US introduces new weapon to fight against Iraqi insurgents

Source: CCTV.com | 01-26-2007 14:50

The US has come up with a new type of weapon in its fight against insurgents in Iraq It's non-lethal, but is capable of disarming its targets.

It will not kill you, but this weapon can make you feel like you're on fire. The sudden, 50-degree Celsius increase in temperature that it generates is not particularly painful but it's intense. And it's enough to make targets feel their clothes are about to ignite.

The device uses tiny waves, which penetrate just below the surface of the skin, enough to cause a great deal of discomfort.

During the first media demonstration of the weapon, Wednesday, airmen fired beams from a large dish antenna mounted on a Humvee. Targets were people acting as a rioting mob - a realistic demonstration of what US troops might encounter.

The weapon's range - more than 450 meters. That's nearly 17 times the range of existing non-lethal weapons, such as rubber bullets.

US Military officials say the new weapon could save the lives of innocent civilians as well as soldiers in places like Iraq and Afghanistan.

The weapon is not expected to go into production until at least 2010. All branches of the U.S. military say they are interested.

Editor:Du Xiaodan