Non-lethalWeapons
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TASER X3 triple-shot stunner arrives, subdues population
Right on schedule, Taser's launching the TASER X3 "force option," which allows "peace officers" the ability to shoot up to three probes in quick succession in order to "incapacitate" their "targets." Not only that, but the X3 can display a "warning arc" when loaded, allowing officers to "gain voluntary compliance" and "avert use-of-force" by putting on a light show. When it comes time to take down that unruly Trustafarian, however, it'll get done with style -- the probes are aimed with laser sights, and the new Pulse Calibration System actively monitors the perp to deliver a Precision Shaped Pulse(TM) that provides "consistent effects." Yeah, we want one. Video after the break.
Meet the Disintegrator: 24 barrels of rubber band minigun madness
You've gotta admire folks who bring their trade to a whole new level, even if that does mean escalating the international arms race between builders of automated, wooden, rubber band miniguns. The 24-barrel, tripod-mountable monster you see above, lovingly known as the Disintegrator, was rather amazingly hand-carved and assembled by Anthony Smith of the UK, who spent four months on the ambitious build. Unlike your dinky little six-shooter, this model boasts a 288-band capacity and 40-round-per-second firing capability, making it one of the most dangerous weapons to remain unbanned by the TSA. To see this wonder in its full operational glory, you simply have to check out the video after the break.[Via TechDigest, image courtesy of Disintegrator.co.uk]
Pentagon prepping non-lethal "light and sound" weapon
Blissfully unaware that it's up against a generation raised in the sensory madhouses known as techno clubs, the Pentagon is reportedly working on a non-lethal weapon that utilizes light and sound to sicken and disorient targets. Like Homeland Security's "pukelight," the so-called Distributed Sound and Light Array Debilitator being developed by Penn State's Applied Research Laboratory is meant to induce a feeling of nauseousness, in this case combining light patterns with "aversive noises." So yeah, like we said, sounds pretty effective unless you happen to run into a group of insurgents hardened by years of all-night raving and the accompanying neurological damage.
Air Force chief proposes testing "pain guns" on unruly Americans
It's a good thing that military personnel are not elected officials, because if Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne were up for re-election, we doubt that his proposal to test non-lethal weapons on American citizens before deploying them abroad would win him many votes. Specifically, Wynne told The Associated Press: "If we're not willing to use it here against our fellow citizens, then we should not be willing to use it in a wartime situation, (because) if I hit somebody with a nonlethal weapon and they claim that it injured them in a way that was not intended, I think that I would be vilified in the world press." That would certainly be a shame, Mr. Secretary, as it would really tarnish the US's hard-earned reputation as a nation beyond reproach in the eyes of the international community. So, next time you're looting or rioting or otherwise participating in organized chaos and you happen to inexplicably drop to your knees in horrific pain, you can thank Secretary Wynne for ensuring that America's enemies will be receiving just the right dose of incapacitating waves, beams, or pulses when the time comes.Update: Upon reading all of the comments so far (some insightful, some not) and re-reading the CNN article, it's clear that the AP reporter may have taken Secretary Wynne's statement out of context, and that the Secretary may actually be advocating against any use of these types of weapons at all -- a notion that's further supported by claims that the Air Force is withholding funding for this research pending additional medical inquiries. Therefore, please disregard any barbs herein made at the expense of Secretary Wynne, as they may turn out to be completely unwarranted.
