold true, China’s latest invention would mark a significant leap in weapon technology, surpassing even the US military’s most advanced Phalanx close-in weapon system, which fires at a rate of 4,500 rounds per minute. Overcoming Major Challenges

One of the greatest hurdles for a weapon capable of firing at such extraordinary speeds is ensuring a continuous supply of ammunition. The developers have addressed this challenge by integrating a container-like magazine filled with disposable barrels. This innovation allows for rapid reloading and minimizes wear on barrel strength, enabling sustained fire and quick counterattacks.

Another challenge was meeting the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) requirement of 7,500 shots per second. The team, led by Lu Xutao from the North University of China, overcame this with an electronic trigger system that uses a high-energy metal jet to ignite the explosive, with a firing time of just 17.5 microseconds. This technological breakthrough enables the gun to achieve its remarkable firing rate.

A Glimpse into the Past

Interestingly, the concept of ultra-high-speed machine guns is not new. In the 1990s, Australian inventor Mike O’Dwyer proposed a 36-barrel weapon capable of firing one million rounds per minute. The US Department of Defense expressed interest in the project, but due to technical difficulties, it was eventually abandoned. However, in 2006, O’Dwyer revealed that China had offered him $100 million for the technology. Since then, China has invested heavily in refining the concept, leveraging its vast technological resources to bring this new weapon to life.

With its incredible firing rate and innovative design, this new machine gun may change the landscape of modern warfare, enhancing China’s ability to defend against next-generation threats. As the weapon continues to undergo testing and development, the world will be watching closely to see if it can live up to its promises.

Source: South China Morning Post, The Defense Post