Pulsed_energy_projectile
Pulsed energy projectile
Nonlethal weapons technology used by the US military for riot control
Pulsed energy projectile or PEP is a technology of non-lethal weaponry. The U.S. military is developing PEP using an invisible laser pulse which ablates the target's surface and creates a small amount of exploding plasma. This produces a pressure wave that stuns the target and electromagnetic radiation that affects nerve cells causing a painful sensation. The technology can be used as a lethal weapon.
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (February 2015) |
The pulsed energy projectile is intended for riot control and is said to work over distances of up to 2 km. It weighs about 230 kg and can be mounted on vehicles.
The US system was developed by Mission Research Corporation (now owned by Orbital ATK). It uses a chemical deuterium fluoride laser device producing infrared laser pulses. The plasma (produced by the early part of the pulse) explodes because its electrons absorb the energy of the later part of the pulse.
In 2003, a US military review[citation needed] reported that the electromagnetic radiation produced by PEPs cause pain and temporary paralysis in animal experiments.
The United States Special Operations Command FY 2010 plans included starting development on a Counter UAV Pulsed Energy Projectile.[1]