From the old planes in World War I to today’s fast, high-tech jets, speed has been key in air wars. Simple early planes like the German Fokker D.VII and the SPAD from France did not go faster than 135 mph. By World War II, metal planes often hit 450 mph. Now, jets can pass 1,000 mph with ease, and some test the edges of what people and planes can handle.

So why are fighter jets so hot? It’s a mix of aerodynamic design, raw power under the hood, and ideal altitude. Streamlined bodies, swept wings, and low drag allow these aircraft to slice through the air like razors. Mammoth engines—usually boosted with afterburners—give the power to blast through the sound barrier. The higher you go, the thinner the air gets, and the more resistant you become, which means still higher speeds. But raw power isn’t sufficient—designers have to balance speed with agility, weight, and stability using exotic materials and innovative tricks such as variable-sweep wings to tweak performance.

Speed is most commonly expressed in terms of Mach numbers, the velocity of an aircraft divided by the speed of sound. At sea level, Mach 1 is approximately 767 mph, although the figure varies with temperature and altitude. Supersonic flight (anything above Mach 1) presents unusual problems, from ear-shattering sonic booms to enormous aerodynamic forces. Most contemporary fighters cruise between Mach 1 and Mach 2.5, but a privileged few have gone way beyond.

Here’s a countdown of the top 10 fastest operational fighter planes ever.

10. McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

Cold War icon with top speed of Mach 2.23 (1,470 mph), this adaptable plane set the standard for multi-role fighters.

9. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor

America’s stealthy air-dominance fighter, Mach 2.25 (1,500 mph) and sustained supersonic speed without afterburners.

8. IAI Kfir

An Israeli mix of Mirage styling and American engines, the Kfir has a Mach 2.3 capability and is valued for its quickness.

7. MiG-29 Fulcrum

This Soviet-era dog-fighting champion achieves Mach 2.3, with wonderful thrust-to-weight for combat at close range.

6. Grumman F-14 Tomcat

Star of Top Gun, flying to Mach 2.34 (1,544 mph), employed swing wings to perform from slow carrier landings to high-speed intercepts.

5. MiG-23 Flogger

Variable-sweep wing Mach 2.35 interceptor with a snappy engine, just as good at ground attack.

4. Sukhoi Su-27 Family

Such as the Su-30, Su-34, and Su-35, these Russian aircraft are renowned for flight dexterity and are capable of reaching Mach 2.35.

3. F-15 Eagle

Reaching a high of Mach 2.5, the Eagle is still one of the greatest air combat machines ever constructed.

2. MiG-31 Foxhound

It’s optimized for long-range, high-altitude interception and can accelerate to Mach 2.83.

1. MiG-25 Foxbat

The speed champion of operational fighters is currently at Mach 3.2 (2,190 mph), designed to pursue the high-flying American bombers of the Cold War. Of course, these are all dwarfed by the NASA/USAF X-15, a rocket-engine-test plane from the 1960s that roared to Mach 6.72 (4,520 mph) and above 350,000 feet of altitude, charting hypersonic flight.

Commercial airliners cruise at about Mach 0.8 (615 mph), with now-retired Concorde reaching a high of Mach 2.04 (1,559 mph). Even Concorde was outperformed by military zoomers such as the SR-71 Blackbird (Mach 3.32).

Speed provides fighter pilots with more than mere bragging rights—it’s a tactical multiplier. Swift aircraft can close on the enemy, evade missiles, and reposition in a heartbeat. The F-15EX, for instance, marries scorching speed to a heavy weapons load, turning it into an interception behemoth. But traveling that fast has severe prices to pay: structural stress, blistering heat, and eye-watering fuel consumption. The SR-71 skin could reach temperatures of well over 600°F, while fuel consumption was in excess of 5,000 gallons per hour.

Looking forward to the future, the competition is on to create hypersonic fighters. Designs such as the American SR-72 Darkstar, Russia’s MiG-41, and mysterious Chinese undertakings are poised to surpass the Mach 5 limit for in-service combat aircraft. Whoever succeeds in that competition won’t simply be the master of the skies—they’ll redefine them.

The Montana-class battleships were the final great vision of a time when naval dominance was measured in terms of gargantuan armor belts and the thunder of enormous naval guns. They were planned as the ultimate advancement of U.S. battleship building, which was going to surpass even the great Iowa class in terms of protection and firepower. But as grand as their plans were, they never moved beyond blueprints, surpassed by a new vision of war.

A Break from the Shackles of Treaty Constraints

International naval treaties during most of the early 20th century controlled what battleships could and could not be—how much displacement, gun caliber, and armor they could have. The Montana class broke those restraints overboard. At 121 feet in beam, they were so broad they could not fit through the original Panama Canal locks, leading to plans for a new, wider set of locks to service them.

Planning commenced even prior to the entry of America into World War II, with Congress approving the first two ships in 1939. The design of Montana adopted the Navy’s traditional philosophy—maximum protection and maximum firepower—even if it cost it the speed characteristic of the Iowa class.

Armor: The Heaviest Ever on a U.S. Battleship

If they were constructed, the Montanas would have been the most armoured ships ever in the history of the U.S. Navy. Their armour was designed to brush aside the enormous 2,700-pound Mark 8 “superheavy” shells—ordnance more formidable than anything the Iowa or South Dakota class had been designed to meet.

They featured their principal armor belt, a whopping 16.1 inches in thickness, externally mounted and inclined at 19 degrees for added effective resistance. Below that, another armored belt protected against “diving shells”—armor-piercing shells with the ability to go underwater and hit beneath the waterline.

Above, the layered deck armor gave excellent protection against aerial attack. A 2.25-inch weather deck, a 7.05-inch main armor deck, and a splinter deck up to 1 inch thick together protected against plunging fire and armor-piercing bombs.

The turrets were just as effective—faces as much as 22.5 inches thick, three inches greater than the Iowas, with barbettes from 18 to 21.3 inches thick. No other American battleship design was comparable in terms of turret protection.

Built to Survive Underwater Assaults

Below the waterline, the Montana class had a four-layered torpedo defense system, with liquid-filled and air-filled compartments alternating in order to absorb and distribute explosive force from torpedoes or mines. The depth of this system was among the most well-thought-out for any battleship of the period—another testament to the philosophy of the class: to endure punishment and fight on.

The Montana class would have been a steel and firepower behemoth. But before war production priorities began turning towards aircraft carriers and fast battleships, their day had passed, leaving them as legends that never sailed.

More related images you may be interested in:

Picking the right gun for home safety and hidden carry isn’t just about getting one that “looks cool.” It’s more about weighing the tech specs, how well it works, and how it feels in your hand. The racks have many types, but only a few stand out as the best because they work well all the time, can do many things, and are easy to use.

Here’s a countdown of ten handguns—from solid classics to modern workhorses—that struck the sweet spot between tactical capability and everyday practicality.

10. Smith & Wesson J-Frame

An ageless revolver that’s worked its way into the world of defensive handguns. Small and snag-free owing to its enclosed hammer, it rides smoothly in a pocket or inside-the-waistband holster. Chambered in .357 Magnum for serious oomph, it’s also found in softer-recoiling .22 LR and .22 WMR variants. The double-action-only trigger isn’t light, but it’s more than sufficient at close range.

9. Stoeger STR-9

An affordable semi-auto that doesn’t have a cheap feel. The STR-9 series ranges from sub-compact to full size, with 10 to 20 round capacities. Solid ergonomics, clean sights, and a nice trigger make it a contender in the value field. Various bundles include added features such as enhanced sights and additional magazines.

8. Ruger MAX-9

This subcompact, optics-capable 9mm fills the gap between deep concealment and shootability. Its 3.2-inch barrel, sub-one-inch width, and 18.4-ounce weight make it simple to wear all day.

Fiber optic sights are included, and both 10- and 12-round magazines are in the box. The MAX-9 is dependable, accurate, and easy to learn for beginners.

7. Springfield Hellcat

Arguably one of the most ubiquitous micro-compacts today, the Hellcat synergizes great reliability with considerate features. It comes equipped with U-notch rear and tritium front sights, an Adaptive Grip texture, and capacities of 11 or 13 rounds. The RDP model includes a compensator to manage muzzle rise, and the Pro model expands capacity to 17 rounds.

6. Glock G43 / G43X

Slim, durable, and entirely reliable. The G43 is an ultra-slim six-round carry gun, and the G43X extends the grip to 10 rounds and improves control. MOS models are red-dot capable. Both models are simple to conceal, precise, and relied upon by concealed carriers everywhere.

5. Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield EZ

Designed specifically for shooters who have difficulty with gritty slides, the Shield EZ delivers. Its smooth-racking slide, mild recoil, and full-length grip on a thin frame make it extremely shootable. Firing 30 Super Carry with a 10-round magazine capacity, it also has a grip safety for further reassurance. 

4. Walther PPS M2

A skinny, comfortable 9mm single-stack. With a 6, 7, or 8-round magazine capacity, the PPS M2 is a snap to hide, yet has surprisingly good accuracy due to Walther’s grip and trigger being ergonomic and sharp. The good sights and slim profile make it an ideal choice for unobtrusive carry.

3. Mossberg MC2c / MC2sc

Mossberg’s subcompact and compact 9mm pistols hit all the right notes: lightweight, high capacity, decent ergonomics, and easy to maintain. The MC2c holds 16 rounds, the MC2sc holds 14, and both are available with or without manual safeties. Field-stripping is rapid and secure, and they’ve withstood rigorous testing.

2. Ruger SP101

A rugged revolver that’s designed to endure. Its stainless-steel frame, triple-locking cylinder, and caliber choices—.357 Magnum, .38 Special, and .327 Federal—make it capable and durable. The rubber grip moderates recoil, and the .327 model’s six-round capacity is a pleasant surprise for revolver enthusiasts.

1. Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0

At number one is this revised .380 Auto with its ultimate concealment goal in mind. Thin as a mere 0.88 inches and light at less than 10 ounces, it still provides the 10- or 12-round capacity. Improvements are made to the grip, improved slide serrations, trigger crispness, and a tritium front sight for low-light conditions. Used with quality defensive ammunition such as Speer Gold Dot, it’s a considerable little guardian.

Key Considerations for Choosing Your Handgun

• Caliber: 9mm reigns supreme for its blend of stopping power, capacity, and manageable recoil, but smaller calibers can be a better choice for recoil-prone shooters.
• Capacity vs. Comfort: Double-stacks carry more bullets but can be wider; single-stacks are narrower and simpler to conceal.
• Ergonomics: Texture and design of the grip, as well as features such as swappable backstraps, can significantly influence comfort and control.
• Safety Features: Choose between manual safeties, grip safeties, and internal safeties according to your comfort and training level.
• Reliability: The gun needs to cycle perfectly with your defensive ammo of choice—plain and simple.

Nothing takes the place of hands-on experience. Make your way to a range, try out various models, and go through them both with practice loads and defensive loads. A pistol that fits well, shoots true, and gives you confidence is worth many times more than the newest shiny release.

In the world of army guns, some guns get famous, while others work in the back but touch almost all that comes after. One such quiet leader is the AR-18—and its non-army twin, the AR-180. Often overshadowed by other well-known guns, this simple gun has shaped the way new guns are made in ways we still see today.

Once it sold the rights to the AR-15 and AR-10 to Colt, Armalite was stuck. The AR-15 was already far down the road to becoming the U.S. military standard-issue M16, and Armalite required something new to maintain traction.

That “something” was the AR-18, a select-fire rifle in 5.56mm, designed with ruggedness, low cost, and ease of production in mind—even for countries lacking access to sophisticated tooling. Its semi-auto counterpart, the AR-180, targeted the civilian marketplace.

What set the AR-18 apart wasn’t so much what it did, but how it did it. While the AR-15 relied on aluminum forgings and a direct impingement system, the AR-18 opted for stamped steel components and a short-stroke gas piston configuration. That choice wasn’t solely about price—it made the gun more durable against fouling and heat, particularly in extreme conditions. It was a purposeful move away from the heat-susceptible direct impingement system that critics tended to excoriate in the AR-15 design.

The production history of the AR-18 is nearly as fascinating as the rifle. Initially produced in Costa Mesa, California, the rifle’s production soon came overseas. Howa in Japan replaced it temporarily, but export controls put a stop to that in due time. Then, the majority of AR-18 and AR-180 manufacturing ended up in the UK, and Sterling Armaments spearheaded that. Both models had their idiosyncrasies: Sterling models, for instance, featured distinctive welds and hardware, and were painted black rather than anodized like their U.S. or Japanese counterparts.

All its intelligent design and firm performance aside, however, the AR-18 never quite gained traction in military use. Some limited numbers were taken on by a few forces, and they saw actual combat in situations such as Northern Ireland during the Troubles, even in the hands of the IRA. Its rugged, utilitarian design also made it one of the go-to options for certain law enforcement units—such as LAPD SWAT—particularly during high-profile sieges like the Symbionese Liberation Army standoff of the ’70s.

For the civilian shooter, the AR-180 had its drawbacks and advantages. It was well-behaved and reliable, but the folding stock wasn’t necessarily built to last, and the mags weren’t always available. Eventually, Armalite attempted to revive the design with the AR-180B, which added a polymer lower and compatibility with normal AR-15 mags. It made the gun easier to use, though some thought it sacrificed a little of the original’s rugged aesthetic. 

Where the AR-18 truly earns its place in history among firearms, however, is in what followed. Its internal mechanisms—such as the dual recoil spring system, stamped receiver design, and that always reliable short-stroke piston—have carried over into some of the most cutting-edge rifles used today.

Rifles such as the SIG MCX owe much of their internal configuration and operation to what the AR-18 innovated. The philosophy of rifle design that underlies the AR-18—keep it rugged, easy to manufacture, and easy to fix—has been something of a template for the 21st-century combat rifle.

More recently, the AR-18 spirit has been reanimated in the BRN-180 upper receiver, a contemporary interpretation intended to be used on standard AR-15 lowers. It retains the heart of the original—short-stroke piston, double recoil springs—but includes contemporary touches such as M-LOK handguards, adjustable gas blocks, and caliber options other than 5.56. And because the recoil system is contained, it doesn’t require a buffer tube, which means folding stocks are now an option, making it more convenient than ever for shooters today. 

Though the original AR-180s are collector items today, their legacy far from faded. The practical design of the rifle, focused on reliability and ahead-of-the-curve innovations, set the standard for hundreds of rifles to come.

To anyone who examines the history of military firearms or contemporary firearm evolution, the AR-18 is a case study of influence without renown. It didn’t receive large military contracts, but it gained the future by sharing the DNA that’s still being developed in rifles everywhere today.

In a fight, fast jets are more than just fast. Speed can save lives. It’s a big deal for pilots and the people who make the jets. But now, being able to hide and spot others can mean just as much as speed. So, which jets are still the fastest of all? Let’s list the top speedy jets flying today, starting with the tenth one.

10. McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

A Cold War legend, the F-4 Phantom II continues to serve with Turkish, Greek, and Iranian air forces. With its twin General Electric J79 engines, it could make Mach 2.23 at 40,000 feet. Its design wasn’t precisely streamlined, which earned it the quip, “A brick can fly if you put a big enough engine on it.” Early models didn’t even come equipped with a built-in gun—missiles were supposed to render dogfighting obsolete—until combat experience demonstrated otherwise, and a gun pod was added.

9. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor

The F-22 is the sole stealth aircraft in this roster and the first true fifth-generation fighter. With a top speed of 2.25 Mach at 40,000 feet, it’s also a supercruiser—able to sustain speeds over Mach 1.8 without afterburners. That translates to more range, less fuel consumption, and no external stores to drag it down. Though highly capable, fewer than 200 were produced, and only the U.S. Air Force operates them.

8. IAI Kfir

Israel’s IAI Kfir is a hot-rodded version of the Mirage 5 with an American General Electric J79-J1E turbojet. It flies at up to about Mach 2.3 at 36,000 feet. Aging airframes might not reach that number these days, but their combination of agility and speed has kept them in service in Colombia and among private military contractors for training and aggressor missions.

7. Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum

The MiG-29 was designed as a smaller, more maneuverable partner to the Su-27 and as an answer to the F-16. With a Mach 2.3 top speed, it’s renowned for its handling—aided by its twin engines and short airframe. Its drawback? Short range, and it can’t go supersonic with outside fuel tanks. As pilots like to say, when it comes to a dogfight, it’s as much about the driver as the vehicle itself.

6. Grumman F-14 Tomcat

The Navy’s iconic F-14 Tomcat, which had variable-sweep wings, could reach Mach 2.3 at 40,000 feet. With the mighty AWG-9 radar and AIM-54 Phoenix missiles, it could lock onto aircraft as far away as 90 miles. Pilots remember that a lightly loaded, clean F-14 could fly even faster than its official rating indicated—though its carrier deck-dominating days are behind it.

5. Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 Flogger

Another swing-wing design, the MiG-23 was constructed as a high-speed interceptor. Priced to fly at Mach 2.35, it had advanced radar and long-range targeting available for its era. Less agile than more contemporary designs, its short runway launch capability provided it with Cold War strategic flexibility.

4. Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker

One of the finest Soviet combatants, the Su-27 has a top speed of Mach 2.35. It was designed for power and payload as well as speed, and its airframe has led to an entire family of variants, such as the Su-30, Su-34, and Su-35.

More than 1,200 Flankers remain in service around the globe; it is one of the most ubiquitous fighter designs in use.

3. McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle

Designed to replace the MiG-25, the F-15 was the fastest mass-produced fighter to date, reaching Mach 2.5. It also has a perfect combat record—more than 100 kills with no air-to-air loss. The new F-15EX can theoretically hit Mach 2.9, although that speed hasn’t been tried in public. 

2. Mikoyan MiG-31 Foxhound

A direct follow-up to the MiG-25, the MiG-31 has a top speed of Mach 2.83 at high altitude, though speed limits keep it at around Mach 1.5 to avoid destruction. It’s not only fast—its sophisticated radar, long-range missiles, and hypersonic weapon capacity make it one of the most lethal interceptors in the skies.

1. Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 Foxbat

Even still, the speed record holder for any fighter ever produced, the MiG-25 can reach Mach 2.83—and higher in short-term bursts—at more than 70,000 feet.

The product of late ’60s development to intercept high-speed bombers and reconnaissance planes, it prompted the creation of the F-15 by the U.S. Its very high speed, however, sacrificed maneuverability, but for pure velocity, nothing else has come close.

Why Aren’t Fighters Getting Faster?

Almost all of the world’s fastest jets were created during the Cold War. Current fighters only break Mach 1.2 in real combat because contemporary air warfare favors stealth, sophisticated sensors, and long-range missiles over pure speed.

Interceptor missions do continue to gain from high speeds, but after some point, speed confers little benefit while burning fuel and stressing airframes. Even sixth-generation concepts will have a top speed between Mach 2.2 and Mach 2.5. In other words, they don’t build speed demons like they used to—by choice.

Guns are more than just metal and wood. They carry old tales, show pride in a country, and at times, turn into famous symbols in pop culture. For those who collect them and for fans of military history, certain guns are not just noted for how they work in battles but also for the stories and past they bring. Here’s a list of the top 10 most important guns in military history and why each one is a special find for collectors and history lovers everywhere.

10. Ruger 10/22

Though it was never a standard military gun, the Ruger 10/22 got a big fan base due to its strong reliability and ability to change. Since it came out in the 1960s, it has been a top pick for shooting training and a favorite among people who shoot for fun. Its easy-to-change setup and its old school look have put it as a main piece in collections that focus on the growth of American guns.

9. Mossberg 500

This pump-action shotgun has been produced continuously since the 1960s and has earned a reputation for toughness and reliability. It has been used for military applications, law enforcement, and home defense, and has performed well in hundreds of duties. Collectors appreciate the Mossberg 500 not only because it’s functional, but because it has a versatile and enduring service record in the tradition of American shotguns.

8. Remington Model 870

Since the 1950s, the Remington 870 has been an industry standard in shotguns. Durable and simple in design, it’s been carried by soldiers, police officers, hunters, and sports shooters. Collectors appreciate the 870 as the ultimate union of form and function—designed to function perfectly and designed to endure. 

7. Mauser C96

With its characteristic “broomhandle” grip and internal magazine, the Mauser C96 is perhaps the most identifiable pistol of all time. Pioneered in Germany in the late 19th century, it was used throughout several wars and revolutions. Used by officers, explorers, and even gangsters, its familiar silhouette and historical status make it a prize among collectors.

6. Smith & Wesson Model 29

The Model 29 might owe its popularity to Clint Eastwood’s “Dirty Harry,” but its popularity extends far beyond the silver screen. Chambered in .44 Magnum, this revolver was the most powerful production handgun ever made. Its streamlined design, heavy punch, and double role as both a police sidearm and a movie icon guarantee a place in collectors’ hearts.

5. Thompson Submachine Gun

More popularly referred to as the “Tommy Gun,” this submachine gun found notoriety during Prohibition before solidifying its military reputation in World War II. Its rapid rate of fire, short size, and unmistakable appearance made it a thug’s dream as much as the commando’s. To own a Thompson is to possess a physical piece of American history that hovers both on and off the battlefield.

4. M1 Garand Rifle

General George S. Patton once referred to it as “the greatest battle implement ever devised,” and few would dispute the fact. Used as the standard U.S. troops’ rifle in World War II and the Korean War, the M1 Garand provided soldiers with a decisive advantage through its semi-automatic mechanism. To collectors, it’s an emblem of American ingenuity and a nostalgic reminder of the era when craftsmanship and battlefield utility converged in perfect harmony.

3. Browning Hi-Power

Designed in the 1930s by John Browning and Dieudonné Saive, the Hi-Power innovated with its double-stack magazine and ergonomic grip. It was one of the most common military pistols in history, renowned for accuracy, reliability, and innovative design. Collectors value it for the influence it has had on handgun design and years of front-line use.

2. Luger P08

The Luger’s immediately iconic toggle-lock action and refined grip have made it one of the most renowned pistols ever built. Used extensively throughout the early 20th century and in both World Wars, it’s as much a work of art as a firearm. The intersection of its engineering precision with its strong connection to world history makes it an elite collectible.

1. Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Dubbed the “Peacemaker,” this revolver revolutionized handgun design during the late 1800s and has become an icon of the American West. Carried by lawmen, outlaws, and mythic figures such as Wyatt Earp and Buffalo Bill, it’s a gun with a legend surrounding it. It is more than merely a revolver, though – it’s an American icon that connects the frontier era to contemporary collecting trends.

From the battlefields of Europe to the rolling plains of the frontier, these guns are more than weapons—they’re history books. Each one freezes a moment in time, evidence of the creativity, the courage, and the culture of its era. For the owners of good fortune, they are not merely antiques—they’re living connections to the past.

Today’s sea fights are more and more led by a race to make weapons that work well, can change, and don’t cost too much. The U.S. Air Force’s QUICKSINK plan is right in this idea, giving a cheap but strong way to sink other ships. The U.S. must keep its lead on the ocean in the Indo-Pacific without just adding more ships. The answer might be to create better, smarter bombs, not more ships.

Initiated by the Air Force Research Laboratory as a Joint Capability Technology Demonstration, QUICKSINK was intended to convert conventional unguided bombs into precision ship-killer munitions.

The idea is simple but ingenious: add a Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kit to excess 2,000-pound or 500-pound bombs, and then add an advanced seeker system. Developed on a Weapon Open Systems Architecture (WOSA), this seeker integrates millimeter-wave radar with imaging infrared sensors. The radar will be able to spot ships regardless of weather, and the infrared system will lock onto warm objects, assisting the weapon in distinguishing between legitimate military targets and civilian vessels.

Tactically, QUICKSINK is a significant force multiplier. It enables the U.S. to quickly disable large numbers of enemy vessels—possibly including carriers—without depleting its naval resources. Stealth jets like the B-2, and eventually the B-21 Raider, can drop these from standoff distances, presenting reduced risk to aircrews and making enemy defenses harder. The modularity in seeker design also easy to adapt the system for future weapons and planes, keeping it relevant as threats and technology evolve.

What most attracts me about QUICKSINK is its price. Pricier anti-ship missiles like the AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) cost around $3 million per copy, and even the aging Harpoon is $1.4 million.

In comparison, a JDAM kit is $20,000 to $30,000, and the QUICKSINK seeker now costs around $200,000—and might fall to $50,000 with mass production. That would put an entire weapon in the range of $70,000 to $250,000. At that cost, the U.S. can have deep reserves and support long, high-density operations in a manner that’s simply not possible with higher-priced missile systems.

It enables the U.S. to quickly disable large numbers of enemy vessels—possibly including carriers—without depleting its naval resources.

Stealth jets like the B-2, and eventually the B-21 Raider, can drop these from standoff distances, presenting reduced risk to aircrews and making enemy defenses harder. The modularity in seeker design also easy to adapt the system for future weapons and planes, keeping it relevant as threats and technology evolve.

As the Navy and Air Force develop and expand the program further, QUICKSINK is proving itself an exemplar of the way innovative engineering and frugal design can tip the balance of power at sea—without shattering the defense budget.

More related images you may be interested in:

For a long time, when troops hid behind walls, bags of sand, or deep ditches, the army has tried to find ways to reach them. The issue has been around as long as war itself—when shots start, all duck to hide.

From the deep cuts in the ground in World War I to the street battles in Iraq and Afghanistan, the big ask has stayed the same: how do you put out a foe you can’t hit head-on? 

The Origins of the XM25

The XM25 was made to give small groups of foot troops the power to hit foes hiding behind safe spots—something that normal guns and old-style bomb throwers couldn’t do. 

Developed by Orbital ATK, the XM25 was a semi-automatic, shoulder-fired weapon firing 25mm programmable airburst ammunition.

This wasn’t simply a larger grenade launcher—it was intelligent. The American military took decades looking for a solution, and in the early going, the XM25 “Punisher” grenade launcher was supposed to provide it.

With a built-in laser rangefinder, the XM25 was able to measure the exact distance from a target, such as the inside of a window or a foxhole. The onboard fire control system calculated that the grenade would detonate at a very exact spot in the air, showering shrapnel over anyone trying to stay hidden.

It had an excellent range, also: 600 meters for spot targets and 700 meters for area targets, considerably more than the M203. Its fire control system had thermal sights, a ball computer, and a digital display. The grenades themselves included microchips, tracking their spinning in flight to detonate precisely where they were meant to.

First Engagements and Growing Reputation

The XM25 was first tested in the field in Afghanistan, where five sets and 1,000 rounds were provided to the 101st Airborne Division. During more than a year of combat, troops employed it in a number of battles.

The early reports were effusive—troops referred to it as a “game changer” that rendered enemy cover all but irrelevant. The Army even declared it its number-one priority to fill a significant capability gap for ground soldiers.

Where Things Went Wrong

But the enthusiasm didn’t last. The XM25 was heavy—more than 14 pounds without a round, and a full combat load with 36 rounds could weigh 35 pounds or more. That was too much for troops who already were carrying rifles, ammunition, and equipment. Some units refused point-blank to deploy it on missions, choosing instead the more adaptive M4 carbine.

Off the battlefield, however, the program was in more trouble. Expenses skyrocketed—a single XM25 once costing more than $90,000—and by 2017, the Army terminated its deal with Orbital ATK after the company was unable to produce the agreed quantity of units.

The XM25’s Legacy

In spite of its brief service life, the XM25 made its mark on future weapons design. Testing in the field produced over 1,300 suggestions for improvement, several of which are now shaping the Army’s new Precision Grenadier System (PGS).

The PGS is currently imagined as a lighter, more resilient counter-defilade weapon with a 500-meter range and several specialized rounds—including rounds that can strike light vehicles and drones.

As Don Sando, head of the Maneuver Capabilities Development and Integration Directorate, explained, fighting behind cover is a tough issue that can’t be addressed with a single solution. The XM25 wasn’t the magic bullet solution, perhaps, but it moved the Army toward its goal of making battlefield cover less refuge. The “Punisher” might be gone, but its vision—to eliminate the blessing of cover—still influences the future of infantry firepower.