Sometimes bigger guns are not the best. Especially when you need to take down very small targets.

The Oerlikon Millennium Gun, or Rheinmetall GDM-008. Image credit Rheinmetall – The integrated technology group (still image from the YouTube video)

Modern military is rapidly moving towards a widespread use of combat drones. These drones are getting smaller, faster, smarter – with all these factors leading to their superior survivability compared to nearly any larger aircraft.

However, defense platforms are also adapting to this threat. So-called close-in weapon systems are being designed specifically with aim to counter small fast-moving targets, including UAVs and missiles. The latest models of this kind use a clever approach which greatly increases the threat elimination efficiency: instead of firing simple rounds, they attack using unusual shells carrying a bunch of small 2-4 gram tungsten projectiles packed inside.

Why these small projectiles are so effective? Usually they are fired using external fire-control systems which automatically measure velocity of each round at the muzzle end of the barrel, and sets the detonation timer for release at a certain distance from the target.

A single and relatively light tungsten ball probably wouldn’t scare adversaries; but when they are released in hundreds and thousands, damage accumulates quickly enough over a large area, destroying wings, control surfaces, sensors and aerodynamics.

The following video illustrates the operation of one such system, Rheinmetall Oerlikon Millennium Gun. Its rounds pack 152 projectiles each weighing 3.3 grams, is able to ‘cough’ 1000 rounds per minute, and achieves effective firing range of up to 5,000 meters. Scary, isn’t it?

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