Non-lethal weapon LRAD on display at Pragati Maidan | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Non-lethal weapon LRAD on display at Pragati Maidan

None | BySatyen Mohapatra, New Delhi
Jan 17, 2007 09:28 PM IST

There are high expections from this non-lethal weapon for law enforcers, reports Satyen Mohapatra .

LRAD (Long Range Accoustic Device) is becoming the latest non-lethal weapon in the hands of army, navy, law enforcement agencies, oil companies  to counter effectively several potentially threatening situations without firing a single bullet.

HT Image
HT Image

LRAD is already being used by US Army, Navy and Border Patrol, Israeli Special Forces, Navy and Coast Guard of UK, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Singapore and Imperial Navy of Japan. Exxon Mobil and Shell have installed LRADs on offshore platforms following hijackings and attacks.
 

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

LRAD costing Rs 12 lakh – Rs 20 lakh for different models is presently on display at the Pragati Maidan in New Delhi at the Petrotech – 2007, the 7th International Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition Jan 15-19.

American Technology Corporation developed LRAD specifically in response to US Navy’s request following attack on US Navy’s Missile Guided Destroyer - USS Cole by Al-Qaeda terrorists on October 12, 2000 while it was harbored in the Yemeni port of Aden. Seventeen sailors were killed and 39 others were injured in the blast which caused financial loss upto US $ 1 billion.

Director INSTASOL Sachin Suri representing American Technology Corporation told Hindustan Times,  “The officers of the US Navy did not fire M60 machine guns at the approaching boat carrying the two terrorists with boatful of explosives because their intention was not known and they kept on making friendly gestures till the suicide bombers came very close to the ship and exploded.”

He said in  normal hailers, bull horns, loudspeakers with sound radiating and scattering in 180 degrees the effective  distance of communciation is just 30 to 50 metres.

The unique element of the technology developed in LRAD (which product has got 300 US patents) is that it can focus sound waves to a point  by electronically squeezing it into a tight beam like laser making it highly directional and crystal clear even at a distance 1.5 kilometres, he said.

"LRAD also uses sound  as a non lethal weapon to exclude people from a given area. While 0 dB is the threshold of hearing, 120 dB is considered threshold of pain and 160 dB causes permanent damage by perforating the ear drum of humans.The LRAD’s intensity has been kept in between 120 dB and 151 dB which is below permanent damage but starts at the threshold of pain or a sufficiently sharp sound which cannot be ignored,” he added. 

So from a sufficiently safe distance, he said, persons can be warned and if  unauthorised approach still takes place showing mal-intention  intensity of sound can be increased gradually to a very uncomfortable level. If a person still continues towards the restricted area,  LRAD can also produce intensely ear piercing tone which could cause nausea and extreme pain in the ear. If the person does not yield his mal intention would be established and other authorised form of aggressive options could be used to stop him.”

Interestingly there is also the facility for pre recorded messages and automatic translation of commands into 40 languages, he added.

It can be used for emergency evacuation in major disasters, at border check points and for crowd control, he said. 

The Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation has already procured LRADs and is using it on their oil exploration platform and off shore vessels, he said. The device has already been demonstrated to  Indian Navy,Coast Guard and ONGC, he added.

Within next 6 months we plan to come out with a hand held version of LRAD which every police car can be fitted with for crowd and traffic control, he added.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On