The Marine Corps is preparing to unveil perhaps the biggest breakthrough in weapons technology since the atomic bomb — a nonlethal weapon that fires directed energy at human targets.
In an exclusive, copyrighted story that appears on newsstands Monday, Marine Corps Times reports that the weapon, called the Vehicle-Mounted Active Denial System is designed to stop an individual in his tracks and make him turn and flee.
The Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate in Quantico, Va., had planned to unveil the technology in April after briefing Marine Commandant Gen. James Jones, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael Ryan and senior Defense Department civilians, still not appointed.
But plans were accelerated and much of the program declassified after Marine Corps Times learned of the story.
Plans now call for an unveiling and demonstration for military and congressional leaders in March at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.
The VMADS project is co-sponsored by the Marine Corps and the Air Force, which has conducted much of the research and development.
Feb. 23, 2001
