"Military officials said the Active Denial System — known for making intended targets feel as though they are on fire — could be deployed early next year.
The denial system is expected to receive a $25 million boost once Congress approves an Iraq war supplemental spending bill. The money will be used to buy five “Silent Guardians,” a commercial version of the denial system built by defense contractor Raytheon.
Known as System 2, sits on a flatbed truck and will be the first to go to Iraq. The system is a directed-energy device, although not a laser or a microwave. It uses a large, dish-shaped antenna and a long, V-shaped arm to send an invisible beam of waves to a target as far away as 500 yards.
The beam penetrates the skin slightly, just enough to cause intense pain. The beam goes through clothing as well as windows, but can be blocked by thicker materials, such as metal, wood or concrete.
The most determined volunteer lasted only a few seconds Thursday. Sitting in the Humvee nearly 800 yards away from the circle, Hudspeth used a joystick and a computer screen to send the beam on its way.
“It’s pretty simple to use,” said Hudspeth, who’s been training on the denial system for the past three months. “You control everything from this computer.”
So when do the MoveOns and the CodePinks get fried?
