Re: [ME] Miniguns (was re: a really stupid question)

[Stan <srydzews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

"Robert J. Hansen" wrote:
> 
> Torque says you can't make a man-portable minigun.  If that minigun is
> rotating at 6000 RPM, it's going to exert a counter-torque against
> whatever's holding it.

That's why you use two, both mounted on one frame, each rotating in a 
different direction. :)

> Not even Terminator 2 got this one right.  Yes, the T-1000 is made of
> very stern stuff and could fire it without having its arms ripped off.
> No, the T-1000 doesn't have the mass required to counteract the torque
> of the firing.

Really?  I'd expect a man-sized mass of steel to weigh in at around
1200-1500 pounds.  How much mass do you think would be required? 
 
> The next question is... what does an infantryman /need/ a 6000 RPM
> sustained-fire weapon for, anyway?  

True, it's more a weapon to mount in your car's trunk than to carry 
around.  Discourages tailgating, and gives you a little extra
acceleration.