The Day The Earth Stood Still; Need for Qualms About DEW Doubted

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[AddThis] starlight_afar
User ID: 524108
10/20/2008 11:27 AM

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The Day The Earth Stood Still
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I really enjoyed this old black and white science fiction movie made in 1952. Wish it would come true. Notice that robot had laser weapon back then. Today laser warfare is not science fiction but could become a reality, nations against nations to eliminate the other. The bomb is a thing of the past now its “laser” zapping warfare.

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Need for Qualms About DEW Doubted
by pwbmspac
2008 Dec. 4

The quoted writer seemed to be expressing qualms about current / future war risk threat regarding directed energy weapons (DEW). I doubt a current need for such a concern.

If that prospect WERE likely, then that would still be an improvement over the past situation. However, the majority of the prior stockpiles are still close enough to readiness to again be a major risk, given certain types of political instability have not vanished.

Furthermore, the effectiveness / decisiveness of directed energy weaponry is hard to proclaim as now in place if relying upon evidence from openly published high credibility literature. There are grape vine rumors circuit accounts suggesting covert presence of such capabilities. But main stream accounts suggest these are small programs only. They may be no more than icing on the cake of USA weaponry menus, rather than a strongly supported effort, as contrasted with an earlier program to obtain major reductions in the abilities of radar to detect some of the USA military aviation systems, and even some naval systems.

The literature Does mention items such as ‘area denial system’, (ADS) an anti- personnel application of high power microwave tech, which can be employed in non-lethal weapons mode. Still, though, this is merely a supplement to regularly armed infantry plus armored vehicles.

So too, there was published, a “wish-list” request item, voiced by USA troops deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq. It would be a ground-portable, perhaps even person-portable, anti-personnel laser weapon – – able to be a “blow torch” beam, effective at sizable line of sight distances.

If pursued, this would simply be a step up from flame throwers – – in terms of increased specificity and range. Also, I would say that in terms of conceptual (tanks of reactants, nozzle flow) system components, such an application could share some legacy with the older flame throwers. I am speaking about chemically pumped lasers operating in CO2 emissions spectral band. The techniques were demonstrated (without any concern for eventual portability goals), in MIRCL (mid infra red chemical laser project) of mid to late 1980-s.

Nature of the weapon effects from the 2 above examples can be described. For the ADS, some number of persons in area where the devices is pointed experience intense burning heat over their skin – – enough to cause them to run away.

For the long distance blow torch effect beam conceptual system, a targeted person would be subject to rapid very severe burns, garments or other combustibles set on fire (such as with sunlight, magnifying glass, and paper at focal point). Likely result would be major burn injury, with possible but not certain lethality. Aside from some drama and demoralizing effects to near by witnesses, a sniper with rifle, regular ammo, and telescopic sight might have similar effectiveness with less complications (hence higher military utility at present).

The weapons effects descriptions are presented simply because they may not have been obvious to readers unfamiliar with the technologies. There is no intent to glamorize or express enthusiasm for anti-personnel weaponry. I’d prefer their previously suggested military apps – – defenses against missiles or aircraft. And even more, I’d prefer such technologies (high power microwave, high average power lasers) for civilian commercial long range power transmission applications.

None of the above military technical prospects for directed energy weaponry, though, suggests that More Persons or Property is being put at risk of attack than was the case 10 to 50 years ago.

Incidentally, on the earlier writer’s main point, I do agree about the movie. The 1952 film is a good one. Showing it occasionally would be a good thing. Why do a remake? The original is certainly good enough. And that was the historic era which it fits with.

– – pbs – –

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from: pwbmspac
date: Thu.4Dec.2008;
subject: The Day The Earth Stood Still; Need for Qualms About DEW Doubted

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