Less Than Lethal?

Back in 1981 during the Falklands War if you’d call the it that (UK vs an Island), a small number of ships tested the top secret weapon system called “Laser Dazzle Sight”, (LDS). After real, simulated trials, it was quickly fitted to UK ships in time for their Falklands campaign. These included the Hermes, Brilliant, Broadsword, Invincible and Argonaut. During the troop landings at San Carlos Waters, high speed, wave hugging enemy pilots, would be met with a dazzling array of laser beams designed to blind them. It apparently worked and LDS has become another “less than lethal” weapon in the non-lethal weapons arsenal, known as “Soft Kill Technology”.

Today, there has evolved a wide array of sophisticated weapons, using both new and old technology. At the bottom of the scale we find pepper sprays, CS gas, Mace, plastic and rubber bullets, 12 gauge bean-bag shells, glue guns, water cannons, anti-personnel foams and a modern copy of Gladiator nets, which are shot from a special shotgun. At the high end there’s an assortment of “dazzling”, or “blinding” lasers. Let’s not forget acoustic, Radio-Frequency (RF), and Directed Energy Weapons (DEW). You say we can’t tell you how to run the canal?

Other Non Lethal? Weapons

One type relies on chemicals, designed for anti-material use. A fighter pilot could spray a formation of tanks with “combustion interference”. Exposing a diesel engine to a precise concentration of acetylene, results in severe pre-ignition difficulties causing the engine to “self destruct” in a few seconds.

A fighter bomber drops a cargo of “metal-eating” microbes on formations of tanks held in reserve. The microbes literally eat through metal and armor – in record time. Such chemical agents cause the metal to become brittle, these are composed of substances that alter the crystal structure of metals, destroying then further, with every minute.

If their engine hasn’t been destroyed by “interference”, and the metal munching chemicals, they might be doused in strange adhesives – known as “Roach Motel” polymers – which glue them on the spot. Also, they could be sprayed with “Teflon Confetti”, an anti-traction substance that makes surfaces too slippery to drive on. Or, having a plane drop “jellied acid” on them, which instantly destroys all optics, leaving the crew blind.

Also, consider the enemy’s “soft-skinned” (canvas top) trucks, carrying men and supplies to the battle will come under fire from non-lethal weapons. Chemical compounds could be sprayed over them, or coat a surface area of their convoy’s road. When the tires of these trucks contact the chemical, a reaction occurs, rendering them brittle and useless.

Electronic Weaponry

Known as “disabling technologies” they include infrasound weapons. Massive stacks of high wattage speakers, and higher powered amplifiers broadcast low frequency sound waves that penetrate through walls and armored vehicles like a knife through butter. First the enemy suffers disorientation, then begins vomiting and defecating (crapping their pants) until they’re totally unfit for combat. Ultrasound beam devices cause similar reactions, but if beamed in sufficient density, result in permanent hearing damage, and can even lead to death. Both can be used in underwater, against divers for instance, where the output is automatically amplified by water. How about submarines?

High Powered Microwaves (HPM) disable or destroy aircraft, missiles, vehicles and other equipment Because Microwaves are thermal in character they can also burn out circuits and destroy metallic objects. And the list of “less than lethal” weapons goes on and on

There’s an on-going non-lethal debate focusing on the use of these gadgets in domestic law enforcement situations. In the US Defense Dept. a program supposedly exists, called “Operations Other Than War”. “Operations Other Than War”, will be directed at riot and crowd control. Look out Ohio State!

Sedatives – Or, How to Quiet an Angry Crowd

The US military have also investigated the covert use of “long lasting sedatives” which could be placed in foodstuffs. In case “spiking” food staples proves difficult, sedatives could just as well be dispersed via low flying cruise missiles or other aircraft. This has become increasingly attractive to military strategists following the Somalia “peace keeping” operation (not really sure why?). They could have used a Tomahawk missile with about a million doses of seconal on those crazed bushmen, inducing a state of relative tranquility, and conducted their mission w/o casualties.

I could write 3 more posts covering the military development of these types of non-lethal devices but there are just too many. Trust me, they are out to immobilize any weapons or troops – destroy the weapons and gather up the sedated, but now friendly and cooperative, POW’s!

Spray my neighborhood next please!