Marines Quiet About Brutal New Weapon

Defense Tech ^ | 11/14/05 | David Hambling

[baystaterebel]

War is hell. But it’s worse when the Marines bring out their new urban combat weapon, the SMAW-NE. Which may be why they’re not talking about it, much.

This is a version of the standard USMC Shoulder Mounted Assault Weapon but with a new warhead. Described as NE - "Novel Explosive"- it is a thermobaric mixture which ignites the air, producing a shockwave of unparalleled destructive power, especially against buildings.

A post-action report from Iraq describes the effect of the new weapon: "One unit disintegrated a large one-storey masonry type building with one round from 100 meters. They were extremely impressed." Elsewhere it is described by one Marine as "an awesome piece of ordnance."

[p23185]

This qualifies as torture. Ban the weapon.

Sounds like another investigation of the Bush Admin is in the offering . . ./sarcasm

[Eric in the Ozarks]

A spud gun on steroids.

[stboz]

That stinks!

[johniegrad]

My wife's nightstand is full of these things. Thanks. Now I know what they are.

[Buffettfan]

Ooooorahhhhhh. Semper Fi'

[Boundless]

> ... Brutal New Weapon

Show me a "weapon" that is not brutal, and I'll get
you a translation of the French markings on it.

[ed1340]

"That's funny. In my own humble opinion; Marines themselves are brutal weapons.

God bless each and every one of them, and I mean that from the heart!"

Semper Fi, Grizzled Bear! Every Marine is an 0300 (basic rifleman). This new piece is a nice addition. It's not the noise or smoke that Marines make but the hits that count. These terrorist will all have to account to God, the Marines will arrange the meeting.

Pvt. Poogy Bait

[JoeGar]

In Vietnam we dropped 750 pound concussion bombs that exploded about one foot above ground. It killed by bursting spleens with its shock wave.

[al baby]

[bigfootbob]

Since you've come into some series new money, could you send me a shipping container full of cases of these? Please.

[neverdem]

BTTT

[b4its2late]

[semaj]

I know what I want for Christmas.

[uglybiker]

Are they allowed to use it against the enemy? I mean, it might be torture or something right?

As long as they're not playing Christina Aguillera tunes while they're doing it.

[DocRock]

Bookmarked for reference

[Slings and Arrows]

As an Army spokesman said during the First Gulf War, there's no nice way to kill someone.

[Edit35]

SMAW-NE.... a version of the standard USMC Shoulder Mounted Assault Weapon but with a new warhead. Described as NE - "Novel Explosive"-

With something this rad, they had better come up with a cooler name than "Novel Explosive, or SMAW=NE (sounds like a request for a pedicure, or something)

How 'bout the Muslim Maniac Masher, or the Joltin' Jihad Jerkbomb, or the Koran Kaboom!!

[11Bush]

Backblast area clear?

[HiJinx]

Ordnance Ping....!

[stumpy]

When it absolutely,positively must be destroyed, call the MARINES.