Transforming Rays Into Weapons
Raytheon has developed a new non-deadly weapon based on Active Denial Technology (ADT), a form of directed energy. The weapon was recently discussed by Wade W. Smith, deputy of Raytheon Missile Systems’ Directed Energy Weapons division, at Photon Forum 2004 in Tucson, Ariz.
The nonlethal version of ADT works by sending a beam of intensified electromagnetic energy that goes through the skin at a depth of less than 1/64th of an inch and heats the skin’s surface, says the Department of Defense. The ensuing pain causes individuals to stop before violence can escalate. The pain is nearly the same as from touching a hot light bulb, but does not cause burning or damage.
The weapon could potentially be used to restrain large crowds or to protect personnel from small weapons discharge within a range of about a 1,000 meters. Smith said field testing of the weapon will starting in May, but added that beam control is still undergoing refinement.
Such non-deadly systems can be useful for peacekeeping, humanitarian, or homeland defense purposes; an ADT weapon for mounting on Humvees has already been developed, said Smith.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the Tucson Citizen (Az.) (04/08/04) P. 1D; Cedillas, Romano.
