July 27, 2005
Iraq: Vehicle-Mounted Active Denial System (V-MADS)
Active Denial Technology is a breakthrough non-lethal technology that uses millimeter-wave electromagnetic energy to stop, deter and turn back an advancing adversary from relatively long range.
In July 2005 it was reported that the Active Denial System would be deployed to Iraq before the end of the year. Under an initiative called Project Sheriff, troops will receive a total of 15 vehicles.
Active Denial Technology uses a transmitter to send a narrow beam of 95-GHz millimeter waves towards an identified subject. Traveling at the speed of light, the energy reaches the subject and penetrates less than 1/64 of an inch into the skin, quickly heating up the skin's surface...According to reports, a 2-second burst from the system can heat the skin to a temperature of 130° F. At 50 °C, the pain reflex makes people pull away automatically in less than a second. Someone would have to stay in the beam for 250 seconds before it burnt the skin,
Despite the sensation, the technology does not cause injury because of the low energy levels used. It exploits a natural defense mechanism that helps to protect the human body from damage.
press release via Wendy McElroy
~This weapon's designed to cause crowds to stampede. Turning the 'foot-power' of a crowd upon itself. No burn injuries, only broken and crushed bones and bodies. Diabolical isn't it?
>related:
In this video clip, the test set-up is shown, with the transmit antenna slowing moving from side to side. The camera then pans to the left and toward targets located in to the distance. The camera then shows a close up of several "cutout" targets in the shape of people. The video changes to infrared, showing the targets from the heat they emit. Two of the targets quickly glow white as the Active Denial, millimeter wave energy strikes them and their temperature is altered.
galley link [The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Directed Energy Directorate]
[image via google]