Overview of the Gatling Gun
The F-15 Eagle is one of the many modern day jet fighters equipped with M61 Vulcan turrets.
In overview, the Gatling gun has made a big impact in war since its appearance in 1861. The weapon has seen many changes and innovations as it is constantly remodeled and rebuilt to be able to rise to the ever growing need of battle. What was once a bulky four-man operated rapid-fire machine has slowly been turned into a weapon capable of being mounted onto jets, planes, ships, and helicopters, as well as being able to be taken into the field of battle to be wielded by a single man. Since the weapon has been constantly needed in war efforts, it has been kept around for centuries to become what it is today. The US Military admirers it for its deadly payload and rate of fire that is capable of improving the chances for success in any scenario it is placed in. The Gatling gun has become a vital battlefield necessity that has grown to become one of the staples of the US and NATO military. The creation of the Gatling gun was undoubtedly a turning point in history because it was the first weapon of its kind; a successful rapidly-firing weapon that could dish out multiple rounds in a matter of seconds. It opened up more options in combat by allowing bullets to be fired in rapid succession while exterminating the need for more frequent reloads. It allowed one weapon to take the equivalent of many firearms, and granted the firepower of a whole army to a small group of soldiers. Even to this day, it grants men and machines alike the ability to cripple enemies with more ease that could ever be done before with firearms. For these reasons, the Gatling gun is most definitely a valuable asset to the battlefield, making its conception a significant turning point on history in concerns to the warfare written in history, as well as the warfare that has yet to come.