The 'puke' ray

[Grumpmeister]

Ok not as flash as the backpack mounted laser but it has possibilities....

Lights out: This fancy flashlight -- the LED Incapacitator -- could be a new tool for Homeland Security in dealing with terrorists or criminals. The unit puts out varying intensities and colors of light that can disorient and fall a suspect, giving law enforcment time to subdue them. (Photo from Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc.)The U.S. Homeland Security Department is going ?Star Wars? in its newest effort to find ways to quickly and efficiently disable terrorists or other criminal elements.

The unit ? called a LED Incapacitator ? will be going under tests this fall with a target date for use by law enforcement units in 2010. And while it might not have the cutting power of Luke or Darth Vader?s light sabers, the LED Incapacitator might be able to knock suspects to the ground with a simple flash of light.

"The light could be used to make a bad guy turn away or shut his eyes, giving authorities enough time to tackle the suspect and apply the cuffs, all while sparing the lives of passersby, hostages or airline passengers," according to a description of the device from the Homeland Security Department's science and technology division.

How will it work? An officer holds the unit just like a flashlight and aims the lens at the suspects face. Flicking the switch starts a series of intense light bursts of varying intensities and colors that can temporarily blind or disorient and even drop the suspect. The impact can be so intense the person being ?beamed? can feel vertigo or nausea. Some developers have termed the LED Incapacitator the ?puke-ray.?

Of course, there a host of other issues coming up with the development of this technology. The U.S. has signed on years ago to a U.N. treaty that bans the development of weapons that permanently blind suspects. The LED Incapacitator only causes temporary blindness.

And some are already asking questions about if the units become available to the black market and fall into the hands of the wrong people.

So what do you think of the ?puke-ray?? Should U.S. Homeland Security continue its development of the unit or is this too risky of a weapon? Share your opinions here with other Science Buzz readers.

[Barman]

You?d want to trust your life to a high-tech torch wouldn?t you? 

?Sorry guv?nor, the batteries ran out so I had to shoot him.? 

[Grumpmeister]

Well I was hoping that Maglite would do a version having seen just how effective cracking someone over the head with one of the larger of their models can be. 

[Darwins Selection]

Lights out: This fancy flashlight -- the LED Incapacitator -- could be a new tool for Homeland Security in dealing with terrorists or criminals. The unit puts out varying intensities and colors of light that can disorient and  fall a suspect, giving law enforcment time to subdue them. (Photo from Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc.)The U.S. Homeland Security Department is going ?Star Wars? in its newest effort to find ways to quickly and efficiently disable terrorists or other criminal elements.

 

Eh?

Does this mean turn them into a pile of leaves or what?

[Barman]

The only torch I?d be happy facing a criminal with is one of these? 

[Grumpmeister]

I could be mistaken but looking at that picture isnt mounting that torch on top o fhte beretta going to screw up the slide action, not to mention making the sights unusable.

[Misunderstood]

The only torch I’d be happy facing a criminal with is one of these… 

Trying not to be too picky - but the casting finish on that US made Beretta 92F is a bit naff isn't it?

Must be the bog standard police or military issue - As it's claim to fame is 'jam proof' I hope the interior finish is much better.


Oh yeah! the torch should be mounted underneath on the rail not on the slide. 

Is that a Walther torch?

[Barman]

Look, I just did a search for 'pilice torch' is all... 

Don't shoot (snigger) the messenger okay? 

[Darwins Selection]

Look, I just did a search for 'pilice torch' is all... 

Don't shoot (snigger) the messenger okay? 

What seach program do you use then?

I searched for "Pilice torch" and only got this:
www.guyanajournal.com/police.html

De fuss tree time dem fail am and den me decide for talk to de pilice. .... regained his composure and sense of direction he aimed his torch heaven ward and ...

[Barman]

Look, I just did a search for 'pilice torch' is all... 

Don't shoot (snigger) the messenger okay? 

What seach program do you use then?

I searched for "Pilice torch" and only got this:
www.guyanajournal.com/police.html

De fuss tree time dem fail am and den me decide for talk to de pilice. .... regained his composure and sense of direction he aimed his torch heaven ward and ...

[Sour Puss]

I could be mistaken but looking at that picture isnt mounting that torch on top o fhte beretta going to screw up the slide action, not to mention making the sights unusable.

I don't see that the torch is fixed to the top of the Beretta, it looks as if it has just been placed on top of it. The finish is different, so they are not "a set", I agree with Bouncer the "ribbon" that appears to say "police" looks very much like the "Wather" logo. You could not use the sights, as you correctly pointed out, it would change the balance of the gun, and as you say would render the use of the slide, if not impossible, then very difficult.   

[Misunderstood]

I think we are all agreed, it's naff!

However, if the torch were attached and pointing the right way I suppose they wouldn't need the sights anyway.

If you can see it - you can shoot it!  Judging by the amount of ammo they use, they don't use them anyway...