HowStuffWorks Newsletter
Explore the weapons and combat systems used by the armed services. A broad range of topics in the Military Channel includes tanks, aircraft, biological warfare and stealth technologies.
Topics to Explore:
Camouflage is critical in military operations. Learn about different types of camouflage and see how the art of blending in is keeping up with modern detection systems.
By Tom Harris
Gathering reconnaissance during battle typically puts small teams of soldiers in harm's way. Tiny robotic flyers, called micro air vehicles (MAVs), could do away with this danger. Learn all about spy flies.
By Kevin Bonsor
Body armor is essential for many people in high-risk professions. The strange thing is, the most common armor is actually a high-tech, soft netting. Learn how modern armor technologies stop bullets.
By Tom Harris
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The Osprey is a unique aircraft. How does it work? And what has caused its recent failures? Get an in-depth look at the aircraft's systems and design.
Spy planes play an integral role in international espionage. Take a look at the highly sophisticated technology of a reconnaissance plane.
By Kevin Bonsor
What once was "Star Wars" under Reagan is now National Missile Defense under Bush. Learn more about the technology behind the system.
By Kevin Bonsor
Phasers have been a staple of SciFi for decades, and the "pain beams" being developed by the U.S. military bring us one step closer to that technology. Learn about this new weaponry.
By Kevin Bonsor
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If you're a fan of Iron Man comic books and movies, you probably wish you had a flight-capable suit of armor to battle evildoers. Well, you might just be in luck.
By Kevin Bonsor & Patrick J. Kiger
I've heard about small planes that help the United States military gather information. How do these remotely operated spy planes work?
On a television drama last week, the plot involved photos taken of a Russian missile silo, and the characters mentioned a "keyhole satellite." What is a keyhole satellite and what can it really spy on?
Weapons in space that can knock down missiles have been under development for years and are starting to look realistic. Learn how they will work!
By Kevin Bonsor
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Nine countries can now deliver nuclear warheads on ballistic missiles. At least three of those countries -- the U.S., Russia and China -- could strike any target anywhere in the world. Do you know what makes a nuclear bomb so deadly?
By William Harris, Craig Freudenrich, Ph.D. & John Fuller
If you could build a train that could travel as fast as a bullet, what would happen if you fired a gun from the back of the train ... or from the front of the train?
If you've ever watched a gun fired into the air at a celebration, you've probably wondered where that bullet ends up. We've got the answer.
It is pretty common to hear someone on the news say, "The crowd was dispersed with tear gas." What is tear gas? What does it do?
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When an airplane is described as a "stealth" aircraft, what does that mean? What is "stealth technology" and how does it work?
How in the world can a gun silencer work? How can you possibly take an explosive noise that can damage your hearing and turn it into a little "ffft" sound?
I've seen how the U.S. Army's food now comes in plastic pouches called MREs. Is this real food? How does it taste?
A fascinating article that describes how cruise missiles work and explores some of their advanced technology!
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Flintlock guns were extremely important weapons in the American Revolution; they also formed the foundation of all modern guns. Learn about the gun that started it all.