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USAF to develop new energy weapons

By T.K. Randall
April 4, 2013 · Comment icon

12 comments

Image Credit: USAF

The Air Force is researching the biological effects of using non-lethal energy weapons on humans.

A $49 million research contract is being offered for the purpose of conducting studies and experiments relating to the unseen "bioeffects" that can occur when the body is exposed to high-powered microwaves and radio waves. The aim is not only to determine what effect such weapons would have if used on US soldiers but to find out how viable it is to build such weapons for offensive or defensive purposes.

The search for non-lethal energy weapons for deployment in riot scenarios or in the Middle-East is not a new one, sound cannons like the Long-Range Acoustic Device and pain rays like the Air Force’s Active Denial System have been in the works for years.

The Air Force is preparing to spend millions researching how unknown “bioeffects” happen when the human body is blasted by radiowaves and high-powered microwaves — which the Air Force hopes could lead to exotic new energy weapons.

Source: Wired | Comments (12)

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Recent comments on this story

#3 Posted by marcos anthony toledo 11 years ago

The line between lethal and nonlethal weapons is almost nonexistant. Just wait for the legal quamire that will develop when these weapons are used on the battlefield.

#4 Posted by Timonthy 11 years ago

The line between lethal and nonlethal weapons is almost nonexistant. Just wait for the legal quamire that will develop when these weapons are used on the battlefield. Non existent eg. one leaves you alive and one leaves you dead? I think you're talking about possible side effects of these non-lethal weapons - but there's definitely a big fat black line separating the two. I know I'd prefer to take some microwaves to the head, rather than some bullets for example. Edit: For any foreseeable future there will be a big need for weapons, it's a big step forward looking further into non-lethal weapo... [More]

#5 Posted by OverSword 11 years ago

To deploy in riot situations......err in the middle east of course. These aren't the droids you're looking for. Move along

#6 Posted by Sundew 11 years ago

So they are subjecting living humans to high powered microwaves? Does that make the government the twisted child and their victims the hamster? I'm all for non-lethality if killing is unnecessary, but this cannot be good for your internal organs. I can't believe they will find too many test subjects for this either, except perhaps for pigs which are often used as a human analog and don't have to volunteer. Is that bacon I smell?

#7 Posted by seeder 11 years ago

#8 Posted by Mikko-kun 11 years ago

Sigh... how hard it is to see that there's two parts for the problem, the root and the consequences? Riots and Korea's leaders boasting are consequences, and you only address them with developing aggression. Root cause is oppression, and using force when you're the bigger guy, is oppression. The ravine between people grows deeper and longer the more you keep this way. Just kill each other or let each other be, there's no room for compromise unless you make everyone who oppose you mindless sheep.

#9 Posted by wimfloppp 11 years ago

I sometimes wish they could give me more energy.

#10 Posted by Timonthy 11 years ago

I think we should train the armies in Kung Fu, pick a battlefield and have a big kung fu hustle bust up without weapons! At least its fairer and more watchable! Something that I'm sure every government would agree to: Fighting wars by proxy through video games. Hold a global summit, pick a game to represent the war or disagreement then spill digital blood. Winner walks away, loser walks away, everyone happy and dispute settled. -I am very confident that every leader on this planet would be happy to completely rid themselves of all physical dispute hardware to engage in the above. No questions ... [More]

#11 Posted by Zerocoder 11 years ago

The Future is Here! i would say but in this case more advanced weapons gives to much power to One man - US President -

#12 Posted by Creaziemon 11 years ago

Why have war in the first place? New, better weapons can lead to more people dying leaving their families in grief. Why can't people just find a non-violent solution to arguments?

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