Organic Revolution
16th February 2008, 19:45
This is a new tool for Riot control that will most likely be employed at the RNC/DNC, called the Active Denial System. Information taken from Wiki:
he Active Denial System (ADS) is a non-lethal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-lethal), directed-energy weapon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Directed-energy_weapon) developed by the U.S. military (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_armed_forces).[1] (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/v-mads.htm) It is a strong millimeter-wave transmitter used for crowd control (the "goodbye effect"[1] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-0)). Informally, the weapon is also called pain ray.[2] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-1) Raytheon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raytheon) is currently marketing a reduced range version of this technology.[3] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-2) The ADS is currently being considered for deployment in the Iraq war. ADS has also been present at various public events in the United States. It is unclear if the government has sought any authorization to deploy the weapon at home or did so without public input.[4] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-3)
[edit (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Active_Denial_System&action=edit§ion=1)] Operation
The ADS works by directing electromagnetic radiation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_radiation) at a frequency of 95 GHz (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GHz)[5] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-popmech-dec06-32) (a wavelength of 3.2 mm) toward the subjects. The waves excite (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Excited_state) water molecules in the epidermis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epidermis_%28skin%29) to around 55 °C (130 degrees Fahrenheit), causing an intensely painful sensation of extreme heat. While not actually burning the skin, the burning sensation is similar to that of a light bulb being pressed against the skin.[5] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-popmech-dec06-32) The focused beam can be directed at targets at a range of just under half a kilometer, or 500 yards[6] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-Daily_Telegraph_report). The device can penetrate thick clothing, although not walls[6] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-Daily_Telegraph_report). Active Denial utilizes high frequency microwave radiation.
Electromagnetic radiation cannot pass through a conductor, so an effective way to shield yourself from the beam is a Faraday cage (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faraday_cage), a type of electromagnetic shielding (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_shielding) made from a conductive mesh or foil. In the case of a mesh the openings in the weave must be smaller than the wavelength of the radiation, and due to the very high frequency of the ADS (95 GHz) it would be necessary to use a very tightly woven conductive fabric, so thin metallic foil would be more suitable. Any type of metallic foil will easily absorb and deflect the beam.
At 95 GHz, the frequency (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frequency) is much higher than the 2.45 GHz of a microwave oven. This frequency was chosen because, due to the stronger absorption of water at those frequencies, they penetrate the skin to a depth of less than 1/64 of an inch (0.4 mm),"[7] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-4) which is where the nerve endings are located. A spokesman for the Air Force Research Laboratory (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Force_Research_Laboratory) described his experience as a test subject for the system: "For the first millisecond, it just felt like the skin was warming up. Then it got warmer and warmer and you felt like it was on fire.... As soon as you're away from that beam your skin returns to normal and there is no pain."
The ADS is currently only a vehicle mounted weapon, however, U.S. Marines and police are both working on portable versions.
A fully operational and mounted system was demonstrated Wednesday, January 24 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/January_24), 2007 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007), at Moody Air Force Base (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moody_Air_Force_Base), Georgia. A Reuters (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reuters) correspondent who volunteered to be shot with the beam during the demonstration described it as "similar to a blast from a very hot oven - too painful to bear without diving for cover."[8] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-BBC_report)
While the effects can be unpleasant, ADS has undergone extensive testing since its inception more than 12 years ago.Research into whether or not the device will cause long term health effects has been inconclusive. Many aspects of the research are classified making independent evaluation impossible. The beam is designed only to affect an individual for a short moment due to safety presets and features but these setting can be overridden by the operator. [9] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-5). According to public release, there have been over 10,700 "shots" by ADS with no serious injuries.[10] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-6) Of the 8 people who reported adverse effects, only two required any medical attention. One was involved in a laboratory accident and received a small dime sized blister, while the second incident involved more extensive blistering.
[edit (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Active_Denial_System&action=edit§ion=2)] Controversy
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ad/Active_Denial_System_closeup.jpg/250px-Active_Denial_System_closeup.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Active_Denial_System_closeup.jpg) http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/common/images/magnify-clip.png (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Active_Denial_System_closeup.jpg)
Closeup of a "Desk top" millimeter wave projector. This simulates the feeling of the ADS beam in a small dime sized region.
The effects of this radio frequency on humans have been studied by the military for years, and much, but not all, of the research has been published openly in peer reviewed journals. A listing of many of these articles can be found on the military Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Program[2] (https://www.jnlwp.com/) website on the ADS page[3] (https://www.jnlwp.com/ActiveDenialSystem.asp).
Controversy as to the methodology of testing, in which volunteers were asked to remove glasses, contact lenses (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contact_lenses) and metallic objects that could cause hot spots, has raised concerns as to whether the device would remain true to its purpose of non-lethal temporary incapacitation if used in the field where safety precautions would not be taken. Proponents of the system claim that these tests were early in the program and part of a thorough and methodical process to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the technology, which has now involved more than 600 volunteer subjects and some 10,200 exposures. As safety was demonstrated in each step of the process, restrictions were removed and now, according to ADS proponents, there are no restrictions or precautions necessary for volunteers experiencing the effect.[11] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-7)
Critics cite that although the stated intent of the ADS is to be a non-lethal device designed to temporarily incapacitate, easy modifications or incorrect use by the operator could turn the ADS into a more damaging weapon that could violate international conventions on warfare (although at this time, ADS has gone through numerous treaty compliance reviews and legal reviews by AF/JAO, and in all cases complies with every treaty and law)[12] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-8). Long term exposure to the beam may cause more serious damage, especially to sensitive tissue such as those of the eyes. Two people have received second degree burns after exposure to the device and it is conjectured that many more less serious injuries have been concealed.[4] (http://blog.wired.com/defense/2007/04/pain_ray_injure.html)[5] (http://labor.state.ak.us/lss/pads/radio.htm) (At the time of this writing, the actual number of "injuries" according to Dr Stephanie Miller of AFRL/RHDR, is a total of 8. The two previously mentioned, and 6 others who healed with no medical intervention what so ever.)
A recent news article criticized the sheer amount of time it is taking to field this system, citing the potential it had to avert a great deal of pain and suffering in volatile areas around the world.[13] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-9) An un-named source at Eglin AFB is attributed as quipping, "It's easier to field a system that will splatter their brains on the sidewalk than it is to spare their lives with this non-lethal capability. That's the government for ya'!"
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/03/Active_Denial_System.jpg/220px-Active_Denial_System.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Active_Denial_System.jpg) http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/common/images/magnify-clip.png (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Active_Denial_System.jpg)
A "table top" ADS being tested.
[edit (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Active_Denial_System&action=edit§ion=3)] Silent Guardian
The defense contractor, Raytheon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raytheon), has developed a smaller version of the ADS, named the Silent Guardian. This stripped down model is primarily marketed for use by law enforcement agencies, the military and other security providers. The system is operated and aimed with a joystick and aiming screen. The device can be used for targets up to 550 m away.[5] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-popmech-dec06-32)
Michael Hanlon (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Michael_Hanlon&action=edit) - who volunteered to experience its effects - described it as "a bit like touching a red-hot wire, but there is no heat, only the sensation of heat". Contrary to Raytheon's claims that the pain ceases instantly upon removal of the ray, Hanlon said that the finger he subjected "was tingling hours later".[14] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-10)
[edit (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Active_Denial_System&action=edit§ion=4)] Contracts
22 September (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_22) 2004 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004) Raytheon was granted an FCC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Communications_Commission) license to demonstrate the technology to "law enforcement, military and security organizations."[15] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-11)
On October 4 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_4), 2004 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004) the DoD (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DoD) published the following contract information:
Communications and Power Industries (CPI), Palto Alto [sic], Calif., is being awarded a $6,377,762 costs-reimbursement, cost-plus fixed-price contract. The contractor shall design, build, test, and delivery a two to 2.5 megawatt, high efficiency, continuous wave (CW) 95 gigahertz millimeter wave source system. The contractor shall perform extensive modeling, simulation, experiments, and testing to the maximum capabilities of their facilities (which shall no less than one megawatt peak RF output) that will ascertain the final CW capabilities of the source. The contractor also shall provide input for the requirements for the government’s test stand, which will serve as a full power facility in the future. At this time, $900,000 of the funds has been obliged. This work will be complete by January 2009. Negotiations were completed September 2004. The Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirtland_Air_Force_Base), New Mexico, is the contracting activity (FA9451-04-C-0298).[16] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-12)
Some Brainstorming that went in to combating this in a protest situation are, wet blankets, wet clothes, and wet suits.
he Active Denial System (ADS) is a non-lethal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-lethal), directed-energy weapon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Directed-energy_weapon) developed by the U.S. military (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_armed_forces).[1] (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/v-mads.htm) It is a strong millimeter-wave transmitter used for crowd control (the "goodbye effect"[1] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-0)). Informally, the weapon is also called pain ray.[2] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-1) Raytheon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raytheon) is currently marketing a reduced range version of this technology.[3] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-2) The ADS is currently being considered for deployment in the Iraq war. ADS has also been present at various public events in the United States. It is unclear if the government has sought any authorization to deploy the weapon at home or did so without public input.[4] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-3)
[edit (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Active_Denial_System&action=edit§ion=1)] Operation
The ADS works by directing electromagnetic radiation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_radiation) at a frequency of 95 GHz (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GHz)[5] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-popmech-dec06-32) (a wavelength of 3.2 mm) toward the subjects. The waves excite (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Excited_state) water molecules in the epidermis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epidermis_%28skin%29) to around 55 °C (130 degrees Fahrenheit), causing an intensely painful sensation of extreme heat. While not actually burning the skin, the burning sensation is similar to that of a light bulb being pressed against the skin.[5] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-popmech-dec06-32) The focused beam can be directed at targets at a range of just under half a kilometer, or 500 yards[6] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-Daily_Telegraph_report). The device can penetrate thick clothing, although not walls[6] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-Daily_Telegraph_report). Active Denial utilizes high frequency microwave radiation.
Electromagnetic radiation cannot pass through a conductor, so an effective way to shield yourself from the beam is a Faraday cage (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faraday_cage), a type of electromagnetic shielding (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_shielding) made from a conductive mesh or foil. In the case of a mesh the openings in the weave must be smaller than the wavelength of the radiation, and due to the very high frequency of the ADS (95 GHz) it would be necessary to use a very tightly woven conductive fabric, so thin metallic foil would be more suitable. Any type of metallic foil will easily absorb and deflect the beam.
At 95 GHz, the frequency (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frequency) is much higher than the 2.45 GHz of a microwave oven. This frequency was chosen because, due to the stronger absorption of water at those frequencies, they penetrate the skin to a depth of less than 1/64 of an inch (0.4 mm),"[7] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-4) which is where the nerve endings are located. A spokesman for the Air Force Research Laboratory (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Force_Research_Laboratory) described his experience as a test subject for the system: "For the first millisecond, it just felt like the skin was warming up. Then it got warmer and warmer and you felt like it was on fire.... As soon as you're away from that beam your skin returns to normal and there is no pain."
The ADS is currently only a vehicle mounted weapon, however, U.S. Marines and police are both working on portable versions.
A fully operational and mounted system was demonstrated Wednesday, January 24 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/January_24), 2007 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007), at Moody Air Force Base (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moody_Air_Force_Base), Georgia. A Reuters (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reuters) correspondent who volunteered to be shot with the beam during the demonstration described it as "similar to a blast from a very hot oven - too painful to bear without diving for cover."[8] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-BBC_report)
While the effects can be unpleasant, ADS has undergone extensive testing since its inception more than 12 years ago.Research into whether or not the device will cause long term health effects has been inconclusive. Many aspects of the research are classified making independent evaluation impossible. The beam is designed only to affect an individual for a short moment due to safety presets and features but these setting can be overridden by the operator. [9] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-5). According to public release, there have been over 10,700 "shots" by ADS with no serious injuries.[10] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-6) Of the 8 people who reported adverse effects, only two required any medical attention. One was involved in a laboratory accident and received a small dime sized blister, while the second incident involved more extensive blistering.
[edit (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Active_Denial_System&action=edit§ion=2)] Controversy
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ad/Active_Denial_System_closeup.jpg/250px-Active_Denial_System_closeup.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Active_Denial_System_closeup.jpg) http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/common/images/magnify-clip.png (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Active_Denial_System_closeup.jpg)
Closeup of a "Desk top" millimeter wave projector. This simulates the feeling of the ADS beam in a small dime sized region.
The effects of this radio frequency on humans have been studied by the military for years, and much, but not all, of the research has been published openly in peer reviewed journals. A listing of many of these articles can be found on the military Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Program[2] (https://www.jnlwp.com/) website on the ADS page[3] (https://www.jnlwp.com/ActiveDenialSystem.asp).
Controversy as to the methodology of testing, in which volunteers were asked to remove glasses, contact lenses (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contact_lenses) and metallic objects that could cause hot spots, has raised concerns as to whether the device would remain true to its purpose of non-lethal temporary incapacitation if used in the field where safety precautions would not be taken. Proponents of the system claim that these tests were early in the program and part of a thorough and methodical process to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the technology, which has now involved more than 600 volunteer subjects and some 10,200 exposures. As safety was demonstrated in each step of the process, restrictions were removed and now, according to ADS proponents, there are no restrictions or precautions necessary for volunteers experiencing the effect.[11] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-7)
Critics cite that although the stated intent of the ADS is to be a non-lethal device designed to temporarily incapacitate, easy modifications or incorrect use by the operator could turn the ADS into a more damaging weapon that could violate international conventions on warfare (although at this time, ADS has gone through numerous treaty compliance reviews and legal reviews by AF/JAO, and in all cases complies with every treaty and law)[12] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-8). Long term exposure to the beam may cause more serious damage, especially to sensitive tissue such as those of the eyes. Two people have received second degree burns after exposure to the device and it is conjectured that many more less serious injuries have been concealed.[4] (http://blog.wired.com/defense/2007/04/pain_ray_injure.html)[5] (http://labor.state.ak.us/lss/pads/radio.htm) (At the time of this writing, the actual number of "injuries" according to Dr Stephanie Miller of AFRL/RHDR, is a total of 8. The two previously mentioned, and 6 others who healed with no medical intervention what so ever.)
A recent news article criticized the sheer amount of time it is taking to field this system, citing the potential it had to avert a great deal of pain and suffering in volatile areas around the world.[13] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-9) An un-named source at Eglin AFB is attributed as quipping, "It's easier to field a system that will splatter their brains on the sidewalk than it is to spare their lives with this non-lethal capability. That's the government for ya'!"
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/03/Active_Denial_System.jpg/220px-Active_Denial_System.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Active_Denial_System.jpg) http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/common/images/magnify-clip.png (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Active_Denial_System.jpg)
A "table top" ADS being tested.
[edit (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Active_Denial_System&action=edit§ion=3)] Silent Guardian
The defense contractor, Raytheon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raytheon), has developed a smaller version of the ADS, named the Silent Guardian. This stripped down model is primarily marketed for use by law enforcement agencies, the military and other security providers. The system is operated and aimed with a joystick and aiming screen. The device can be used for targets up to 550 m away.[5] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-popmech-dec06-32)
Michael Hanlon (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Michael_Hanlon&action=edit) - who volunteered to experience its effects - described it as "a bit like touching a red-hot wire, but there is no heat, only the sensation of heat". Contrary to Raytheon's claims that the pain ceases instantly upon removal of the ray, Hanlon said that the finger he subjected "was tingling hours later".[14] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-10)
[edit (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Active_Denial_System&action=edit§ion=4)] Contracts
22 September (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_22) 2004 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004) Raytheon was granted an FCC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Communications_Commission) license to demonstrate the technology to "law enforcement, military and security organizations."[15] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-11)
On October 4 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_4), 2004 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004) the DoD (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DoD) published the following contract information:
Communications and Power Industries (CPI), Palto Alto [sic], Calif., is being awarded a $6,377,762 costs-reimbursement, cost-plus fixed-price contract. The contractor shall design, build, test, and delivery a two to 2.5 megawatt, high efficiency, continuous wave (CW) 95 gigahertz millimeter wave source system. The contractor shall perform extensive modeling, simulation, experiments, and testing to the maximum capabilities of their facilities (which shall no less than one megawatt peak RF output) that will ascertain the final CW capabilities of the source. The contractor also shall provide input for the requirements for the government’s test stand, which will serve as a full power facility in the future. At this time, $900,000 of the funds has been obliged. This work will be complete by January 2009. Negotiations were completed September 2004. The Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirtland_Air_Force_Base), New Mexico, is the contracting activity (FA9451-04-C-0298).[16] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_denial_system#_note-12)
Some Brainstorming that went in to combating this in a protest situation are, wet blankets, wet clothes, and wet suits.