Chinese Scientists Developed ‘Recoilless AK-47’ : A Lightweight Firearm Revolutionizing Drone Warfare

Chinese scientists have achieved a groundbreaking innovation in unmanned warfare with the development of a specialized firearm designed for drones. Dubbed the "recoilless AK-47," this advanced weapon combines the firepower of a traditional automatic rifle with almost no recoil, enabling even lightweight drones to wield it effectively. This leap in technology not only redefines the capabilities of unmanned systems but also raises new questions about the future of warfare.

A New Kind of Firepower for Drones

The firearm, developed by a team led by Professor Liu Pengzhan at North University of China, uses 7.62mm caliber bullets—the same as the legendary AK-47. These bullets reach velocities of 740 to 900 meters per second (2,427 to 2,952 feet per second) just 10 meters from the muzzle, ensuring the same level of destructive power.

What sets this rifle apart, however, is its almost negligible recoil. Described by the researchers as being "as mild as tapping a keyboard," the minimal recoil allows even consumer drones or toy robotic dogs to fire the weapon with precision.

Previously, drones in conflict zones like Ukraine have been limited to dropping explosives, as traditional firearms' recoil disrupts their stability. This new weapon changes the game, offering unprecedented accuracy and versatility for lightweight unmanned platforms.

Engineering the Recoilless Design

The key innovation lies in the weapon's design. The researchers discovered that by drilling a carefully placed vent hole in the barrel, they could channel the shockwave from the gunpowder explosion away from the firearm. To ensure the bullet retained its speed and trajectory, the team also developed a novel bullet featuring a high-strength membrane at its rear and an embedded electromagnetic induction chip.

When fired, the chip triggers the explosive, propelling the bullet forward. The pressure buildup eventually bursts the membrane, and the gas vents through the drilled hole. This mechanism eliminates recoil while maintaining high muzzle velocity, ensuring the gun's effectiveness.

Simplicity Meets Sophistication

Despite its advanced capabilities, the gun's design is straightforward and cost-effective. It uses a coil inside the barrel to activate the bullet’s chip, protected by a ceramic layer that withstands high temperatures and pressures. The rifle was successfully tested, with its recoil measuring just 1.8cm of swing when fired in mid-air, a negligible amount compared to conventional firearms.

Implications and Concerns

This innovation demonstrates China’s growing expertise in dual-use technologies—those that serve both civilian and military purposes. The North University of China, known for its defense-related research, collaborated with military industrial enterprises to bring this project to fruition. The results were recently published in the peer-reviewed journal Acta Armamentarii.

China’s advancements in drone-mounted weaponry have sparked debates about the ethical implications of such technologies. In 2016 and again in 2021, China advocated at the United Nations to ban the weaponization of drones, but these motions were vetoed by the United States and Russia. Despite this, Beijing has pressed forward, recently adding certain dual-use drone technologies to its export control list to prevent misuse by other nations.

The Future of Drone Warfare

The development of this recoilless rifle signals a shift in modern combat strategies. By equipping lightweight drones with firearms capable of precision shooting, China has expanded the potential applications of unmanned systems. These innovations could redefine aerial combat, surveillance, and ground support roles in future conflicts.

While the technology is still in its early stages, the simplicity of its design suggests it could soon be widely deployed. As countries continue to explore the militarization of drones, China’s recoilless AK-47 might set a new standard for unmanned warfare.