I'd never heard of this "System 2" Gun, but sure enough, here is a report from Fox News about the Pentagon refusing requests for its use!
Saddam Hussein had been gone just a few weeks, and U.S. forces in Fallujah, west of Baghdad, were already being called unwelcome invaders. One of the first big anti-American protests of the war escalated into shootouts that left 18 Iraqis dead and 78 wounded.
Military leaders repeatedly and urgently requested — and were denied — the device, which uses energy beams instead of bullets and lets soldiers break up unruly crowds without firing a shot.
The Active Denial System is a directed-energy device, although it is 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.
Again, I know this is a weapon, but it's still pretty cool, and has to be better than getting a round in the butt?
I guess the Pentagon's refusal came down to cost, effectiveness, political repercussions and human rights issues. (read the full story from Fox!)
I wonder if Israel will have any qualms about using it on Palestinians? (Not an anti Israel comment, just an honest question!)
But like I said before, it has to be better than being shot, and their version will not be as powerful as the US one.
[edit on 13-11-2009 by kiwifoot]
