China develops recoil-free AK-47 for drones to advance unmanned warfare

Chinese scientists have developed an automatic rifle designed for drones, advancing unmanned warfare technology. The weapon fires 7.62mm bullets like the AK-47, with a velocity of 740 to 900 meters per second (2,427 to 2,952 feet per second) at 10 meters, matching the AK-47’s power.

The key innovation of this weapon is its nearly nonexistent recoil, described as being as light as tapping a keyboard. This allows even consumer drones or toy robotic dogs to handle and fire the gun with ease, according to the project’s scientists and engineers.

From grenade-dropping to precision shooting

Small drones have been limited to dropping grenades or mortar shells on battlefields like those in Ukraine. Even advanced unmanned platforms and heavily modified drones struggle to manage the recoil of machine guns, reducing their accuracy and flexibility. A new rifle designed by Professor Liu Pengzhan’s team at North University of China’s school of mechanical and electrical engineering aims to address these issues, the South China Morning Post reported.

By drilling a hole at the rear of the gun barrel, the team found they could release the gas shock wave from the gunpowder explosion. To maintain the bullet’s speed, they developed a new design with a high-strength seal at the back and an electromagnetic induction chip inside.

When the firing command is given, the chip ignites the explosive, launching the bullet. As pressure rises, it breaks the membrane and vents through the hole, reducing recoil and maintaining high muzzle velocity.

According to the researchers, the gun features a simple structure and low manufacturing cost, requiring only a coil in the barrel to detonate the chip, which is protected by a layer of high-temperature and high-pressure-resistant ceramic.

New weapon design passes multiple tests

The new weapon design, developed by a team at North University of China with input from military engineers, has proven effective in multiple tests. The project details were published this month in Acta Armamentarii, a peer-reviewed academic journal, where Liu’s team confirmed the design’s success in overcoming key challenges in unmanned warfare.

During the trials, the rifle was suspended in the air and fired, with its front-to-back swing measuring only 1.8cm, demonstrating its minimal recoil.

China has gained a significant advantage through its industrial capacity in developing such weapons. However, in response to growing concerns over the potential misuse of its innovations and products, Beijing recently added dual-use drone products and related technologies to its export control list.

Furthermore, the North University of China has proven to be a pivotal research institution in crafting such advanced weapon designs, with the collaboration between the university’s academic experts and engineers from various Chinese military industrial enterprises playing a key role in advancing its arms industry.