Directed energy: a new kind of weapon

OpenDemocracy ^ | July 31, 2002 | Paul Rogers

[rwfromkansas]

He also created a kind of resonator that could bring down every building in the world simply by a little shaking. He was a brilliant man.

[rwfromkansas]

I have thought so also.

I just wonder why we haven't used them much (that we know of).

[Wonder Warthog]

"Of course, there are possible countermeasures, such as strengthening the missile or making it spin in flight, but both are difficult...

Oh, PLEASE--they have been making missiles spin in flight since the days of Congreve rockets (War of 1812). If this article makes so simple and fundamental an error, how accurate is the rest of it!!!!

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

It is a high-energy laser known as the airborne laser (ABL), the first element of an innovative system that could end up arming a series of powerful satellites able to target anywhere on the Earth’s surface with near impunity.

Oooooooooo! Where can I get one?

(inserting right pinky into corner of mouth and raising right eyebrow...)

[reagan_fanatic]

"Gee, the kids in "Children of the Damned" just used a big pipe organ and shattered brains with it. Why not get big, humongous speakers pointed at the enemy and play Manilow songs at them?"

...or Yoko Ono tunes.

[Libertarianize the GOP]

.

[MHGinTN]

Geneva Convention, don'tcha know!

[palmer]

I think their point is that lasars and other sophisticated technology won't stop unanticipated unconventional terrorist attacks.

[operation clinton cleanup]

Genie out of the bottle alert!

A signed piece of paper will not stop other governments from exploiting this technology... just ask the Russians about bio-warfare.

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

Gee, the kids in "Children of the Damned" just used a big pipe organ and shattered brains with it. Why not get big, humongous speakers pointed at the enemy and play Manilow songs at them?

There actually is such a device. It projects highly directional sound waves at superimposed frequencies that can incapacitate an individual, either out in the open or in a building. It is being considered for use by police forces. Some interesting weaponry being developed these days.

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

...I ain't buying that we are even remotely close to implementing this type of technolgy.

I wouldn't bet with you. I have been involved with laser technology in a number of applications: medical, industrial, military. The technology being discussed is very doable. Furthermore, as is the case with most applied military technology, if it is being discussed in the media, it has been in development for some time. The main hurdle with this technology is with targeting, not in producing the energy beam. Advancements in computering and distributed I/O will solve (or has already solved) the targeting problem. Look out bad guys!

[operation clinton cleanup]

I think their point is that lasars and other sophisticated technology won't stop unanticipated unconventional terrorist attacks.

Nothing ever will. Large, coordinated mass casualty attacks by known threats should be addresed first.

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

...I ain't buying that we are even remotely close to implementing this type of technolgy.

I wouldn't bet with you. I have been involved with laser technology in a number of applications: medical, industrial, military. The technology being discussed is very doable. Furthermore, as is the case with most applied military technology, if it is being discussed in the media, it has been in development for some time. The main hurdle with this technology is with targeting, not in producing the energy beam. Advancements in computering and distributed I/O will solve (or has already solved) the targeting problem. Look out bad guys!

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

He also created a kind of resonator that could bring down every building in the world simply by a little shaking. He was a brilliant man.

He was a super-genius vis physics.

He also invented the neutron bomb, an extremely effective weapon for destroying enemy forces while minimizing physical destruction and long-term radioactive contamination. The USA has destroyed its stock of these weapons, thanks to Carter et. al., while Russia retains its stock and China pursues its arsenal.

But I forgot, WE are taking the moral high ground....Perhaps all the way to the grave.

[Pistias]

Some interesting weaponry being developed these days.

LOL, it'll be plenty interesting when it's finally used on the "domestic terrorists."

[MHGinTN]

Uh, you'll have to show me the evidence of this one!... He also invented the neutron bomb

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

LOL, it'll be plenty interesting when it's finally used on the "domestic terrorists."

If you are referring to islamist terrorists and perhaps violent criminals, we are in agreement.

[operation clinton cleanup]

The USA has destroyed its stock of these weapons, thanks to Carter

I was a little young, but didnt Jimmy-Jeff want to go ahead with these weapons but demo congress refused?

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

Can't do it, cause it isn't so. Been flipping about different sites and became confused in the discussion on this thread. Telsa -- Teller -- Cohen. You are of course correct. I first mistook the reference to Tesla to be about Teller. Then I confused Teller and Cohen as inventor of the N-Bomb. Meah culpas. Thanks for calling me on it. :O)

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

I was a little young, but didnt Jimmy-Jeff want to go ahead with these weapons but demo congress refused?

Could be, but I doubt it. Carter also wanted to weld shut the missle launch covers on our tactical submarine fleet. My recollection is that he directed the abandonment of the N-Bomb program and the destruction of the inventory. I find it hard to believe that the congress at the time was less liberal than Carter.