Non-lethal weapons leave no immediately visible marks on their victims, but can cause startling psychological and physical destruction. And a leak of the latest Pentagon projects shows that fears of such dystopian damage are already coming true.
In a 1908 New York Times letter to the editor, revolutionary scientist Nikola Telsa wrote, “When I spoke of future warfare I meant that it should be conducted by direct application of electrical waves without the use of aerial engines or other implements of destruction.”
One device, known as the Active Denial System (ADS), is described as a “long range, directed energy, vehicle mounted system that projects an invisible electromagnetic millimeter-wave energy beam beyond small arms range.”
“potential for minor burns if overexposed.”
However, critics have said it can lead to more several thermal injuries – including blindness – while it is believed that the projected invisible electromagnetic energy beam could potentially cause cancer.
And if one needs to both blind and deafen a target, the Distributed Sound and Light Array (DSLA) “uses a combined laser, non-coherent light, and acoustics to produce a synergistic engagement system.”
Also mentioned are a battery of conceptual systems that can either redirect or stop altogether vehicular movement on the land, sea and air via electromagnetic attack.
All in all, the ability of police and law-enforcement to completely disable unruly populations via all-out sensory assaults is cause for concern in times of deepening economic and social crisis.
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