China brings Star Wars to life with ‘laser AK-47’ that can set fire to targets a kilometre away


The rifles will be powered by a rechargeable lithium battery pack similar to those found in smartphones.

China has developed a new portable laser weapon that can zap a target from nearly a kilometre away, according to researchers involved in the project.

The ZKZM-500 laser assault rifle is classified as being “non-lethal” but produces an energy beam that cannot be seen by the naked eye but can pass through windows and cause the “instant carbonisation” of human skin and tissues.

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