Recently researchers in the China have developed a prototype laser assault rifle titled the ZKZM-500 which is said to be sized similarly to an AK-47 and can burn you from up to 800 m away. Specifically, the weapon which weighs about 3 kilograms, has a calibre of 15 millimetres and is powered by rechargeable lithium batteries that allow 1,000 shots at 2 seconds a pop.
As well as this a scientist involved in the project stated that from 800 metres away the rifle can burn through a target’s clothes and skin as well as just straight up set the target on fire if their clothing will allow it. Although, having said this the weapon has been described as “non-lethal” according to a document released last month on the Public Service Platform for National Civil-Military Integration, likely due to the fact it won’t kill the target in almost all cases.
