New Scientists recently reported on the "non-lethal" Pulsed Energy Projectile weapon that fires a burst of painful plasma from up to 2 kilometers away. (Link) BB pal Vann Hall points us to a military contract, unearthed by the Sunshine Project in January, for the University of Florida to conduct a study on the "sensory consequences" of such a weapon. Ouch:
The full capability of these directed energy systems (DE) are still being explored. At their current stage of development, each system has clear non-lethal (ADS) and lethal (PEP) capacities… Our experiments will examine the feasibility of PEP as a new generation non-lethal weapon. Pulsed energy can be configured to produce plasmas of exceptionally high energy…
In the studies described below we will determine the feasibility of using the plasma derived EMP to induce pain suitable to disarm and deter individuals or form barriers to the movement of large hostile groups.
