
Originally Posted by
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Quote[/b] ]Warp-10 is a futuristic LED (Light-Emitting Diode) device that is already in use with the U.S. military. U.S. Navy nuclear submarine personnel, U.S. Navy SEAL's, and U.S. Army Special Forces have all used the Warp-10 LED device which is designed to assist with immediate first aid and care for minor injuries and pain, thereby improving endurance in combat. Only provisor is that you can't use it after sundown cause it'll light up your injured ass like a beacon. Full specs here.
Of more interest is the Stavatti Tactical Infantry System Gasdynamic Laser Rifle - a laser rifle that utilizes a hypersonic jet of gas to create photonic energy in the form a very powerful laser. Listed advantages include:
# no dispersion or course deviation over 1500m
# Continuous use for over 60 days
# lethal beam - capable of penetrating medium material targets in all atmospheres (hehe...that must include deep space)
# campatible with M16/M4 accessories.
A few (read HUGE) technical barriers remain: a viable power source that could provide long-term and adequate power, heat containment/shielding, and forward recoil mitigation. Click here to view drawings of the weapon and read the TIS-1 "white paper", which describes in detail the technology utilized by the weapon