Cannon-fired shock wave could stun, kill people

[Are_grits_groceries]

The Thunder Generator produces shock waves that result in a loud sonic boom and extreme air pressure, which can be heard and felt by people up to 100 meters away. Image credit: Army Tec.

Police and military forces around the world may soon have a new non-lethal weapon at their hands. Called the Thunder Generator, the device is a cannon that fires shock waves that pass through people and objects. Although the shock waves are harmless, they give people the impression of standing in front of a firing squad, according to the cannon's developers.
<snip>
Maintaining a safe firing distance is important, though, since if a person is standing within 10 meters of the cannon, the shock wave could inflict permanent damage or even kill them. Rather, the device is intended for longer distances. Fridman estimates that by increasing the current five-inch diameter of the barrel, the cannon could have a range of up to 100 meters.

To generate the shock waves, the cannon uses a mixture of liquefied petroleum, cooking gas, and air. As the fuel travels through the cannon barrel, it detonates and intensifies until it exits, producing a series of rapid-fire, high-velocity shock bursts. The shock bursts can be calibrated and programmed for different purposes. According to the company, the system can generate 60-100 bursts per minute, with each burst traveling at about 2,000 meters per second and lasting up to 300 milliseconds. The resulting extreme air pressure and sonic boom effect create a double deterrent to rioters and intruders.
<snip>
ArmyTec plans to modify the single-barrel cannon for different applications. The company has proposed a multi-barrel design and synchronized networks of multiple cannons to simulate a battlefield experience. The cannons could also be mounted on vehicles and operated via remote control. Plus, by using a curved barrel design, the cannon could produce shock waves at 90-degree angles to bend around walls or other obstacles.
http://www.physorg.com/news183142646.html

Another 'safer' application to control people. Gah!

[HughBeaumont]

1. "So don't you slav . . er . . citizens even THINK about rising up against your 'betters'"

Pieces of shit.

The MIC is practically SALIVATING over the prospect of using these things. The status quo will be kept intact by any means necessary, it seems. A lot less messy than open fire on citizens who's rights and livelihoods are being shredded by the American Corptocracy.

[corpseratemedia]

2. we've got tasers, rubber bullets, the sonic vomit machines, drones, jumping robots, and now this

someday all of these weapons will end up the same way nuclear weapons have

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. 60 Minutes did a story on this about a year ago

and it was used in Pittsburgh this summer at the G20 demonstrations.

[Javaman]

4. "Don't boom me, bro!". nt

[lunatica]

5. Obviously meant to be used on unarmed mobs

They should call these kind of weapons "Personnel Control Weapons" because that's what they are.

[Soylent Brice]

6. K&R

i wonder if we'll see these implemented at the next G20 summit.

coming to a protest near you...

[gratuitous]

7. A "non-lethal weapon" that can kill people

I think the writer is a mite confused on what "non-lethal" means. But it will surely be used only in the most extreme circumstances by the most qualified personnel who might make an unfortunate mistake or two, but who never e-e-e-ever misuse or abuse it.