Related Sections: Future Tech
Spock to U.S. Air Force: 'Set PHaSR to stun'
We generally avoid the sci-fi related posts around here despite the fact that we're run by the SCI FI Channel, but we can't pass up on two super-nerdy Star Trek-themed posts in one week. It may have taken 40 years, but the U.S. Air Force finally has developed what the crew of the Starship Enterprise had in their arsenal decades ago: a working stun gun. The Personal Halting and Stimulation Response or PHaSR stops people in their tracks when they fall down laughing at the name… er, I mean they get blasted by a dazzling nonlethal beam of laser light, creating an effect similar to walking out from a dark movie theater into the bright sunshine. The idea is that you could use the PHaSR to control hostile crowds and for perimeter defense at checkpoints and the like. No word as to whether a nice pair of Ray Bans or Oakleys might prove to be an effective countermeasure against this menacing new weapons system, and who knows what kind of havoc you could wreak with a pair of mirror shades.
Via Gotta Have One
By DavemanXP at 8:26 AM ON 10/12/06
The PHaSR might be non lethal, but I suspect "potential" irreversible damage done to the retina, translating into mega lawsuits for those who use the device and those who manufacture it. In my humble opinion.
By KewlToyZ at 8:43 AM ON 10/12/06
I would have to see it in action to make any assessment. Sign me up with Wee Man and a video shoot =P
By jessfnly at 10:06 AM ON 10/12/06
these types of weapons are designed NOT to give irreversable dammage if used properly. they are only meant produce 2 seconds or less of light that will hinder the target momentarly blind, which will last about 30 seconds. That is just enough time for them to be subdued. besides, this isnt the only non-leathal weapon of this nature, there is also a laser that can be made to attach to any fire-arm so that it will give the holder a choice between leathal and non-leathal results. Given the choice, would you rather be shot by a PHaSR of a tazer?
By purphekt at 11:21 AM ON 10/12/06
I just wonder about a couple of things not stated like how many "shots" per set of batteries and how heavy is the thing considering it is shown with a bipod.
By Streaky at 1:48 PM ON 10/12/06
I wouldn't be shot be either of those things.
I think they have a good chance of leaving permanent damage... The PHaSR, to your eyes, and the Taser to your heart and nervous system...
Personally, I think as soon as those gadgets are designed, they should be scrapped.
There are enough dangerous gadgets in the world as it is.
By socratez at 2:35 PM ON 10/12/06
I think the technology has been out there for a while. It wouldn't be as effect as conventional weapons used in real combat. However, when it comes to suppress revolts, it can prove to be quite useful to disable large hords of ppl. I have seen a copter-carried version. Everyone within the targeting angle can be momentarily immobilized and subdued.
By mithandir642 at 8:05 PM ON 10/12/06
This is more reminiscent of the guns used the 1981 movie “Looker” than Star Trek.
By GRIZZLON at 1:17 AM ON 10/14/06
sounds to me like a flash-bang grenade w/o th bang
By snuffy63 at 12:00 PM ON 11/09/06
First of all, the comment about Tazers harming your nervous system or heart, Bullchips. I was talking to a police officer the other day, (I noticed he had what looked like a 9mm and some other futuristic gun) and he told me that you can even shoot people with pacemakers etc with a tazer and it will not hurt them. (other than what is appropriate to stun them) They usually make and test these things for that sort of thing. Besides, if you are screwing up bad enough that someone (e.g. Police) need to shoot you, then it's your fault. My opinion is that a new law should be enacted that if you do something (like break and enter, robbery, etc.) and you get hurt (or someone else) then the perp should be at fault. The days of breaking into someones house and tripping over a toy and sueing the owner should have stopped when mankind first got common sense.
By bobdebob at 9:23 PM ON 07/12/07
i saw a Humvee mounted 'Microwave' Weapon (advanced prototype).it looked like large square satellite dish and emits something 'similar to a microwave' that feels like your being 'cooked' from the inside out. the longest a person has stayed in its path was 5 seconds. it is designed for riots etc and can target 'individuals' within a large crowd, from half a mile away!. i believe that we will start seeing a lot more different types of non lethal weaponry around in the next few years.
By IRADIATEKOPF at 6:57 AM ON 07/14/08
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