Big Booger
December 17th, 2003, 09:35 AM
A gun that can fire shots accurately around corners has been demonstrated by a US arms maker. The Corner Shot, developed by a Florida-based company, resembles a rifle with hinge in its middle.
It has been tested by the Israeli military and was demonstrated at a firing range at Shoham, near Tel Aviv, on Monday. Units have already been sold to military forces in 15 different countries.
The front section can be bent up to 60° to the left or the right, allowing a soldier to shoot around a wall or door without exposing any part of themselves to enemy fire.
The weapon is comprised of a handgun fitted to the front of the system and fired from the back section using an ordinary trigger. A video camera at the front is linked to a small high-resolution screen at the back. This lets the user see precisely where the gun is pointing without poking their head or hands out in the firing line.
The camera incorporates crosshairs, auto-focus and an infrared filter for use in low light. Pulling a grip underneath the weapon quickly snaps it from its bent configuration into a straight one, meaning it can then be used normally.
Terry Gander, former editor of Jane's Infantry Weapons, says that the contraption could prove useful in some combat situations, but would also some limitations. "It uses a pistol, which is a very short range weapon," he told New Scientist.
Gander adds that a number of US arms manufacturers are currently developing digital rifle sights that can transmit video images to a soldier's goggles. This should allow them "see" around corners without putting their head in any danger. "You can also put up navigation information into this sort of display," he says.
http://www.newscientist.com/data/images/ns/9999/99994487F1.JPG
It has been tested by the Israeli military and was demonstrated at a firing range at Shoham, near Tel Aviv, on Monday. Units have already been sold to military forces in 15 different countries.
The front section can be bent up to 60° to the left or the right, allowing a soldier to shoot around a wall or door without exposing any part of themselves to enemy fire.
The weapon is comprised of a handgun fitted to the front of the system and fired from the back section using an ordinary trigger. A video camera at the front is linked to a small high-resolution screen at the back. This lets the user see precisely where the gun is pointing without poking their head or hands out in the firing line.
The camera incorporates crosshairs, auto-focus and an infrared filter for use in low light. Pulling a grip underneath the weapon quickly snaps it from its bent configuration into a straight one, meaning it can then be used normally.
Terry Gander, former editor of Jane's Infantry Weapons, says that the contraption could prove useful in some combat situations, but would also some limitations. "It uses a pistol, which is a very short range weapon," he told New Scientist.
Gander adds that a number of US arms manufacturers are currently developing digital rifle sights that can transmit video images to a soldier's goggles. This should allow them "see" around corners without putting their head in any danger. "You can also put up navigation information into this sort of display," he says.
http://www.newscientist.com/data/images/ns/9999/99994487F1.JPG