Realistic Sci-Fi Weapons for Modern Warfare

Science fiction has a long history of imagining weapons that could be used in the future. These futuristic weapons often take inspiration from current technologies but add a layer of innovation and creativity that makes them seem entirely new to the reader. From the Titans in Siege to the various ceptors and Repilators of BioShock Infinite, the NTW-20 used by the Kraber in Titanfall, and the glowing Rayguns of Tron Legacy, there are numerous examples of real-world-based weapons that are pushed to their limit in a Sci-Fi setting.

The NTW-20: A Realistic Sci-Fi Weapon

The NTW-20 used in Titanfall is a perfect example of a realistic sci-fi weapon. It's not a made-up weapon but a remodel of an existing one, the Nextec T-1020. The Nextec T-1020 is a compact, railgun that supplies 184 joules of energy at a rate of 960 Joules per second, which is similar to the capability of the NTW-20. The NTW-20 is a design improvement over the Nextec T-1020. The fact that it carries the same name (NTW-20) as the weapon it's based on, indicates that it's a weapon with real-world origins but in a futuristic setting, making it a prime example of a realistic sci-fi weapon.

More Examples of Futuristic Weapons

But the NTW-20 is not the only realistic sci-fi weapon. Let's dive into some other interesting examples:

Railguns

Modern railguns are becoming a reality thanks to advancements in technology. These weapons use electromagnetic forces to accelerate a projectile along a conductive rail. Railguns that exist in today's real-world military are extremely powerful and can launch projectiles at speeds surpassing Mach 7. Tron Legacy fulfills this idea in real sci-fi style, where the protagonists use glowing Rayguns that spread energy blasts across the battlefield. Although currently the railgun technology is used primarily in experimental defense projects, the concept of a railgun as a weapon of the future has been used in countless Science fiction movies and TV shows, including Gamera and Tron.

Beam Weapons

Another realistic sci-fi weapon you could use in a modern setting are Beam Weapons. Once the concept of Beam Weapons came from ion cannons in Star Wars, to grindstones in Guardians of the Galaxy, these weapons are based on the principle of projecting a destructive stream of electromagnetic energy, which could be either in the radio or infrared frequency range. These weapons can cause molecular breakdown by ionizing the target and are a key feature in the Battle Brothers series. Beam weapons have the advantage of being smaller, faster, and more precise compared to projectile weapons.

Laser Cannons

Laser cannons have been a staple of Science fiction since the 1950s, thanks to the works of authors like E.E. "Doc" Smith and Robert A. Heinlein. In modern weapons development, this technology is advancing rapidly, with laser weapons becoming a reality. The U.S. Navy has already deployed a laser weapon on the USS Ponce in the Persian Gulf, which can be used to destroy drones and small boats. In Rocket_LITERAL, laser cannons are one of the main weapons, allowing for precision strikes and taking advantage of rapid reaction times, which are critical in Sci-Fi settings.

Real-World Integration and Forward-Thinking Design

When designing these futuristic weapons, it's essential to integrate real-world technologies and understand the needs and limitations of modern warfare. This approach creates a more believable and realistic sci-fi weaponry that can seamlessly blend into a modern battlefield. For example, Guardians of the Galaxy does a remarkable job by making its Ol’ Weapon entries based on advanced real-world metallurgy and propelling them with modern propulsion techniques. Similarly, in Star Trek, phasers are a combination of modern phasing technology and advanced energy weapons, which can be adjusted for different types of targets, ranging from flesh-and-blood to inanimate objects.

Final Thoughts

While it may be challenging to create entirely new and fully realized sci-fi weapons that fit into a modern setting, there are plenty of real-world-based design ideas that can be leveraged for inspiration. From railguns and beam weapons to laser cannons, these realistic sci-fi weapons can make a modern battlefield more thrilling and grounded in reality. The combination of real-world technology and futuristic concepts can create compelling and immersive sci-fi settings that capture the imagination of both the creators and the audience.