Frequently Asked Questions
Why a shotgun (and variations on why not a laser, missile, etc)?
It is easier to hit a moving target with a shotgun than a rifle.
Shotguns are pointed, not aimed, and do not require the precision of a direct hit required for other weapons. From pulling the trigger of an RPG-7 until impact can be a very, very short period of time. Why fire a small individual projectile at a small, fast and gyrating target when one can fire a very dense cloud of solid projectiles to envelope the target? The detection and tracking systems are absolute marvels of technology. The current selection of weapons attached to them, however, are impractical, overly complex, and too expensive for general use (Some costing a hundred thousand dollars for a single shot).
How do you detect someone shooting at you and react fast enough?
Current detection and tracking systems utilize visual flash, radar and
thermal-type detectors, as well as acoustic/pressure detectors, and
can detect the launch and/or boost ignition of RPG rockets almost
instantly. Various wavelength radars work in conjunction with this
to track the rocket (a passive/active type system). The tracking
software uses this data to create projected flight path and time for
the RPG. This is all done within milliseconds. Since the SSgn weapon
and high speed mount are electronically controlled, it is a
relatively simple matter to have the software swing the gun and
begin firing. Since it is a shotgun, shooting an expanding pattern
of shot, we only have to be approximate in our aim. We are literally
filling the corridor the rocket flies through with destructive shot.
A shotgun cannot shoot very far.
That is why it is perfect for this job, where time is short and the
targets are very close. It can shoot far enough to kill an incoming
warhead, but not so far as to take out friendly troops 200 meters
down range, everyone in the building behind the RPG shooter, or much
of anything else beyond a 150 meters or so. There are variables to
consider, but in general it is a safe weapon.
Shotgun? A RPG is not a fowl, they're metal.
Well, you got us there. Ducks don't blow up when they are hit or trail smoke plumes (very often). The SSgn isn't like any shotgun ever built, and yes, firing over 3 pounds (1.5 kilos) of Tungsten matrix per second of trigger pull can put a world of hurt upon a sheet metal PG-7 rocket.
Let's do some math:
1 5/8 ounce shot (1.625oz) per round times 33.3 rounds fired
per second (2,000 rpm/60 sec =
33.3) is 54.16 ounces of shot or 3.385 pounds. Or 23,695
grains. Or equal to 161 rounds of 7.62X51
Ball ammunition. And 1
5/8 ounce loads are not maximum for a 3 ½ inch 12 gauge,
either.
A quick example of high-volume fire damage potential is the American 180
.22 Long Rifle machine gun. A popular demonstration done with the
American 180 involved blowing holes in cinder block walls. It is not
the individual .22LR round, but the effect of many of them very
quickly. Mass over time. More mass, less time. Now imagine a 3 ½
inch long 12 gauge fired twice as fast as the American 180.
A 40 grain 22 bullet weight verses a 700 grain 12 gauge load
of projectiles.
So this is for tank defense?
It is not just for tanks and armored vehicles. We believe it should be
mounted on anything from HMMWV's to bunkers. Fixed positions around
high value targets, like embassies, even helicopters. Small and
economical means it is suitable for more than just high-value asset
defense. It is designed to defend all of our troops and assets.
I've seen full auto shotguns and they can't shoot that fast or hold that
many shells.
The SSgn shotgun is unlike any other shotgun before it.
First, the SSgn's action does not reciprocate. It has a rotary action and
electric motors, which is much faster. Second, the gun is belt fed,
so we are not limited to a tube, drum, or magazine of ammunition, we
can string hundreds or more rounds per belt.
So the SSgn is like a 12 gauge Gatling (Mini) gun?
No, that design will not work. The barrel rotation will sling the shot as
it exits the barrel, for one thing. For another, the Gatling is
still linear, because it must delink the rounds and shove them into
the chamber to fire, actions which are not conducive to using
plastic hulls.
So how does it work?
Without going into too much detail, imagine two fluted cylinders rotating
against each other, side by side. Where they touch they form a
chamber that aligns with the barrel. Speed (RPM) is primarily
limited by the lock time and chamber pressure drop as the
projectiles leave the barrel. Spinning the cylinders with motors
pulls the belted rounds through. The shells fire while in the belt,
and the empties are discharged out the other side. Our initial
weapon designs ran about 1,000rpm. Several improvements have since
raised this to 2,000+rpm. Only testing will reveal optimum, but it
will be a user controllable RPM, specific for the mission and
target.
When can we see this gun shoot?
The first gun has been fired and proven the concept. Components for the
Mark I version are being assembled now. We expect to be powered and
firing at very high RPM by June 2008. We plan on making some quality
videos first and putting them up on this site during summer 2008.
Limited live fire demonstrations will be scheduled.
What about the SShh cartridges?
Not forgotten, just behind schedule, given our limited resources. With a
choice between the SShh, a very cool and practical project, and the
SSgn, something which we believe can change tactics as well as
military doctrine, we chose to push the SSgn.
We will post a short video of the SShh prototype cartridges
in operation shortly.
Who can buy one of these guns, how much, and when?
All NFA/AECA rules apply. Price is estimated right now to be not much more than a 7.62X51 GPMG. Our current schedule is for initial customer deliveries to begin in July 2010. We do have plans for a non-NFA version for sporting purposes at some point in the future.
What does the weapon do to up close targets?
Similar in effect to a Claymore mine, it is absolutely devastating to
targets. In fact, autonomous operation of a SSgn tied into a
PSR-type system (Perimeter Surveillance Radar) can be used to
replace some minefields, among other innovative applications for
this gun.
What else can you shoot with this weapon?
We will be test firing the SSgn against numerous artillery fuzes, rocket
bodies, etc, in addition to most soft targets under a few hundred
meters away (vertical and horizontal).
Remember, we are using 3 ½ inch 12 gauge shells, which are
nominally 18.5mm or .73 caliber. These are big shells that can hold
a wide range of projectiles, bird shot, slugs, sabots, flechettes,
HE, flares; the list is endless. Plus, twin guns in one mount offers
even more target opportunities. Finding the right projectile and
powder load combination and in-belt combinations determines what we
can shoot. Inside 100 meters all but the toughest materials can be
engaged successfully given the proper shells.
Collateral damage and friendly fire issues.
Billions are spent on smart weapon technologies. This is not just so we
can hit the target for maximum effect, but to minimize the weapon's
effect on everything else that is not the target. Collateral damage
is a big issue these days. With guns, especially machine guns, lots
of munitions go down range, and where they stop, we often do not
know. Some bullets can travel for miles and remain lethal. Or pass
through an intended target and destroy whatever is behind it. The
SSgn is as close as we can come right now to a specific range
controllable projectile gun. That is, we can control how far it
shoots projectiles with lethality. And we can do this today without
dreamy science fiction technology.