PDA

View Full Version : Non-Lethal Laser Weapon Halts Aggressors



J-10
11-02-2005, 12:46 AM
http://www.spacewar.com/news/miltech-05zzzy.html
Non-Lethal Laser Weapon Halts Aggressors
By Eva D. Blaylock
Air Force Research Laboratory Directed Energy Directorate Public Affairs
Kirtland Air Force Base NM (SPX) Nov 01, 2005

http://www.spacewar.com/images/laser-phasr-bg.jpgU.S. Air Force Capt. Drew F. Goettler, of the Air Force Research Laboratory' Directed Energy Directorate, demonstrates the Personnel Halting and Stimulation Response, or PHaSR, a non-lethal illumination technology developed by the laboratory's ScorpWorks team. Air Force courtesy photo.

A laser technology being developed by Air Force Research Laboratory employees at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., will be the first man-portable, non-lethal deterrrent weapon intended for protecting troops and controlling hostile crowds.

The weapon, developed by the laboratory's Directed Energy Directorate, employs a two-wavelength laser system and is the first of its kind as a hand-held, single-operator system for troop and perimeter defense.

The laser light used in the weapon temporarily impairs aggressors by illuminating or "dazzling" individuals, removing their ability to see the laser source.

The first two prototypes of the Personnel Halting and Stimulation Response, or PHaSR, were built at Kirtland last month and delivered to the laboratory's Human Effectiveness Directorate at Brooks City Base, Texas, and the Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate at Quantico, Va. for testing.

"The future is here with PHaSR," said program manager Capt. Thomas Wegner. He is also the ScorpWorks flight commander within the Laser Division of the directorate.

ScorpWorks is a unit of military scientists and engineers that develops laser system prototypes for Air Force Research Laboratory, from beginning concept to product field testing.

The National Institute of Justice recently awarded ScorpWorks $250,000 to make an advanced prototype that will add an eye-safe laser range finder into PHaSR.

Systems such as PHaSR have historically been too powerful at close ranges and ineffective but eye-safe at long ranges. The next prototype is planned to include the addition of the eye-safe range finder and is planned for completion in March 2006.

jetsetter
11-02-2005, 12:50 AM
The United States was going to use laser dazzlers in Somolia but they were afraid that the dazzlers would cause blindness in the people who the weapon was aimed at.

striker
11-02-2005, 03:09 AM
Thats why I love America. The ability to create a meaningful Acronym with a message (PHaSER, Enterprise anyone) which is a completely stupid and senseless phrase when spelled out. And the political correctness to spend 250k to add an eye safe laser rangefinder to a weapon thats meant to blind opponents. What for do you need a rangefinder on something that emits a straight beam (no elevation and windage adjustments necessary) is beyond me.
And then not using said weapon on people, because it might make them blind, so having to shoot same people because there is no non lethal way available to stop them.
This weapon will bring up the same debate as the Tazer. According to the PCniks I can't use the tazer an attacker because it might kill him if he has a heart condition, but I can use a Glock 17 on him. That a well placed bullet will stop even the most healthiest heart is a point lost on the PC crowd.
End rant
striker

Ratamacue
11-02-2005, 03:27 AM
Thats why I love America. The ability to create a meaningful Acronym with a message (PHaSER, Enterprise anyone) which is a completely stupid and senseless phrase when spelled out.
Oh come on, you've gotta love "SAW." :-P

striker
11-02-2005, 03:50 AM
Oh come on, you've gotta love "SAW." :-P
That's another one on my favorite list along with HARM, but at least they describe the product in a meaningful way, but what does Personnel Halting and Stimulation Response mean?

Kilgor
11-02-2005, 04:02 AM
when it can burn holes through people, then it will be interesting.

Non lethal is about as exciting as alcohol free beer and decaf.

joshfox0
11-02-2005, 06:56 AM
Halo's the first thign that popped into my head.
as for acronyms with double meanings MOAB ain't half bad.