Chinese scientists have unveiled a groundbreaking automatic rifle designed for drones, propelling unmanned warfare technology into a new era. The weapon, firing 7.62mm bullets akin to the AK-47, boasts a velocity of 740 to 900 meters per second, matching the iconic rifle’s firepower at 10 meters. However, its standout feature is its virtually recoil-free mechanism, described as gentle as tapping a keyboard.
This innovation enables lightweight drones, even consumer-grade models or robotic dogs, to wield the weapon with unprecedented precision and ease. Traditionally, small drones on battlefields, such as in Ukraine, have been restricted to dropping grenades or mortar shells. Attempts to arm them with machine guns have faced challenges due to recoil, compromising accuracy and versatility.
Professor Liu Pengzhan’s team at North University of China’s School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering tackled this issue by venting gas shock waves from the gunpowder explosion through a rear barrel hole. To maintain high bullet velocity, they integrated a high-strength seal and an electromagnetic induction chip within the barrel. The chip ignites the explosive, launching the bullet while pressure vents through the hole to mitigate recoil.
Trials showcased the rifle’s minimal recoil, with front-to-back movement limited to just 1.8cm when suspended mid-air. The rifle’s simple structure and cost-efficient manufacturing—requiring only a ceramic-coated coil to detonate the chip—make it a practical addition to military arsenals.
The research, published in Acta Armamentarii, highlights collaboration between North University of China and military engineers, cementing the institution’s role in advancing China’s arms industry. Recognizing the dual-use potential of such innovations, Beijing has tightened export controls on drone products and related technologies.
This development underscores China’s industrial capacity to revolutionize modern warfare, although concerns about misuse of these innovations persist on the global stage.