NLWs (Non Lethal Weapons) and LLW’s (Less Lethal Weapons) have been around for a long time. The firehoses and truncheons of my youth have been augmented by some interesting new weapons. Here are a few that an "Out of Control" crowd might encounter:
LRAD
Dubbed "the Sound of Force Protection" in a company brochure, the devices can broadcast sound files containing warning messages, or they can be used with electronic translating devices for what amounts to "narrowcasting."
If crowds or potential foes don't respond to the verbal messages, the sonic weapon, which measures 33 inches in diameter, can direct a high-pitched, piercing tone with a tight beam. Neither the LRAD's operators nor others in the immediate area are affected.
Hearing researchers say sound that loud and of that high a frequency — about 2,100 to 3,100 hertz — could be dangerous if someone were exposed to it long enough.
"That's a sensitive region for developing hearing loss," said Richard Salvi, director of the Center for Hearing and Deafness at the University at Buffalo. "The longer the duration, the more serious it is."
Like recurring blinding headaches and ruptured eardrums, perhaps?
LRAD has been used in the Persian Gulf to protect navy ships; in Falluja and Baghdad, and also in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrinaoutside the Superdome.
Lock 'em inside for days without food, then deafen 'em when they roil out.
Heat Ray Gun
Called the Active Denial System, it projects an invisible high energy beam that produces a sudden burning feeling, but is said to be harmless.
The beam has a reach of up to 500 metres (550 yards), much further than existing non-lethal weapons like rubber bullets.
It can penetrate clothes, suddenly heating up the skin of anyone in its path to 130F.
But it penetrates the skin only to a tiny depth - enough to cause discomfort but no lasting harm, according to the military.
A little more than rare, but barely medium.
This is projected to be available to our military and law enforcement by 2010.
Black Ice – still in planning stages
The plastic-like substance, the brainchild of the US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa), would be used to force slip-ups from enemies.
The "polymer ice" would be designed for hot, arid environments, "as found in Iraq and Afghanistan", it said.
A spray-on "reversal agent" could be incorporated into boots and tyres to prevent friendly forces sliding around.
When it’s 130 degrees outside, a little black ice might not be such a bad thing.
From DARPA’s Presolicitation Notice
It is envisioned that a Mobility Control System would consist of Polymer Ice (or raw materials used to produce Polymer Ice in real-time), a spray-on reversal agent, boots/tires with built-in reversal agent, a dispersal means, and a means for clean-up
of the reversed material. Such a system will provide unprecedented situational control and sustained operational tempo, including the ability to shape the terrain by constraining adversaries to specific areas, control ingress/egress to buildings, degrade the ability of our adversaries to shoot and chase us, and gain time for our war fighters to act rather than react.
Here is a nifty list of Nonlethal Weapons Terms and References from the USAF Institute for National Security Studies.
And finally, my very favorite weapon, suggested but not yet developed (I think.)
Military Lab Proposed Gay-Aphrodisiac Chemical Weapon
"Thanks to a FOIA request from the Sunshine Project, a fascinating document has now come to light. In June 1994, the US Air Force Wright Laboratory wrote a proposal titled "Harassing, Annoying, and 'Bad Guy' Identifying Chemicals." While listing the categories of chemical weapons they planned to develop, the military scientists wrote:
"Chemicals that effect [sic] human behavior so that discipline and morale in enemy units is adversely effected [sic]. One distasteful but completely non-lethal example would be strong aphrodisiacs, especially if the chemical also caused homosexual behavior."
The Air Force Lab was quite serious about the proposal, listing a timetable and estimate of expenses for the overall project.
Total cost through fiscal year 2000: $7.5 million
Having enemy soldiers throw down their guns and start humping each other: Priceless
The document is here.
On Saturday, in addition to water bottles and video cameras, you might want to have a few other items at hand. Wear your coat over a bathing suit so you can strip in those 130 degree blasts. Wear cleats or carry pitons for the black ice. Ear protection, although it might not work well, is a definite necessity. And don’t forget those all-important condoms – lots of condoms. We could have the Summer of Love all over again if y’all get too rowdy.
Stay within the lines, and stay safe – it’s a Brave New World out there, weapons-wise!