Science fiction has for years terrified and intrigued us with visions of future weapons, from Star Trek's phaser to the blaster that saved Han Solo's life, these weapons are beyond the realms of reality,.
Laser cannons are now a reality. So are weapons that can aim themselves, and invisible microwave weapons used for crowd control. The future is here, and it hurts.
While eyes are pointed at the skies for drones, robot soldiers are being deployed to guard bases and accompany troops on patrol. These small weaponised robots use software and sensors to help follow the troops and when the time comes, the operator can take control and use its weapons as a means of cover for retreating troops.
The railgun is here also, with its electromagnetic barrel it can propel a metal slug to over Mach 6, devastating the target with nothing but sheer speed and force.
While these weapons used to be caged to the realms of science fiction, the reality is far more terrifying.
Science Fiction Weapons That Actually Exist
Invisible Death Ray(01 of06)
Open Image ModalThis is the US Military's Active Denial System, or ADS. It's a truck-mounted high-powered microwave weapon that when directed at a person or crowd can produce a severe burning sensation of the skin. The Pentagon worked on the system in the hopes of finding a non-lethal crowd control weapon that could replace the water cannon. It's non-radioactive, non-lethal and safe to use, however it has caused controversy over the effects it causes to the body.
Hypersonic Missile(02 of06)
Open Image ModalGiant Laser Cannon(03 of06)
Open Image ModalRobot Soldiers(04 of06)
Open Image ModalSelf-Aiming Rifle(05 of06)
Open Image ModalThe Railgun(06 of06)
Open Image ModalThe railgun started life as a mythical weapon that often appeared in video games and sometimes showed its face in films (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen). Using electromagnets to hurl a metal slug at hypersonic speeds, this weapon is the future of artillery and small arms, and now the US Navy has one. Constructed by BAE Systems, the railgun prototype can fire a metal slug at over Mach 6 and at a target over 110 kilometres away.