UK & World News
- 12 May 2012, 11:35
'Sonic Weapon' Is Deployed For The Olympics
A device that can be used as a sonic weapon will be deployed in London for the Olympics.
The American-built long-range acoustic device (LRad) can be used both as a high-powered loud speaker and to emit an ear-piercing beam of sound.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that it was among a "broad range of assets" being used by the Armed Forces to provide security during the Games.
A spokesman said it would be used primarily in "loud hailer mode" in order to issue verbal warnings to any boats on the River Thames that were causing concern.
However, the LRad can emit a highly focused beam of sound at a pain-inducing 150 decibels (dB).
In comparison, military jets have a take-off rating of 140 dB while instant perforation of an eardrum can occur at 160 dB.
The US army deployed LRad as a crowd control device during its struggles in post-war Iraq.
More recently, it used a vehicle-mounted system against G20 protesters in Pittsburgh in 2009, driving back US demonstrators with the LRad's high-pitched sound.
The devices have also been used on cruise liners to ward off Indian Ocean pirate attacks.
Some models are now "man portable" backpacks that can blast alarm warnings at 137 dB, and can be used as land-based loud hailers with a range of 1km.
"As part of the military contribution to the police-led security effort to ensure a safe and secure games, a broad range of assets and equipment is being used by our Armed Forces," the MoD spokesman said.
"This includes the LRad which will be deployed during the Olympic Games primarily to be used in the loud hailer mode as part of the measures to achieve a maritime stop on the Thames."
what do you think?
john
Another step on the road to an all powerful totalitarian government, all protest forbidden by our masters. Then they start eliminating sections of society step by step, trade unions, travellers( the G word is forbidden by Orange), the disabled etc etc, anyone remember Adolf and his chums?
tagliatellius
Just wait for the damages claims for hearing loss from the deafened, the lawyers must be clapping their hands at the prospect of millions of pounds in legal fees from the taxpayer.
David Wragg
Thank goodness I don't live anywhere near a games venue. The collateral damage from this device could be terrible. Blair's officials advised him not to pursue the prospect of London becoming a games venue, but he ignored them, and had Brown's and Cameron's support as well. Idiots all three of them. The Athens games led to a fall in tourism to Greece and the costs made the Greek economic situation even worse. The same will happen here.
paulnaylor
so, if they have to go to this much trouble to protect the nation, obviously there are safety issues....then the question is what the hell are we doing hosting the games in the first place.
David Wragg
5:07am on 12/5/2012
Thank goodness the Thames is no longer a major commercvial waterway, or yet more damage would be inflicted on our economy by the ill-conceived notiopn that we should host the Olympics. The games contributed to the economic woes of Greece, and we won't do much better.