BEIJING – In what has the potential of becoming the most lethal assaultweapon ever, China has reportedly developed a gun that can fire at targetsa kilometre away using an energy beam that can tear into human tissues.

South China Morning Post has reported that the ZKZM-500 is a laser assaultrifle which mimics the lightsabre seen in Star Wars movie series. Just thatthese are hardly fictional and are being touted as ‘non-lethal’ weaponswhich can result in ‘instant carbonisation’ of skin and tissues.

Scientists responsible for developing the weapon reportedly claim that thegun weighs in at three kgs and has dimensions similar to the AK-47. Interms of effectiveness, it is claimed to be far more intense. The gunsenergy beam is invisible to the naked eye but can travel hundreds of metrestowards the intended target. The beam can penetrate the enemy’s skin inwhat would be instant but excruciatingly painful death. Powered by alithium battery that can be recharged, the gun can potentially fire 1000times with each fire lasting two seconds. If that is not lethal enough, thegun can also be mounted on cars, boats and planes for varying operations.

It is learnt that the ZKZM-500 is all set for mass production and that thefirst batch of the guns would be given for anti-terrorism operations as itsbenefits in hostage situation could be enormous. At an estimated price ofUS$15,000 per unit, the gun could also be one of the most expensive whenmass produced.