US deploys "game changer" grenade launcher that can shoot around corners

[underpants]

Now the XM25 weapon, which can launch grenades over a distance of 700m, bursting with pinpoint accuracy over the heads of an enemy, has been deployed to Afghanistan to test its capability against the Taliban.

The "smart" grenade-launcher is no bigger than an ordinary rifle and is simple to fire. The technology is so advanced that a soldier will only have to know roughly where he is supposed to be aiming the sights, and then leave the rest to the gun.

The weapon assesses the range to the target and makes a calculation about the precise grid reference for the fusing to detonate the grenades in the air.

"You get behind something when someone is shooting at you, and that sort of cover has protected people for thousands of years. Now we're taking that away from the enemy forever," said Lieutenant-Colonel Chris Lehner, the Pentagon project manager for the XM25 weapon system.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/defence/xm25-supergun-that-shoots-round-corners-goes-to-us-troops-in-afghanistan/story-e6frg8yo-1225964999015

[WillParkinson]

1. Killing people = billions of dollars.

Saving lives = can't afford it.

[FLPanhandle]

2. Well, I hope it saves some more soliders lives. n/t

[Sal Minella]

4. Bringing the soliders home would work even better, though, mmm?

Our populace needs roofs over their heads, and we are building monstrous weapons to kill people who have the "wrong" religion half a world away.

If this makes sense to you, you are infinitely smarter than I am.

[FLPanhandle]

6. Everyone would like them to come home.

However, if they are going to over there, I'd like them to have the best capabilities they can have. What do you want them to have? Bows & Arrows?

IMHO, get them home as soon as possible. In the meantime, give our them the best equipment possible.s

[Sal Minella]

10. "as soon as possible"

Now I remember -- just the "few weeks, or months" that would be necessary to "win" this war. Rumsfeld said it, so it must be true.

This endless commitment of American lives and taxpayer funds is ridiculous, and you know it.

[FLPanhandle]

16. I'm not arguing that the continuation of these wars is riduculous

No one is.

However, the weapon systems the troops have access to is not the reason they are there. The reason they are there is political only. Since the troops are stuck there until politicians come to there senses, then they should have the best available.

[WinkyDink]

3. Great! Any wedding parties near-by?

[kgnu_fan]

5. Product lines made in USA....Weapon industry thrives as people are killed

[social_critic]

7. Neat

Won't work against aliens from outer space, though. Or against the Taliban.

[Jamastiene]

8. They are going to love this new weapon

until the enemy gets some of them too...and you can bet the enemy will. The USA will probably keep the receipts. Whoever our allies are today in that region will be our enemies tomorrow. It's like clockwork. Build them up, sell them tons of weapons, then war with them. It never fails. It's like a damn broken clock at this point. They don't call it the MIC for nothing. It's a big business, the biggest of them all.

[kgnu_fan]

9. MIC sells to both side, or all sides... and all paid for by our tax money

[jpgray]

11. We should deploy "game-changer" politicians that can get their heads around an exit strategy

It would save far more lives, and at a discount.

[dixiegrrrrl]

20. Well put.

[Blue_Tires]

12. Solid Snake lives....

[Shining Jack]

13. Despite all their fancy gadgets...

The Soviets got their asses kicked and their Empire crumbled shortly after. They've been doing it for over 2000 years.

ETA: Typo.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

14. The "Masters of War" never stop...finding ways to make a buck.

Come you masters of war
You that build the big guns
You that build the death planes
You that build all the bombs
You that hide behind walls
You that hide behind desks
I just want you to know
I can see through your masks.

Let me ask you one question
Is your money that good
Will it buy you forgiveness
Do you think that it could
I think you will find
When your death takes its toll
All the money you made
Will never buy back your soul.

And I hope that you die
And your death'll come soon
I will follow your casket
In the pale afternoon
And I'll watch while you're lowered
Down to your deathbed
And I'll stand over your grave
'Til I'm sure that you're dead.

Bob Dylan

[bemildred]

15. Get your new miracle-edge Ginsu Knife here! nt

[-..__...]

17. Meh... still not as awesome as the Zorg ZF-1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pxjnl1yuXk&playnext=1&list=PL8A2EEBC89CF5A169&index=3

[underpants]

18. Impressive

like the Zorg

[taterguy]

19. Thanks for the god damn worthless duplicate thread.

Whatever happened to good citizenship?

:eyes:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=9666754&mesg_id=9666754