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In the Terminator films, Skynet was a self-aware AI hellbent on taking on humanity.
However, the version the US Air Force has bought is a little more low tech.
The anti-drone 12 gauge shotgun shells release a five foot net to trap the drone's propellers causing it to fall from the sky.The military agency has purchased 600 rounds to conduct tests and if satisfied, they plan to place an order for another 6,400 shells.
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) has revealed its plans to buy and test 600 rounds from AMTEC Less Lethal Systems (ALS), according to The Drive.
The move is a result of the Department of Defense (DoD) tasking the Joint Rapid Acquisition Cell (JRAC) 'to provide a solution to counter an immediate unmanned aerial system (UAS) threat to vital national assets,' according to the 'Justification and Approval' document.
Requirements for the tools were low cost, high performance and readily available, and Skynet is said to be all three – specific commands and its area of responsibility were censored in the document filed by AFLCMC.
'Skynet system is the system of choice for required net gun capability, as it is the only current product on the market that is immediately field-able using inventory shotguns for a long range kinetic net solution, and controls the data and patent rights to the only currently proven technology that makes a shotgun net round feasible and the required distance,' the document states.
The Drive explained that federal agencies wishing to award 'sole source' to a specific company without conducting competitions must submit a formal justification form.