Power and plasma weapons. Perspective weapons development
If the first person on the street has a question aboutthe fact that such a plasma weapon, then not everyone will answer. Although fans of science fiction films probably know what it is and what it is eaten with. Nevertheless, it can be said that in the near future humanity will come to the conclusion that such weapons will be used by the regular army, fleet and even aviation, although now it is difficult to imagine for many reasons. Let's talk about advanced weapons development.
General information and concepts
Despite the fact that we are used to hearing aboutenergy and plasma weapons from films, the first prototypes and tests have been conducted for several decades. Another thing is that the authorities are trying to keep such information secret. This, in principle, is not surprising, because the arms race, in fact, continues, and who will succeed, he will have the advantage. In Russia, for example, since 1972 the development of a combat laser has been under way. He was successfully tested. Today it is a cannon that can hit air targets, such as ballistic missiles, airplanes, satellites, etc. In particular, Khimpromavtomatika is engaged in similar developments. It is currently planned to build the world's largest laser, which will be located in the city of Sarov. Its dimensions will be quite impressive, it is about two football fields. In this case there are no analogues either in Europe or in Asia. In general, plasma weapons are very promising against the background of firearms. But it will develop and improve over a period of several decades.
Modern weapons and developments
It is much better to consider several specificprojects, rather than talking about what else is not. For example, howitzers remain all as popular as they were 50 years ago. That is why many countries are constantly improving this technique. A vivid example of this is Panzerhaubitze. This artillery installation is perfect. This gun is 8 meters long, ammunition - 52 rounds. This howitzer allows you to destroy a heavily armored target with one volley and immediately leave your position. Surprising and the rate of this fighting machine, which is 1 shot in 3 seconds. However, then the pace is significantly reduced to a shot in 8 seconds due to the heating of the barrel. Today, this is the best howitzer caliber 155 mm, shooting at 30 km or more. Specially for this artillery a projectile with improved damaging abilities was developed. We can safely say that this is a deadly modern weapon, which is designed to destroy the enemy from one volley. Well, now we return to our topic.
The weapons of the future and everything about him
Today, almost no one doubts thatsooner or later will be the Third World War. According to many experts, they will be fighting there already with lasers and power weapons. Most of the developments in such weapons are in the UK and the US. So, some tests have already passed, and, as practice has shown, energy weapons (many called impulse weapons) are excellent at communicating with the enemy's communications equipment and air defense installations.
Microwave high-energy weapons beganto develop in 1990. The impulses sent to the electric object must disable it for a while, and in priority, forever. In fact, such weapons do not harm a person. It is worth noting that impulses are able to hit fortified objects, as well as bunkers located under the ground.
Lasers are already working
If energy weapons are now easier to find inany project, the lasers are already installed on some technique. In particular, the US is interested in such developments. One of the guns was successfully tested and was installed on board the aircraft. From the air managed to hit a car standing on the ground. In this case, the beam guidance system worked without deviations. The company "Boeing", which makes such a dangerous weapon, previously conducted tests of lasers. It was back in 2010, in the laboratory. Even then it became clear that the use of laser guns would save many soldiers.
Well, what about Russia, you ask? Despite the fact that any information about the development of laser and power weapons is practically non-existent, not everything is so bad. We can say that we have a dangerous weapon, and it is really deadly. Let's take at least a tank of a new generation of "Armata", which has no analogues in the whole world. We will soon have electronic pilots, smart missiles, all these are not developments, but reality, as will be discussed below.
Latest weapon development
If now the Russian army is armedweapons of the 3rd and 4th generations, then soon it is planned to supply the 5th generation systems. It is for this simple reason that it is too early to speak about the 6th generation. But if you look at the near future, say, in 2016, then Russia has succeeded, and it has something to brag about. First of all, it is a plane of the 5th generation T-50, which is planned to be delivered in 2016. It is made using stealth technology, that is, it will be difficult to determine by radar. There will also be a fundamentally new avionics, integrated with the electronic pilot. Now all this seems unimaginable, but similar systems have already been tested and are working.
But this is not all the possibilities of the T-50. He can develop supersonic speed without forcing, and also is equipped with a complex of electronic warfare called "Himalayas". Today, only the US Air Force has in service fighter aircraft of the 5th generation, but developments are being conducted in China and Russia. Such units are very expensive, but at the same time the capabilities of such aircraft are very large.
Drones of the Future
Today, people are increasinglymake a full flight, but without a crew. UAV is not yet such, however, modern developments indicate that this is a serious and effective technique. The main tasks facing the designers are to install powerful weapons and make it possible to save the wounded or hostages. The US is actively working on the development of drones. Similar drones will still be auxiliary on the battlefield, but, despite this, extremely useful. They will be engaged in transporting cargo, transporting the wounded, conducting reconnaissance and destroying non-armored targets. Americans plan to create drones that can help in any situation, regardless of weather conditions and conditions. In addition, it is important to conduct electronic warfare. Therefore, it is entirely possible that such a new secret weapon will be equipped with impulse guns.
Armata combat platform
As noted above, we are not all that bad. Russia leads the production of military platforms "Armata", which belong to the 5th generation. Until recently, it was a mystery that a tank would appear on the parade on the Victory Day. Now we know that this is the Armata tank, which has no analogues in the whole world. Americans after what they saw immediately thought about upgrading their technology, which, in fact, is not surprising. The crew of the tank is located in an isolated capsule, which protects people from fire and debris. Nevertheless, armor "Armata" is able to withstand the direct hit of any existing or prospective weapon. The tank itself is armed with a 125-mm cannon, which shoots armor-piercing-podkalibernymi shells. The control of the machine is digital, and the instrument is remote. It is very convenient, safe and effective.
Terrible "Prometheus" S-500
The fifth-generation anti-aircraft missile systems are already therein Russia. These are the S-500 "Prometheus" complexes. This is an impressive weapon, which is also multifunctional. The S-500 is capable of striking inter-ballistic missiles in space. Prometheus, without a doubt, is a very promising weapon. Ground-to-air missiles can hit a target at an altitude of 3.5 thousand kilometers, flying at a speed of 5 kilometers per minute. Another characteristic of Prometheus also surprises, which allows to strike about 10 supersonic missiles at a distance of 600 kilometers. Despite the fact that the S-500 is already in the Russian Federation, they are not in service. It is planned to put their army in 2016. In the opinion of many experts, the C-500 alone is not capable of changing the course of the battle, but in combination with other defensive weapons, Prometheus will become a reliable barrier protecting the air borders of our country.
Hypersonic is a reality
In fact, it's difficult to say something about how,which has modern weapons of the United States. Obviously, the most interesting remains a secret. Nevertheless, more recently it became known that the Americans are developing and testing the X-51A Waverider. These are hypersonic missiles, which are able to develop a speed of about 6.5-7.5 thousand km / h. The first tests did not bring any results. But in 2013 the missile flew about 500 km in 6 minutes. In the end, it was possible to develop a speed of about 5 thousand km / h. Russia also conducts similar work, but we have an earlier stage. Well, now let's go further.
Precision weapons and robotics
Of course, prospective weapons development is underwaydaily. But special attention should be paid to robotics, as more is being said about this. How convenient it is to replace a soldier with a robot who would make a decision more quickly, was not mistaken and fired more accurately. But it's still on the brink of fantasy. Nevertheless, the Russian SAR-400 will soon be indispensable on the battlefield. He can neutralize bombs, perform the functions of a repairman and scout. There are no analogues in the world to him.
Conclusion
Here we are and talked about the weapons of the nearestfuture and modernity. Of course, plasma weapons are unlikely to be used, nevertheless, its development is under way. In particular, there are many limitations related to the properties of the plasma, which is not as durable as we would like. Yet plasma weapons will appear, but it is unknown when. The same applies to energy weapons. But all this in the near future will not be able to replace the powerful cannon of tanks and howitzers that shoot shells. The same applies to combat aircraft, bombers and other military equipment. Of course, it is difficult to say what will happen tomorrow, that there is a discussion about the appearance of plasma torches. In addition, it is now difficult to imagine how exactly and under what conditions the plasma for ammunition will be produced. The same applies to the cost of the substance.