US military sets laser PHASRs to stun

[norml]

US military sets laser PHASRs to stun
16:05 07 November 2005
NewScientist.com news service
Will Knight


The PHASR may attempt to address safety concerns by automatically sensing its distance from a target (Image: US air force)

The US government has unveiled a "non-lethal" laser rifle designed to dazzle enemy personnel without causing them permanent harm. But the device will require close scrutiny to ensure compliance with a United Nations protocol on blinding laser weapons.

The Personnel Halting and Stimulation Response (PHASR) rifle was developed at the Air Force Research Laboratory in New Mexico, US, and two prototypes have been delivered to military bases in Texas and Virginia for further testing.

The US Department of Defense (DoD) believes the weapon could be used, for example, to temporarily blind suspects who drive through a roadblock. However, the DoD has yet to reveal details of how the laser works and has yet to respond to New Scientist’s requests for further information.

Laser weapons capable of blinding enemies have been developed in the past but were banned under a 1995 UN convention called the Protocol on Blinding Laser Weapons. The wording of this protocol, however, does not prohibit lasers that temporarily dazzle a foe.

snip

http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn8275

[madeline_con]

1. It worked so well when every cop got a TASER...

these should be handed out immediately! They're non-lethal, after all.

Is this the thing that can cook a brain from 100 yards?

[fooj]

2. I feel much better now...

But the device will require close scrutiny to ensure compliance with a United Nations protocol on blinding laser weapons.

Right. The DOD will be sure to get those details to the UN and New Scientists...:scared:

Peace.