New laser system reveals hidden wear inside tank, artillery barrels

A US company, Laser Techniques Co. LLC, has developed the Bore Erosion Measurement and Inspection System (BEMIS), a laser-based tool that significantly improves how militaries inspect wear inside tank barrels and heavy artillery. BEMIS uses laser profilometry to create detailed 3D maps of gun bores with sub-millimeter precision, detecting erosion, corrosion, and fatigue that traditional mechanical or visual inspections often miss. The system scans the full length and circumference of barrels quickly—such as a 76 mm naval gun in about 23 minutes—and outputs data in multiple formats for integration into digital maintenance records. This enables armed forces to make maintenance decisions based on precise, real data rather than estimates. BEMIS is now standard at several US Army facilities and used by the US Navy, major defense contractors, and over 20 countries worldwide, including the UK, Germany, Japan, and Ukraine. Notably, Ukrainian operators have leveraged BEMIS to extend barrel life beyond traditional limits amid wart