The DREAD gun sounds very Star Trekie... in a good way. However, if it's electric it must have power - #1, and #2, what about EMP. An EMP device would be the logical counter device to this weapon. EMP damages electronics, i.e. things with computer chips in them. Electrical devices, like mom's mix master and dad's electric drill, will continue to operate. The Soviets designed against EMP by using old-fashioned tube electronics in their aircraft. Apparently EMP is a threat to the very small circuits of computer chips, bulkier devices can withstand them.
The concept of recoil-less is interesting, but doesn't make sense. It can only be discussed in the terms of the reaction generated by a conventional weapon's impulse that is used for the weapon and chamber the next round. The recoil you feel is dependent on the weapon design but can never be less than the energy of the round. Every action has an equal reaction. If you expel mass the recoil is equal to the mass expelled times the square of its velocity.
This uses a centrifuge, not propellant. Think of a rotary engine over a piston engine. I would imagine that an EMP device could take out this device because the article talked about it being programmable. It also talked about setting it up in an automatic mode. EMP could take out the sensors. Unless they put in hardened chips - which is not that hard to do, just more research time. You may not run out of ammo very often... but what about batteries? I'm betting this system is pretty demanding on power. Setting up a base defense or putting the Dread on a vehicle is great... until the base generator gets knocked out or the vehicle battery goes flat.
As I understand the devise, there IS RECOIL but not in the conventional sense. As the (already energized projectiles) depart the weapon, the opposite reaction is transmitted to the power driving unit which would exhibit a rotational reduction (recoil) for the exact moment of the departure. Which is so small that it would be insignificant. As the Electronics, they can be BY PASSED at anytime and allow manual operation. The motor, well that would not be affected by an EMP.
The DREAD does have recoil but not in the conventional sense. Prior to the projectiles being released, they are already energized and once departed; the opposite force is transmitted to the rotational power drive which exhibits a minute rotational reduction. Totally insignificant. The programmable fire control system can be disabled anytime and the weapon operated manually. The Electric motor is not affected by any EMP saturation.
The rates of fire mentioned, must be put into context, like the M16 for example, which has a rate of fire of 700/800 rounds per minute but does not necessarily mean the soldier is going to accomplish that. His magazine capacity is only 30 rounds. Should he fire and empty the entire clip, the rate of discharge is measured in rounds per minute, meaning the weapon's cyclic rate.
This is a very interesting concept of a weapon. However it simply isn't possible according to physics. How can a 50 cal. weapon fired at 8,000 fps. Not have recoil? As, explained it must according to science. Also, no heat due to no friction, yet more accurate than today's sniper rifles? A projectile must spin through the air and be tapered to be accurate, not lobbed and shaped like a golf ball. This is why you're BB gun shot where it wanted to and grandpa didn't make thousand yard shots with his musket.
