Technology

Wild Future Weapon: Army’s High-Speed ‘Cheetah’ Robot Would ‘Chase Human Prey’

You can run but you can’t hide, the saying goes. But what if you had a robot that could outrun enemy soldiers or, better yet, hunt them down?

That might soon be the case if the Army’s latest, futuristic weapon turns out to be a success. It’s called the “cheetah,” and Boston-based Boston Dynamics has a goal of designing it to match the speed of its animal kingdom counterpart — 70 mph.

Wild Future Weapon: Armys High Speed Cheetah Robot Would Chase Human Prey

“As the name implies, Cheetah is designed to be a four-legged robot with a flexible spine and articulated head (and potentially a tail) that runs faster than the fastest human,” Wired reports. “In addition to raw speed, Cheetah’s makers promise that it will have the agility to make tight turns so that it can ‘zigzag to chase and evade’ and be able to stop on a dime.”

But 70 mph could be a little ways off. For now, the Daily Mail says, designers are focusing on achieving more school-zone speeds of 20 to 30 mph in the next 20 months.

The robot isn’t without some controversy. As the Mail points out, the Department of Defense isn’t quite sure what purpose the machine will serve yet, which raises some questions about its necessity.

“[The Department of Defense is] not so focused on what the ultimate use will be,” Marc Raibert, lead investigator on the project and president of Boston Dynamics told the Boston Herald. “They’re most focused on developing the technology and seeing what uses they can be applied to.”

But, he said, “All that functionality you can imagine being put into future systems that would be useful for various kinds of military field use.”

The company was also awarded a contract to develop another robot called “Atlas.“ ”[B]uilt with two legs and two arms,” the Herald says, it “will walk like a man, using heel-to-toe motions and long strides. It will be able to climb, turn sideways to squeeze through narrow passages and use its hands to maneuver in rough terrain with human-like agility, according to the engineering company.”

Boston Dynamics does have a successful track record in designing such androids. In 2008 it developed “BigDog,” a four-legged robot that can carry up to four large Army backpacks over tough terrain:

And Atlas even has an older brother named “Petman” — an earlier prototype “built to test out chemical weapons protective suits for the Army by ‘walking, crawling and doing a variety of suit-stressing calisthenics‘ and ’simulat[ing] human physiology’”:

While no information one the value of the new contracts has been released, Raibert told the Herald they are worth several million dollars each.

Comments (174)

  • shorthanded12
    Posted on February 27, 2011 at 8:00pm

    With Federal and State driving speeds posted at every road and dirt roads what better place than to test at than the great country of KENYA.

    Report Post »  
  • B-Neil
    Posted on February 27, 2011 at 7:56pm

    We have the Cheeta. Big deal! is it stealth??? ………Carry on McDuff

    Report Post »  
  • TumbleBumble
    Posted on February 27, 2011 at 7:28pm

    Exhibit for future petting zoos…

    The Cheetah Express when the US postal service goes under…

    Rodent control for NY sewers…

    Report Post » TumbleBumble  
  • Evileye
    Posted on February 27, 2011 at 7:27pm

    I liked the one on Robo cop better
    More fire power

    Report Post »  
  • DashRipRock
    Posted on February 27, 2011 at 7:25pm

    Robots do the Jobs Americans wont do.

    Report Post »  
  • 9thCommandment
    Posted on February 27, 2011 at 7:23pm

    I wonder when BHO is going to sell that technology to China? Former Prez Oral Bill is already in negotiations.

    Report Post »  
  • cripplecreek
    Posted on February 27, 2011 at 7:21pm

    I was chased by a cougar once and I almost let her get away.

    Report Post »  
  • ChiefGeorge
    Posted on February 27, 2011 at 7:19pm

    Wasn’t there an apocalpse when the robots took over. Be careful what you develop. Especially that robot cheetah because I don’t run fast anymore.

    Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
    • GA_dandelion
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 7:38pm

      pretty much my same thoughts.
      In the movies this never ends well for us

      Report Post » GA_dandelion  
  • Laus Deo
    Posted on February 27, 2011 at 7:15pm

    I want to give it peanut butter.

    Report Post » Laus Deo  
  • obama_binpharteen
    Posted on February 27, 2011 at 7:11pm

    Keep in mind, this technology can also be used for paraplegics one day/\

    Report Post » obama_binpharteen  
  • smokey888x2
    Posted on February 27, 2011 at 7:10pm

    I don’t know why we even “SHOW” this stuff. We build it, they steel it or they then build around it.

    Why not make it ‘more difficult’ even if you say, ‘they’ll find out anyway’. Why make it easy or at all, maybe they won‘t find out if we ever get ’smart’ about this stuff.

    Report Post » smokey888x2  
    • MCAinSTL
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 7:46pm

      Why don’t we use this stuff? I can’t watch the Military Channel anymore because they show all this high tech stuff yet our guys are getting killed in our politically correct rules of engagement. Like when we went into Fallujah a few years ago with ground troops when we have the ability to exterminate the town from the air. I feel that we shouldn’t spend another penny on anything unless we use it!!!

      Report Post » MCAinSTL  
  • CanteenBoy
    Posted on February 27, 2011 at 7:09pm

    Still needs a mounted 20mm Gatling-type gun.

    Report Post » CanteenBoy  
    • Joe Potus
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 10:29am

      ….or a a microwave to toast the frontal lobe on the run. Get away from ammo requirements.

      I would like to let everyone know it is the 7mm that reaches out and touches you a mile farther than the other options. Still useless compared to the worlds greatest weapon: inflation.

      Report Post » Joe Potus  
  • NeoKong
    Posted on February 27, 2011 at 7:09pm

    It looks like the robot AMEE from the movie Red Planet.

    Report Post » NeoKong  
    • DashRipRock
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 7:25pm

      Ever notice that the red palnet is inhabital

      but the blue planets are giant gas bags?

      Report Post »  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 8:11pm

      Except that little Red Fruitloop, Ron Reagan, JR

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • sleazyhippo
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 8:59pm

      MAM believes it is in her back yard tonight – in the dark.

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • TrueGrit
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 6:37am

      The Afghan model is a giant HOG.

      Agree on it looking just like Aimee for Red Planet.

      Wolverine

      Report Post »  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 1:00pm

      Hey Sleazyhippopotamusamphibius
      Went out in my dark backyard last night and did see that first planet Mercury ( Red, Fruitloop, Ron Reagan JR)

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
  • Hoser
    Posted on February 27, 2011 at 7:05pm

    Our whole nation is crumbling financially, including the military budget. At present, Uncle Sam cannot afford enough ammunition for training troops; we’re waging two campaigns (Iraq and Afghanistan) and spending billions, and yet DoD continue to pursue Buck-Rogers crap that any 19-year old PFC will tell you is a complete waste of money and resources. Ultimately, this is another classic example of the inmates running the asylum within the defense department.

    The question should be: “Should this instrument even be considered for any active theater of operations?“ THIS is supposed to ”chase down” bad guys? Insanity. As any veteran can tell you, a single well placed AK or PKM round will drop this hombre in its tracks.

    In the end, this is complete and utter waste on a modern battlefield. The technology may provide some use elsewhere, say, against an unarmed citizenry, perhaps . . . but ordering this creature to “attack” or pursue an enemy, one equipped with a weapon, is shear madness.

    Report Post » Hoser  
    • STATE IRON
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 7:39pm

      I’m a veteran, and I couldn‘t tell anyone how to disable something before it’s built. Can you use your amazing powers to give me this week’s lottery numbers?

      Also, unmanned aircraft were probably thought to have very limited use at one time as well..

      Report Post »  
    • 1SSF
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 12:24am

      Ur… did I miss something? It is built. I just viewed the video! So a crystal ball is not necessary. I am a combat veteran too. It certainly does not look bullet proof to me. If one knows the basic principles of weaponry, and knows how to disable a vehicle with small arms fire, any competent shooter can rip this thing to smithereens. I agree with others that suggest the technology should be used to help the disabled.

      Report Post » 1SSF  
    • SSI01
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 8:25am

      Couldn’t agree with you more. This back-packer would probably run about 1.5 mil a pop and a .01/cent AK round will drop it in its tracks. Will sound like a herd of elephants tramping through the woods because it can’t see where to put its feet – like on dried twigs and into piles of leaves, maybe? How about as it tears through low-hanging branches that snap off or rattle, so you can tell where it is? Re: the cheetah – 70mph on a flat piece of terrain, clear of obstacles – I’d like to see that in Afghanistan, especially in the mts. The problem with this technology is it frequently winds up in the hands of police, where it can in fact be used against an innocent citizenry (see “drones,“ ”infrared,“ ”micro-UAVs,” and other tech stuff. How about using this thing to clear a state capital (unless its unionized)?

      Report Post »  
  • ozzie
    Posted on February 27, 2011 at 7:04pm

    Clearly this is NOT the terminator- It’s Dinobots, run for your lives!!!

    Report Post » ozzie  
  • HOCKEYHAWK216
    Posted on February 27, 2011 at 7:03pm

    Looks like two guys in a horse suit . . . or should I say, jackass suit.

    Report Post »  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on February 27, 2011 at 7:01pm

    Park one in the WH, please, OUR HOUSE!!!

    Report Post »  
  • obama_binpharteen
    Posted on February 27, 2011 at 6:57pm

    I watched the video and I have to say that is one of the most amazing feats of technology I’ve ever seen, scary too. I can‘t wait to see it when it’s fully autonomous.

    Report Post » obama_binpharteen  
    • LadyLibertykicksASS
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 9:06am

      This is very bizarre….Sounds like “End of Days” nightmare….I don’t trust of Government not to use it on us,

      Report Post »  
  • Rob_M
    Posted on February 27, 2011 at 6:55pm

    Robot races baby!!!

    Report Post » Rob_M  
  • obama_binpharteen
    Posted on February 27, 2011 at 6:50pm

    will it be unionized?

    Report Post » obama_binpharteen  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 1:35am

      Can it vote? Will it be Republican or Democrat?

      Report Post » Showtime  
  • Jackie Rogers, Jr.
    Posted on February 27, 2011 at 6:47pm

    But can it take down a Zebra?

    Report Post » Jackie Rogers, Jr.  
  • WPtG
    Posted on February 27, 2011 at 6:45pm

    Introducing the first member of BHO’s Civilian Security Force…

    Report Post » WPtG  
  • daveposh
    Posted on February 27, 2011 at 6:43pm

    OMG. Terminator, here we come….

    Report Post » daveposh  
  • Dustyluv
    Posted on February 27, 2011 at 6:43pm

    OOOOOOOOO Looks like a terrorist eater…Send it into their camps and watch!

    Report Post »  
    • The Noodle Fish
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 7:02pm

      What’s with all the retarded semi-humorous commentators who think that they’re the most hilarious thing on earth? This is cool. ‘Nuff said.

      Report Post » The Noodle Fish  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 9:31pm

      I was thinking of the union leaders cars; tear them apart, and let the union bosses take the bus to their jobs each morning.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 1:27am

      It also looks like a couple of illegal aliens smuggling drugs across the border!

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • weeblewacker1
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 10:31am

      @My Sacred Honor; sorry,did not see your post before i put mine in.but i guess i was right! go figure! (about the .308-5.56)

      Report Post »  
  • 13th Imam
    Posted on February 27, 2011 at 6:40pm

    Wisconsin Democrat Senator

    GO Fetch

    Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • Creestof
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 6:49pm

      We already have a high speed weapon our military uses to catch fleeing suspects, it’s called a “.308.”

       
    • DashRipRock
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 6:54pm

      Does it do windows?

      Report Post »  
    • crackerone
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 7:13pm

      That’s funny!

      Report Post »  
    • HappyStretchedThin
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 7:35pm

      IfSenatorRefuse = Run PeeOnLeg
      You crack me up 13th!

      Report Post » HappyStretchedThin  
    • watchtheotherhand
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 7:40pm

      OK OK sure its a real cool idea……..I just don’t have any idea where we could field test it in the real world?????? (light bulb) I know where we could test it !!!!!

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • what4
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 7:42pm

      What a wast of time and money……really useless…POS. I bet it has a union card already!

      Report Post »  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 7:58pm

      Correct me if I’m wrong (have my Bible open to Revelation right now) but doesn’t Revelation speak of things like this plauging us in the end times?

      My Sacred Honor  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 8:00pm

      Creestof
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 6:49pm
      We already have a high speed weapon our military uses to catch fleeing suspects, it’s called a “.308.”

      lol, no, “.223 cal“ or ”5.56mm” same same with a LOT of grains and accuracy!

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • TexasCommonSense
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 8:08pm

      They say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. These engineers did a great job imitating God’s work.

      Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
    • TexasCommonSense
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 8:11pm

      My Sacred Honor, isn’t the .308, or 7.62×51, still in use? It’s much more lethal than a 5.56. Much harder on the shoulder though.

      Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
    • sleazyhippo
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 8:57pm

      MAM, this is just a foolish fable. You of course believe everything on line that is negative about USA.

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • sleazyhippo
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 9:07pm

      It would be easy to test this at pre-med schools. The cheetah could chase down anyone who is slow in paying their dues. (You need to pay at 70 plus MPH to be safe.)

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 9:25pm

      @My Sacred Honor

      Yes, the book of Revelation does give a description of some kind of insect like machine; again though it is open to interpretation as to exactly what it could be.

      In the case of this Cheetah, I could see such a device being used in the roll of fast recon sweeps to find out and confirm the locations of hostiles, and non combatants as well as for say civillian uses in the area of wilderness search and rescue to locate lost people.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Templar Knight
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 9:33pm

      Reminds me of the Gecko in Metal Gear Solid 4. Would be interesting to see how they could apply this type of technology to tanks or any other armored device. Might make it more mobile but with less armor. Could replace the Bradley perhaps.

      Report Post » Huguenot Descendant  
    • Creestof
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 9:33pm

      I hear the cheetah was not their first choice of design. Originally they chose the shape of a shhep…but them darn Southern boys wouldn’t leave it alone.

      Now, if this is to be deployed in the Middle East…shouldn’t they go for the shape of a goat?

      Report Post »  
    • Creestof
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 9:36pm

      By the way, the speed of a cheetah is blown way out of proportion, as is proven in this video:
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMwefq1ZtNI

      Report Post »  
    • thejackal
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 9:45pm

      @ In my sacred honor;
      Actualy the military does use the .308 in it’s sinper rifles and medium duty machine guns. The 5.56 is the round of the M-15, M-4 and SAW or Squad Automatic Weapon. The .223 Remington and 5.56mm are not the same rounds and are not interchangeable. The 5.56 has a longer ‘throat’ and is capable of withstanding much higher pressures, also breeches chambered for .223 do not chamber 5.56mm perfectly all the time. Although many rounds maybe fired withour failure one may occur. Don’t believe me ask another gunsmith. You can chamber .223 in a gun chambered for 5.56 NATO but you CAN”T (or shouldn’t) fire 5.56 NATO in a gun chambered for .223 Rem. For your safety.

      Report Post » thejackal  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 11:22pm

      Transformers!

      More than meets the eye!

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • jbl8199
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 11:24pm

      Transformers anyone? Brings to mind the old saying “What once was science fiction will soon become science fact”.

      Report Post » jbl8199  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 12:11am

      That’s what they are going to send to your houses to get your guns!!! http://wp.me/pYLB7-H6

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 12:48am

      TexasCommonSense
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 8:11pm
      My Sacred Honor, isn’t the .308, or 7.62×51, still in use? It’s much more lethal than a 5.56. Much harder on the shoulder though.

      The 7.62 round was a heavier and more leathal round, but in combat there is a rule. Kill one, take one out. Injure one and it takes 1-2 to carry him out. Smaller round=less kills and more injury, thus taking more out in a small battle. Besides, the .223 is much more accurate and less likely to jam, making the U.S. service rifle much more combat effective.

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 12:51am

      Creestof
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 9:33pm
      I hear the cheetah was not their first choice of design. Originally they chose the shape of a shhep…but them darn Southern boys wouldn’t leave it alone.

      Now wait just a gol-darn minute. I’m a Georgia boy, and I’ll be DARNED if I let you talk about my sheep like that!
      lol
      And also concerning the 7.62, it is still used in the SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) that is the light machine gun used in a squad formation for suppressing fire, mainly.

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 12:55am

      “thejackal
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 9:45pm
      @ In my sacred honor;
      Actualy the military does use the .308 in it’s sinper rifles and medium duty machine guns. The 5.56 is the round of the M-15, M-4 and SAW or Squad Automatic Weapon. The .223 Remington and 5.56mm are not the same rounds and are not interchangeable. The 5.56 has a longer ‘throat’ and is capable of withstanding much higher pressures, also breeches chambered for .223 do not chamber 5.56mm perfectly all the time. Although many rounds maybe fired withour failure one may occur. Don’t believe me ask another gunsmith. You can chamber .223 in a gun chambered for 5.56 NATO but you CAN”T (or shouldn’t) fire 5.56 NATO in a gun chambered for .223 Rem. For your safety.”

      “Preciate that, I didn’t know. I was only stating what I learned on the rifle range in Parris Island back in 1992. Is it different now, or did I just misunderstand? Seems like they said it was a .223, but is converted, size-wise to a 5.56 as same-same round.

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 1:02am

      “thejackal
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 9:45pm
      @ In my sacred honor;
      Actualy the military does use the .308 in it’s sinper rifles and medium duty machine guns. The 5.56 is the round of the M-15, M-4 and SAW or Squad Automatic Weapon. The .223 Remington and 5.56mm are not the same rounds and are not interchangeable. The 5.56 has a longer ‘throat’ and is capable of withstanding much higher pressures, also breeches chambered for .223 do not chamber 5.56mm perfectly all the time.”

      Yeah, and you and i both know that a .223 round, with but just a BIT of obstruction (sand, carbon build up, etc) will cause a misfeed in an M-16. Got out in ‘98 so I don’t know the performance of the M-4, but the bolt housing group looked the sameto me when I got to see one.
      It’s why I always said, in combat, first thing I will do is lose my M-16 and pick up an AK.
      You could take a dump in the bolt of an AK and it will never stop firing downrange.

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 1:20am

      Does it get a headache?

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 1:26am

      @13th ~
      Excellent!

      @Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 9:25pm
      In the case of this Cheetah, I could see such a device being used in the roll of fast recon sweeps to find out and confirm the locations of hostiles, and non combatants as well as for say civillian uses in the area of wilderness search and rescue to locate lost people.
      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
      What about usurpers?

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 1:34am

      @My Sacred Honor ~
      Will you be my sniper?

      I can speak “mechanics,” automobile repair,“ ”plumbing,“ ”tools,“ and ”wood refinishing ,” but I don’t speak “guns” at all.

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 1:49am

      “As the Mail points out, the Department of Defense isn’t quite sure what purpose the machine will serve yet, which raises some questions about its necessity.”

      Anything to break the private sector, eh? Just another form of the Cloward and Piven strategy.

      Report Post »  
    • OKRazorback
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 4:31am

      Creestof
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 9:33pm
      I hear the cheetah was not their first choice of design. Originally they chose the shape of a shhep…but them darn Southern boys wouldn’t leave it alone.
      Now, if this is to be deployed in the Middle East…shouldn’t they go for the shape of a goat?

      Okrazorback
      Ummmm…. Aren’t we suppose to be on the same side here Creestof? Why the low blow to us Southern Gentlemen? Now if you would pardon me, Molly is calling for Daaaaddddyyyy.

      Report Post »  
    • Armed Patriot
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:40am

      Scary stuff. Havent these guys seen Terminator??? Yet they continue to build.

      Report Post » Armed Patriot  
    • Categorical_Imperative
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 7:58am

      This sucks. Our enemies are busy trying to gain technology like this and our predator drones. Not only will they one day achieve it, they will improve upon it. Why? Because we cannot fathom their desire to do ill. All they think about is death and destruction. Meanwhile in America we hope that one day these drones will mow our grass or pick up around our houses. And when they finally are used against us in such creatively menacing ways we will cry fowl, but it will be futile because we used them first. The deployment of drones are soooooo dangerous!

      Report Post » Categorical_Imperative  
    • jimmythebullet
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 8:02am

      MY SACRED HONOR-
      you are spot-on about the AK.without giving “big sis” too much info-as i was putting my “cache” together,i had a decision to make.it took me all of ten seconds to decide on two AK’s for the price of one .223/.556.i got a norinco sporter and a yugo for less than $1100.they aren’t as accurate (a couple inches at 100yds),especially at longer distances (that’s what my .308 is for),as the .223/.556 but there are few weapons that can take so much abuse.i’ll sacrifice a couple inches of accuracy for extreme reliability.besides,it’s an assault weapon not a rifle.(designed for 100yds or less duty)
      i took the norinco,and a 1000rds,with me to visit family in tenn. recently.i wanted to test the ability to withstand abuse for myself.i had a wide variety of ammo,also,just to see if it had any “prejudices”.i went through 7-800rds (pre-loaded drums and doubled up 40 rounders) in rapid fire fashion and didn’t miss a beat,NOT ONE!

      Report Post » jimmythebullet  
    • Cobra Blue
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 9:00am

      MySacredHonor

      Military grade 7.62 x 54R (M44) has a really big kick, but covers 1,000 yds PDQ. Little shoulder pain (butt pad recommended), but a whole lot of damage gain. Lock and load.

      Report Post »  
    • RoguePatriot
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 9:21am

      Actually they are now making a m-4 that uses the .308 round, they are also doing it int he civilian ar-15!

      Report Post » RoguePatriot  
    • Uncle Crusty
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 10:17am

      The rise of the machine, made to chase you down!

      Report Post »  
    • MontanaRob
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 10:27am

      On the ammunition use route, yes, the 5.56(.223) is the most commonly used caliber and available in at least 4 variations to our forces and many times that for the rest of us. From 32 to 80 grains at least.

      The 7.62(.308)round was primarily used in sniper rifles for the last 5 decades but the Marines pulled all their old M14s out and have been using them as they needed a more potent round at longer distances. The terrain and fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq is vastly different than the closer encounters experienced in the more foliated battle zones in Southeast Asia.
      Now, snipers are rapidly moving to the .338 Lapua to gain another 400 to 600 yards of effective range over the .308. More if a really good shooter is behind the stock. I recently had the opportunity to fire an $11,000 .338 belonging to an instructor I shoot with on occasion. I have never really thought the .308 all that punishing, but the .338 WILL make you take notice! Likely on the other end as well.

      If I remember correctly, last year a British SAS sniper nailed a Taliban at more than 1600 meters with their version chambered in .338. Talk about reaching out and touching someone!

      Report Post » MontanaRob  
    • weeblewacker1
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 10:28am

      @Creestof: the .308 is mostly gone from u.s.forces,it is used in some sniper rifles,and i do believe,in some light M.G.S,but not so much for the average grunt or ground-pounder.the .223 or if you wish,NATO 5.56 round is the “general-purpose” one.there must be some-one in here that can clear it up if i am wrong.

      Report Post »  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 10:35am

      It really looks like one of the Voltron Lions.

      And I’ll form, THE HEAD!

      GO VOLTRON FORCE!!!

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • hickoryrat
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 11:24am

      @mysacredhonor
      I fully agree with you.The best assault rifle today is still the ak47.
      This rifle is built to be used with a minimum of maint. Issue it to any troop and even if they don’t clean it it will take a licking and keep on ticking.

      Report Post »  
    • JGP
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 11:25am

      Could they make it in the shape of a pig?

      Report Post »  
    • ishka4me
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 11:51am

      you laugh about doing windows, new robot that does do windows is ready to knock city window cleaners out of business.

      Report Post »  
    • SavingtheRepublic.com
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 1:52pm

      Cyberdine Systems Model T-100C

      Report Post » SavingtheRepublic.com  
    • Theleftisda
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 2:22pm

      @My Sacred Honor
      M107 .50 Caliber Long Range Sniper Rifle (LRSR) W/heat seeking rounds
      is now the primary sniper rifle.
      .50 Browning Machine Gun (12.7 x 99 mm) rounds
      recorded kills at 1.47 miles

      Report Post » Theleftisda  
    • Clive
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 2:46pm

      i think we can all support military robot attack cats.

      Report Post »  
    • Outland9
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 4:20pm

      Let me guess, they’ll (Cheeta) will be automated – able to be controlled by single or few people and able to hunt down right wing tea party, anti-tax, anti-union protesters without question? Nothing to worry about – remain calm.

      Report Post » Outland9  
    • Paul -Indiana
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 8:16pm

      Where is ‘Dog’ the bounty hunter when we need him?

      Report Post »  
    • GOTAREVOLUTION
      Posted on February 28, 2011 at 10:46pm

      We should make them look like pigs and mount mini guns in there snouts. Imagine 1000
      of these suckers let loose shooting bacon bullets as they tear across the mid east.

      Report Post »  

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