Computer-Controlled Cannon Kills 9, Wounds 14

Image: MilitaryPhotos.net

While it’s more general malfunction than aggressive A.I. out for revenge, a computer-controlled anti-aircraft gun went haywire in South Africa, killed many soldiers nearby. (The one picture above is the same model, but not the same one.)

The anti-aircraft weapon, an Oerlikon GDF-005, is designed to use passive and active radar, as well as laser range finders, to lock on to “high-speed, low-flying aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and cruise missiles.” In “automatic mode,” the weapon feeds targeting data from the fire control unit straight to the pair of 35mm guns, and reloads on its own when its emptied its magazine.

Robot Cannon Kills 9, Wounds 14 [Danger Room]

1. [NarmGreyrunner]

   I thought when when the switch said “Skynet On” it was going to put up an anti-meteor screen.

   Oops.

2. [David Bendit]

   Also, this.

   What I want to know is what they plan to do with with the cannon…does it go on trial? Or have I been reading too much sci-fi lately?

3. [Stefan Jones]

   Cannon, hell! That thing is a first-generation Dalek!

4. [Dav]

   Apparently I can’t use an img tag, but here’s a relevant cartoon