Saw a new military weapon that

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a new military weapon that reportedly uses electromagnetic radiation to heat the skin of individuals, causing discomfort and prompting them to flee. Participants explore its nature, effectiveness, and ethical implications, touching on its potential applications in crowd control.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the weapon as a large unit mounted on a vehicle that emits a wave to heat the skin, causing panic among enemies.
  • Another participant speculates that the weapon might use beta or alpha rays, but this is later corrected to 95 GHz electromagnetic radiation, which is identified as being in the microwave range.
  • Further contributions clarify that the weapon operates using millimeter wavelength radiation, reinforcing its classification within the microwave spectrum.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential for prolonged exposure to cause damage or blindness, with suggestions that protective clothing and goggles are necessary for safety.
  • Some participants argue that while the weapon may be effective for crowd control, its use on peaceful demonstrators raises ethical concerns, suggesting that it is designed for use against violent mobs rather than non-threatening crowds.
  • One participant compares the weapon's effects to having scalding hot soup poured continuously, emphasizing its painful impact and the short duration individuals can withstand it.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the weapon's effectiveness and ethical implications, with no clear consensus on its appropriateness for use in various scenarios. Some agree on its potential for crowd control, while others question its moral implications.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the weapon's design aims to minimize injury risk, but there is uncertainty regarding the actual effectiveness and safety compared to other crowd control methods. The discussion reflects differing opinions on the ethical use of such technology.

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Saw a new military weapon that...

was used to heat the surface of the skin and is freaks the crap out of the enemy and hurts so they run away, it was a big unit on a vehicle with decent range and shot our a wave of some sort? Anyone know what this is?

(Edit, not sure if we can discuss this type of stuff, if not please just delete the thread, also mods why don't we have the option to delete our threads?)
 
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D H said:
Nope. Just plain old 95 GHz electromagnetic radiation. This is on the upper end of the microwave range.

cristo said:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6297149.stm

This page says that it is millimetre wavelength radiation, thus it is roundabout microwave in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Lol, microwaving people.

Thanks for the responses guys.
 
Prolonged exposure to this weapon will cause damage. And it can cause blindness.

Protective clothing can stop it; a mask and goggles are also required to protect the face.

It makes a very poor military weapon; but it works very nicely for civilian crowd dispersal. Of course any government and people that would use such a device on peaceful demonstrators would show itself to be lacking ethical and moral values.
 
Dr_Zinj said:
Prolonged exposure to this weapon will cause damage. And it can cause blindness.

Articles about the system say it has been designed to help minimize the risk of such injuries. Risk of damage with this system is on par with any other crowd control weapon.

Dr_Zinj said:
...but it works very nicely for civilian crowd dispersal. Of course any government and people that would use such a device on peaceful demonstrators would show itself to be lacking ethical and moral values.

Well the point of the system isn't really for dispersal of "peaceful" crowds, but rather violent mobs and/or riots that are out of control.

This is an effective tool that is less likely to cause life-threatening injuries than sting grenades, high-powered water jets, or possibly tear gas; and at the same time produces no lasting effects when used within its design parameters, something few crowd control methods can claim.
 
Yeah its the army's best try at a non-lethal crowd control weapon, and it hurts a lot, and most people can only stay in the way of it for like 5 seconds, so its pretty powerful (its like having scalding hot soup poured on you continuously)
 

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