Posted on 07/21/2005 9:33:55 AM PDT by kiriath_jearim
Scientists worried by riot control ray gun
Thu Jul 21, 2005 12:34 AM IST
LONDON (Reuters) - Scientists are questioning the safety of a Star Wars-style riot control ray gun due to be deployed in Iraq next year.
The Active Denial System weapon, classified as "less lethal" by the Pentagon, fires a 95-gigahertz microwave beam at rioters to cause heating and intolerable pain in less than five seconds.
The idea is people caught in the beam will rapidly try to move out of it and therefore break up the crowd.
But New Scientist magazine reported on Wednesday that during tests carried out at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, participants playing the part of rioters were told to remove glasses and contact lenses to protect their eyes.
In another test they were also told to remove metal objects like coins from their clothing to avoid local hot spots developing on their skin.
"What happens if someone in a crowd is unable for whatever reason to move away from the beam," asked Neil Davison, coordinator of the non-lethal weapons research project at Britain's Bradford University.
"How do you ensure that the dose doesn't cross the threshold for permanent damage? Does the weapon cut out to prevent overexposure?," he added.
The magazine said a vehicle-mounted version of the weapon named Sheriff was scheduled for service in Iraq in 2006 and that U.S. Marines and police were both working on portable versions.
1. Scientist shouldn't riot.
2. If rioters find spot heat uncomfortable, they shouldn't riot.
3. Riot organizers are usually at the back of the crowd and can be reached, selectively, with this.
4. Rioters carrying flammable liquids will be at a distinct disadvantage
Too much property damage - I prefer good old nerve gas - it kills the roaches too... (the other ones.)
What ever happened to the riot-control device that sprays stinky goo all over the "revelers"? I read somewhere that it smells like sewage and decomposing flesh (yum!).
Notice that it's not called a "Peaceful Demonstration Control Gun." Rioters deserve whatever they get. They need one of these in San Francisco.
Yes, Virginia. There's a Santa Claus carrying a ray gun.
I wonder what happens to people with metal fillings & dental work. Also, pins & screws, etc. from surgeries, and pacemakers. Your gonna have to pass a physical to riot in this country one day.
Pop go the weasels.
They should call it the BFG.
*chuckle*
95 GIGAHERTZ!!??
They're right. Let's go back to bullets.
Or play the American Anthem over loud speakers a few times, that'll disperse any liberal riot.
I somehow KNEW you'd love this Bad Idea ;)
Wow - we're closer to "Atlus Shrugged" than I thought...
There's another one, tested by my organization, that reduces the coefficient of friction to well below that of wet ice. No body can even stand up on the stuff. Very effective, but can cause bruises, contusions, sprains, broken bones and even concussions. When the anarchists or jihadies hit the road ... literally.
Yes, but not (yet) 1.21 GigaWatts of it. :)
Probably not, it's just a skin effect. Still if you are wearing no underwear, or even loose boxers, with everything just swinging in the breeze, so to speak, it might cause some damage to delicate tissues.
NOT the Comfy Chair!
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