There’s a lot to consider when thinking about military technology and just how far we have come as a human race in such a small amount of time. Thinking back throughout history there are many different wars we can think of where weapons were the defining factor and the reason for the win, but where did they come from? We could start back in 400000BC where there is evidence of humans first using spears, but that’s a little dated considering we are talking about military technology so let’s start a little later. Here’s everything you need to know about the history of military technology.
Technology
There is so much to talk about in regards to military technology that it’s difficult to know where to start. Instead, we will talk about a few bits of tech that revolutionised how the army works today. Things developed far quicker in the 20th and 21st century.
1930: The Rise Of The Drone
First experimented with by the U.S Navy in 1930, drones have come an awful long way and are now a defining factor in winning wars, also known as UAV technology. They are now being used all over the globe by many different armies.
A combat drone’s main aim, when deployed, is to scout areas that are unable to be visited by troops on the ground from thousands of miles away.
A drone can scan areas and report back a plethora of information to the crew flying it. From here, infantry troops can be informed and a battle plan can be put together. They are also used for dropping supplies to troops in situations where they can’t yet be rescued.
1942: Nuclear Power
We can’t have a list without discussing the most terrifying development of military technology in the modern era. Nuclear bombs are the most destructive weapon we have ever developed and everyone on the planet prays there isn’t going to be a nuclear war.
First developed in 1942 within a project called The Manhattan Project, America attempted to build the first-ever Nuclear Bomb. By 1945 it was ready and was subsequently tested in New Mexico which was a success. Following this on the 6th and 9th of August, bombs were dropped onto the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, ending World War 2.
1969: Enter, Computer
A military server is what’s known as a rugged computer that is specifically designed for use by the Army, Navy, Air Force, Special Forces, and any other branch that requires them. When talking with the experts of https://cp-techusa.com/rugged-servers/military/ they state that having servers designed to withstand attack is essential for information to be kept intact. It’s said that one of the first military computers was installed in the pentagon in 1969 and was designed to withstand a nuclear attack.
1981: Invisible Planes
One of the biggest developments ever made was designing an aircraft that is invisible to radars. Whilst it’s impossible to be completely invisible to radar detection, these planes use a whole range of different technologies to reduce the aircraft’s infrared emissions, radio frequency spectrum and the aircraft’s actual reflection. This technology increased the chance of successful attacks.
It’s said that the first development of stealth technology was back in World War 2 in Germany, however, the more known versions of these planes all come from America.
1000AD: Gunpowder Unveiled
Let’s start with the introduction of gunpowder. This can be traced back to medieval China where the fire lance was invented. This was a polearm attached to a tube made from bamboo that was filled with gunpowder and lit with a match. These very early forms of guns were able to shoot one or two rounds up to 10 feet. Everything we have these days originates from this firearm.
13th Century: The World’s First Cannon
After gunpowder reached Europe in the 13th century, Cannons were developed and became a staple within siege warfare, first being used in the Hundred Years War.
16th Century: A Change In Tactics
By the 16th Century, muskets had been developed which were essentially handheld cannons and changed how tacticians forged war. The addition of these weapons meant that infantry troops could engage with cavalry without having to engage with them directly.
20th Century: Modern Warfare
These weapons were continuously developed throughout the following years and in 1836 the first revolving gun was developed which is still a popular choice for gun owners today, the revolver. By the time that the American Civil War broke out machine guns had begun to emerge which was the defining moment for other firearms such as fully automatic rifles, submachine guns, battle rifles and assault rifles which dominated the 20th century.
It’s difficult to go into everything you should know about military technology and the history behind it, especially with the constant development happening at the moment. Technology is an incredible thing and without it, we wouldn’t be anywhere near where we are as a human race. Whilst some developments like the Nuclear Bomb should never have happened, the others stand proud for what they have done for civilization.