Future Weapons

The XM25 Advanced Airburst Weapon System is starting to see its first field trials. This is an entire new class of weapon in the sense that it can hit a target around a corner, in caves or trenches, even if they're out of the soldier's line of sight.

It takes the concept of a grenade launcher and adds some technology to it. The design allows for a soldier to program the 25mm round with a laser range finder, to detonate at a precise point in the air. No impact is needed with this weapon and that is what gives the XM25 its lethality.

"For example, in Iraq we had many instances where there was a sniper firing from a rooftop and you have a squad trying to engage that target, but the soldiers couldn't get to him with the weapons they had, so they'd call in the Air Force to drop a JDAM (joint direct attack munition)," said Audette. "We can take out the target at $25 per XM round as opposed to a $20,000 to $50,000 JDAM."

With a range of 750 meters — nearly half a mile — the XM-25 would also be very effective in Afghanistan, where Taliban fighters often hide behind rocks and in caves.

In addition to precision-timed grenades, the gun is also built to fire armor-piercing, door-breaching, anti-personnel and less-than-lethal rounds.

I'm still thinking that a side arm would be necessary with this weapon.