http://www.gizmag.com Metal Storm has been granted another round of patents and one in particular has important implications for the future of minefields. The company’s weapon technology functions somewhat like an inkjet printer, using computer-controlled electronic ignition and a system of stacked projectiles in multiple barrels. As each barrel can contain a variety of projectiles, it can fire a sensor from each of the barrels to cover an area with sensors. If any sensor is triggered, the barrel to which it belongs fires a subsequent explosive projectile to the exact same point. The system offers many advantages, including the ability to be switched off leaving no explosive ordnance remaining in the area that had been protected. With landmines being one of the most dreadful and enduring legacies of war, it’s an enormous shame that only one side will be using Metal Storm, as it represents a potential solution to the deployment of this insidious device. en gizmag.com http://www.gizmag.com/metal-storms-virtual-minefield-gets-a-patent/13986/#comment-27244 http://www.gizmag.com/metal-storms-virtual-minefield-gets-a-patent/13986/#comment-27244 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 23:04:31 -0500 http://www.gizmag.com/metal-storms-virtual-minefield-gets-a-patent/13986/#comment-20266 http://www.gizmag.com/metal-storms-virtual-minefield-gets-a-patent/13986/#comment-20266 Sat, 17 Apr 2010 14:13:33 -0500 http://www.gizmag.com/metal-storms-virtual-minefield-gets-a-patent/13986/#comment-14335 http://www.gizmag.com/metal-storms-virtual-minefield-gets-a-patent/13986/#comment-14335 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:36:05 -0600