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Edited by Noah Shachtman | Contact

More Cash for Human Ray Gun Tests

The Pentagon is dead serious about getting its pain ray into the field soon -- serious enough to test the system out on people.

edge2.jpgDefense Industry Daily notes that "Conceptual MindWorks in San Antonio, TX received a $7 million cost-plus fixed-fee contract to provide for research support around emerging directed energy weapons... and their effects on humans."

Work will be conducted in cooperation with the Air Force Research Laboratory, Human Effectiveness Directorate... located in Brooks City-Base, TX. The scope of the proposed contract will focus on bioeffects research on directed energy and kinetic energy systems, to assist in transitioning DoD technologies from the lab to the front lines.

Using electro-magnetic waves that penetrate just a 64th of inch beneath the skin, the Defense Department's pain ray creates a burning sensation that tends to make people run the other way, fast.

Hundreds of people have been voluntarily zapped by the device, known as the Active Denial System, with a little, if any, lasting damage. But that testing was called into question last month, when New Scientist revealed that the trials weren't as realistic as they could have been.

The experimenters banned glasses and contact lenses to prevent possible eye damage to the subjects, and in the second and third tests removed any metallic objects such as coins and keys to stop hot spots being created on the skin. They also checked the volunteers' clothes for certain seams, buttons and zips which might also cause hot spots.... People playing rioters put up their hands when hit and were given a 15-second cooling-down period before being targeted again.

A prototype Humvee-mounted ADS system could be sent to Iraq by the end of the year. A modified Stryker armored personnel carrier, equipped with a low-power version of the pain ray, a laser dazzler, and a sonic blaster, isn't all that far behind, officials familir with the program say.

Latest Comments

If you really think that todays military is more brainwashed than ever, and you would think they would use this on citizens just for rallying peacefully? Obviously you know of no one in the military, your probably a Democrat who has nothing better to do than wine about the government and how its gotta be a conspiracy about everything. Seriously todays military is a heck of alot less "DO WHAT I SAY! YOU HAVE NO FREE THOUGHT! ARRRRRGH!" than any other time in history. They actually try to make sure youre not an idiot and can actually think on your feet if you need to. But yes, sadly, there are idiots out there in the military who cannot think for themselves. Believe me, i know. I was in the airforce along with my brother and three cousins. I have 2 others in the Army, My father-in-law was a navy seal, and my Father was Marine special forces. Along with countless other family members dating back forever! You can deffinatley tell the difference between todays military and the military of old. Do a little research next time. Dont go assuming that the whole military is a bunch of brainless zombies. That kind of thinking will only limit you and make alot of people mad. But as for this weapon, i think any new non-leathal way to deal with things is a great step forward for all humans.

Posted by: Chad at January 28, 2007 1:53 AM


This weapon will be used on American citizens exercising their right to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievences - mark my words. It is a very short step from "free speech zones" and riot police running down protestors to zapping them with pain rays. We are headed toward fascism and the military is being brutalized in order to create a group who won't mind using this weapon on their fellow Americans - And Rush Limbaugh will tell them on Armed Forces Radio and TV that they are more than justified to do so. Wake up sheeple! Orwell had no idea.

Posted by: Maturin at July 15, 2006 2:41 PM


I think all the advancements in combat weaponry are good in that troops in the feild will suffer less injury while inflicting maximum damage upon the enemy. My concern is the enemy somehow getting their hands on this or some of the other things we're currently working on and using them on America and her allies the world over not to mention possibly here at home against non-combatants.

Posted by: tninak at July 14, 2006 2:07 PM


The ray gun might be effective against reasonable people, even though they commit crimes.Terrosists and the like need to be "dropped" where they are. These individuals have no regard for life, either their own or anyone else's for that matter.

Posted by: Jim Martin at July 14, 2006 1:57 PM


Once government, always government....
Wake up !!! Lie-ing is their way of life.
I have worked with and tested smaller versions of these wepons and can personally tell you for a fact that they can cause nerve damage.
They effect men and women in differrent ways...
High frequency engery can turn you into a vegtable when focust on target at high power. Think about it. You can't see it or hear it, But you can defenately feel it ! Just testing at 400 watts one day for 30 seconds made me sick for 3 days... Enough said, I'd like to know the real reason ?

Posted by: Arthur at July 14, 2006 1:13 AM


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