We’ve covered the “active denial” systems on the Unsayable Podcast before, but it appears as though Ratheon Inc. actually has a model ready for production and it is currently being field tested at Moody Air Force base in Georgia. So, what are we talking about here? Basically you have a high voltage power unit, beaming equipment, and a rectangular dish antenna for transmitting the energy. A system like this could be mounted on the back of a humvee, and used to quell nasty rioters and civil disturbers. What is the effect you ask? Let’s get some quote action on here. From the sciam article:

The so-called Active Denial System causes an intense burning sensation causing people to run for cover, but no lasting harm, officials said.

“This is a breakthrough technology that’s going to give our forces a capability they don’t now have,” Theodore Barna, an assistant deputy undersecretary of defense for advanced systems and concepts, told Reuters. “We expect the services to add it to their tool kit. And that could happen as early as 2010.”

Basically what we have here is a big microwave antenna that you can point at people, and instead of heating up your food, it heats up your enemy. Is this good or bad? To be honest, I don’t know.

However, take a look at this guy.

Does he look like he’s having a good time? If they would do this to a journalist who works for Reuters, would they hesitate to use it on you?

I happen to think these these people are the more likely target

I HATE hippies

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