Information on Military Weapons

Rifles

• Early rifles were little more than miniature cannons. These early weapons were inaccurate and slow to reload. Modern military rifles such as the M16 have capitalized on improvements in ammunition design to become the most widely used weapons in the world. Colt firearms, which makes the M16, says that the weapon can fire 700 to 950 rounds per minute.

Submachine Guns

• The submachine gun was designed during World War I. Although it was originally intended for use on aircraft, the weapon was adapted for use by infantry forces. This is a lightweight weapon capable of delivering rapid, automatic fire. A modern example is the Heckler &Koch MP5, which elite U.S. forces such as the Navy Seals use.

Machine Guns

• A machine gun typically fires ammunition from a belt, which allows it to achieve a high rate of fire. Armystudyguide.com states that the M60 machine gun, used by every branch of the U.S. military, can fire 550 rounds per minute. It has been in service since 1957.

Explosives

• Military forces use explosive devices to fulfill many roles on the battlefield. Fragmentation grenades use a small explosive charge to expel shrapnel in all directions. Land mines use pressure plates as detonation switches and send shrapnel toward whatever triggered it. Troops use C-4, a military-grade plastic explosive, for tasks such as breaching reinforced doors.

Anti-Tank Weapons

• The military uses the Dragon Weapon System to destroy tanks and other armored vehicles. It fires a projectile that troops can guide into the target, making it more effective than other shoulder-fired rockets.