New Non Lethal "Ray Gun" to Be Produced

Breaking news that may be a relief to some who are sensitive to the deaths that are so tragically connected to any combat operation. New non lethal weapons system announced.

In the year 2010, which almost sounds futuristic until you think on that for about 3 seconds, Raytheon will produce a new weapon system that makes the target feel as if they are about to start on fire.

It is said that the weapon penetrates only a fractional amount into the upper layers of skin, the epidermis. In comparison the microwaves from a home microwave penetrate thru several inches of skin and some other solids.

The weapon system's manufacturer claims it will not penetrate walls and has not revealed if it will pass thru glass or not.

Several people volunteered to be "shot" by the new weapon including a reporter and it was quickly confirmed that its rays will pass thru heavy winter layers of clothing and is in fact very effective.

It fires effectively up to 500 yards or 450 meters and that is more than seventeen times the effective distance of other non-lethals, such as rubber bullets, for example.

The prospective users of the weapon have expressed intense interest in it through out all branches of the service. It would be excellent for crowd control, riot abatement and disbursement of scouts sent to reconnoiter US Military operations. Often US Military personnel have had a difficult time sending Iraqis on their way while they feign car problems in order to gain intelligence on military operations.

The weapon system is comparatively harmless while creating an intense sensation with heat at approximately 130 degrees that the skin or clothes will ignite, which will cause the target to drop his weaponry and run.

All I could think while I read the information regarding it is that I hope it is not needed when it begins to be produced for troop use. If it emerges needed, Raytheon and the US Military both claim it will save many lives, the lives of our Troops as well as lives of aggressors.

Colonel Kirk Hymes, USMC, director of the non-lethal weapons program, said this system is a key technology of the future and that non-lethal weapons systems are important for our forces in view of the environments in which they must work.