Recently, Mohou.com learned that some groups are designing 3D printed weapons capable of launching explosive charges. This new tier of weapons appears to be in its infancy, but could develop into something more practical and dangerous. A recent report from Vice highlighted attempts by several individuals and groups to use 3D printing technology to create cheap and effective rocket launchers and grenades. So far, these designs have not proliferated, let alone appeared in conflict zones, but they are making steady progress.
A company called D&S Creations recently posted a video on YouTube showing their attempt to recreate the AT-4 anti-tank recoilless rocket launcher. Designers have successfully 3D printed explosive bullets capable of disabling tanks, but are still far from being able to get 3D printed launchers to fire these bullets accurately and safely.
Early tests required a wire attached to the launcher to guide the rocket to its target, and even that didn’t stop it from flying off randomly. Additionally, safety concerns forced the designers to trigger the launcher remotely, which proved necessary when it exploded during a test.
However, D&S claims to have also developed a very viable anti-tank missile design that could theoretically be used by drones. One team member suggested the government could use them to make cheaper munitions or help Ukrainian forces fight a Russian invasion.
However, unlike some groups that have released plans for 3D printed weapons, D&S does not plan to make all of its work public. The group’s tests used ammunition legal under ATF regulations, and the core design components will remain proprietary.
Another hobbyist attempted to 3D print several models of rocket launchers, including the M202 FLASH, used by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1985 film Commando. A YouTube video shows that the “replica” version of the M202 eventually reached a degree considerable range and accuracy, but the designers kept the payload of its ammunition within the law.
There are fears that 3D printed anti-armor weapons could fall into war zones or into the hands of criminals, but this does not appear to be happening yet. Armed Mexican drug cartels have begun using improvised grenade launchers and armed drones, but the ATF has yet to find 3D printers in their clandestine factories. Additionally, weapons made with 3D printers have appeared in the hands of rebel fighters in Myanmar, but so far no working missile launchers have been found.
source:cnBeta
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