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We’ve all fantasized about wielding a Lightsaber from Star Wars or using a Phaser from the Star Trek universe for their sheer power and versatility. Imagine having the ability to incapacitate, eliminate, or disintegrate foes at will. Yet, few realize that some of the most impressive, real-world weapons already exist—equipped with futuristic technology that would rival any science fiction flick.
Explore these next-level weapons, a few of which have already seen real combat. These game-changing tools are revolutionizing warfare.
10. CornerShot
Imagine being able to aim a firearm at your target without ever exposing yourself. With CornerShot, that dream becomes a reality.
The CornerShot is a unique corner-firing module that enhances the performance of any weapon it is attached to. Developed by Corner Shot Holdings LLC, it enables users to deploy both lethal and non-lethal attachments against targets while staying concealed or behind cover. The rear component operates a swiveling front piece equipped with a conventional firearm and camera, streaming footage to a small screen. It also allows the trigger to be pulled without the need to expose your fingers.
According to its official website, the CornerShot system is designed to allow users to fire targets from various angles—left, right, up, or down. It can seamlessly transition between these positions without the user needing to move their hands from the weapon, reducing response time and enhancing accuracy during unexpected combat situations.
While it may initially seem like more of an accessory than a weapon, the CornerShot has proven to be an essential tool, with its effectiveness making it a key asset for military forces in countries around the world, including India, Indonesia, and China.
9. Quantum Stealth
Ever wished the Cloak of Invisibility from the Harry Potter series could become a reality? Quantum Stealth is the closest thing to it, offering near-invisibility for its users.
Quantum Stealth, commonly referred to as the 'Invisibility Cloak,' is a revolutionary material developed by Hyperstealth Biotechnology Corp that creates the illusion of invisibility for its users.
According to Hyperstealth Biotechnology Corp CEO Guy Cramer, Quantum Stealth can eliminate the wearer’s visibility, infrared signature (night vision), and even their shadow. The technology works by bending light waves around the wearer, much like fiber optic cables, effectively rendering them invisible.
Cramer explains that this advanced material is perfect for soldiers on covert operations who need to avoid detection by the enemy. Beyond that, it could theoretically be used to conceal large objects such as planes, tanks, submarines, or even entire buildings. What's even more remarkable is that the material doesn’t require batteries, projectors, or cameras to function.
Great news! Now, you can escape those awkward situations where you run into someone you know but can’t remember their name. Unfortunately, it won’t help you hide from your other problems, so no luck there.
8. FN F2000
The FN F2000 may not be a weapon from the distant future, but its design certainly makes it look like it belongs there.
With its bullpup design and steel materials, the FN F2000 has a distinctly futuristic appearance. For years, it has been a popular choice in media like video games and films, often needing little modification to fit the look of an advanced, high-tech weapon.
The F2000 is a fully automatic, gas-operated, ambidextrous bullpup rifle developed by F.N. Herstal in Belgium. It features a selector switch—a rotating disc located below the trigger—adapted from the P90 personal defense weapon’s safety and trigger system. The weapon can be set to fire in either semi-automatic or automatic mode, making it adaptable for any scenario.
7. The Active Denial System (ADS)
Forget tear gas and water cannons; the ADS is here to change the game in crowd control.
The Active Denial System (ADS), also known as the heat ray, is a non-lethal weapon that creates instant discomfort, effectively dispersing crowds and enabling authorities to restore order rapidly. ADS stands as the first non-lethal, directed-energy counter-personnel system with an impressive range that surpasses any other current non-lethal weapon—reaching up to seven football fields in distance.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense Non-Lethal Weapons Program, ADS is considered safer than kinetic-based systems, which pose a higher risk of harm. Unlike those, ADS delivers immediate, intense discomfort but leaves no lasting effects. It's like feeling the intense heat from an oven or grill opening directly in front of you.
Despite its advantages, ADS has faced criticism. Experts argue that it can be 'too terrifying,' with victims potentially becoming disoriented and remaining in the area. Some also feel that it is overly indiscriminate and could be misused.
6. XM-25
The XM-25: A weapon designed with a futuristic vision, but it ultimately failed to meet expectations.
The XM-25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement System, nicknamed 'The Punisher,' is an advanced airburst grenade launcher designed to hit enemies hiding behind cover. The United States Army first deployed it during the Afghanistan war in 2010. It has also been featured in several video games, such as Call of Duty and Battlefield.
To eliminate concealed enemies, the user can program the grenades to fly through a door or opening, detonating just inside and releasing deadly shrapnel to hit anyone within the blast radius. The XM-25 is also capable of destroying windows, bunkers, and exploding above trenches and foxholes.
The XM-25 was undoubtedly an ambitious project, offering a futuristic function. However, it didn't live up to many of its expectations. It was heavy and only useful in specific situations. The weapon was also pulled from Afghanistan in 2013 after an incident where a soldier was injured while trying to load two grenades at once.
Despite several redesign efforts, the Army officially ended the XM-25 development program on July 24, 2018. The Army aims to create a more effective Precision Grenadier System to perform the same aggressive tasks as the XM-25.
5. The Mosquito
Putting aside the controversial name, the Mosquito is a unique device that emits a high-frequency sound to discourage loitering, particularly among younger individuals. It was created in 2005 by Howard Stapleton after his 17-year-old daughter was harassed by a group of teenage boys while she was out shopping for milk. He reportedly tested the Mosquito’s frequency on his own children.
Some people support the Mosquito, viewing it as a tool to combat disruptive behavior and nuisance caused by youths in public spaces. However, the device has sparked debates regarding human rights and possible discrimination. Critics argue that it functions as a sonic weapon, dehumanizing young people, and some are concerned about its potential negative effects on individuals with autism. Prolonged exposure might also impact infants and toddlers, as the sound is inaudible to adults.
4. PEP
For the Star Trek enthusiasts, PEP is like being hit with a Star Trek Phaser set to stun.
PEP, or Pulsed Energy Projectile, is an infrared laser that incapacitates its target by inducing intense pain or even paralysis, much like the effect of being struck by a taser.
The U.S. military developed this weapon for riot control, and it is believed to have an operational range of up to 2 kilometers (1.24 miles). Due to its large size, the weapon must be mounted on a vehicle. Despite being intended as a non-lethal device, it turns out that PEP has the potential to be fatal.
One critic argues that PEP can inflict excruciating pain and cold burn sensations without leaving any visible marks on the target. Public concerns arose that this so-called non-lethal weapon could be used for torture. This is why details about the weapon are scarce, and the program was shut down by the army in the late 2000s. Kind of a letdown, right?
3. Distributed Gain High Energy Laser Weapon System
We've reached the ultimate weapon: one of the most powerful and advanced laser systems ever created.
The Distributed Gain High Energy Laser Weapon System is the latest prototype from General Atomics and Boeing. This solid-state laser can take down missiles and aircraft, and no matter how fast the target is, it's no match for an energy beam traveling at the speed of light.
The U.S. Army is excited about this project and has awarded a contract to General Atomics and Boeing to create a 300-kW version of G.A.'s laser, complete with a beam director, precision acquisition, tracking, and pointing software.
2. EF-88
If you're curious about what the perfect rifle would look like, the EF-88 is definitely worth considering.
The EF-88, or enhanced F88 Austeyr rifle, is a formidable weapon known for its exceptional accuracy, lethality, ergonomics, versatility, and reliability. It outperforms its predecessor, the F88, especially in close combat situations and overall battlefield performance, largely thanks to its ability to accommodate various auxiliary equipment.
Available accessories for the EF-88 include enhanced day sights, image intensifiers, thermal imaging sights, front grips (with bipod), forward grips, weapon stabilizers, visual illumination devices, one-hour offset rails, and laser-aiming illumination and range systems.
So, what do you think? Does it meet your high standards for an exceptional rifle?
1. Boeing Laser Avenger
Imagine having a technology that allows you to take down aircraft without ever revealing your position. Well, stop imagining—this technology is already a reality.
The Boeing Laser Avenger is an infrared laser system mounted on top of a Boeing Combat Systems AN/TWQ-1 Avenger combat vehicle. It was designed specifically to eliminate unmanned aircraft with precision.
The Laser Avenger solves a critical issue with traditional systems, which often give away the shooter’s location when trying to target drones. With the Laser Avenger, you can take them out while remaining invisible to the naked eye. This system uses advanced tracking technology to lock onto drones flying at low to medium altitudes.
While the lasers are highly costly and ineffective as weapons against humans, they prove to be exceptionally efficient when it comes to disabling electronics and aircraft systems. Nevertheless, as long as drones carrying bombs or ammunition remain a threat, the U.S. Army may still deploy these laser weapons to neutralize them.
