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.
Make a weapon that shoots panties at the rioters.
Hey, we just want to break up a crowd -- not send them backwards in time!
It is an INSPIRED bad idea!
So much for the freedom of demonstrations. I wonder when it will be used in US and what will be the reaction if some people will lose eye sight and others will get burned by the metal implants.
Certainly no worse that spraying bullets, tossing a grenade, or setting of a Bouncing Betty.
Like tasers, assault weapons, nightsticks, flashlights, handcuffs, these will only be used by law enforce officers who have the proper training. The public cannot be allowed possession of such dangerous paraphernalia.
Hillarious! If only I could see the day it was used in San Francisco...
Thanks for the ping!
Is this secret stuff, or can it be described?
It's not secret, or I wouldn't know about it, because I don't work for that part of the organization.
The story appeared in our in house tech publication, a few years ago, IIRC. Search on Mobility Denial System and Marine Corps.
It's not secret, or I wouldn't know about it, because I don't work for that part of the organization.
The story appeared in our in house tech publication, a few years ago, IIRC. Search on Mobility Denial System and Marine Corps.
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