I was present at the live fire demonstration to the US Navy Fleet Logistics Support Command at one of the Naval Surface Warfare Centers a couple of years back.
I'm not throwing rocks at the possible future applications of the technology, but neither multibarrel launchers nor linear propellant/projectile stacking within those barrels is a *new technology.* And I an quite aware of what it is.
But you might want to be more aware of where it can be heading.... and the marriage of the Burney recoilless principle with the Metalstorm electronic sequencing of ignition offers some near-term practical applications.
-archy-/-
Then we agree - many here are treating this as the stuff of science fiction (or mindless fools). But then the Warthog's Gatling and the Phalanx were science fiction until after WWII.
One point that I didn't make previously - I'm a fan of Rumsfeld and his management style. I doubt that he would sacrfice the Crusader if he didn't have something in mind - maybe not to be operational next month - but in plenty of time to make an $11 billion investment in the Crusader look like money down a rathole.
I think Rummy's point is that we don't need the Crusader now...what we got is plenty good for say 3 to 5 years. By then - the new technology will be matured and operational.
Smart guy in my book!