QUOTE: Originally posted by james larson
I see that the first thing this will go in to is a AC-130 gunship.
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One problem with that theory, altitude is a HEAVILY limiting factor on weapons when they're being fired on the ground. You have to factor altitude as distance. So, a gun that could fire a mile away, if it's 2,250 feet in the air, will only fire about 2,250 feet forward(altitude+distance when aimed at the ground). Also, the AC-130 is used almost strictly for heavy troop support, and rapid retaliation. Heavy troop support means anti-tank(thus the AC-130's howitzer) and anti-human wave tactics(hence the cannons and vulcans). Both of which, the metal storm is ineffective at(the bullets are too close together to hit lots of troops, and more likely than not could never even THINK about piercing modern tank armor).
If the metal storm ever sees use, it will be as perimeter defense for fixed bases, and anti-missle defense for ships.
(both of which can be done[cheaper] by a CIWS equipped Vulcan-Phalanx). Thus, it is merely a novelty.
| QUOTE: One day the vulcan will be replaced ,if not by this then something else. |
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I find that hard to believe. The gatling is as accurate and reliable as any other gun, but has a much higher lethality rate, and is theoretically more bullet-efficient.
Remember, more than 500 years of firearms has yet to replace the blade as a weapon on the battlefield(and for good reason! When was the last time you had to reload a bayonet? Or when did you open a letter with your rifle? The blade/bayonet is PARAMOUNT to the success of a soldier!). Thus, I don't think something like the gatling will be replaced. It will probably even show up in some form when armies are using laser guns(multiple lenses means less lens damage, as well as upped survivability, and an ability to hit multiple targets, hence the need for a gatling-laser.)