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Thermal Laser Weapon Evolves From PHaSR
The Thermal Laser Weapon is a device that attaches to the standard rail system on military rifles. It evolved from the PHaSR, which is (like the Star Trek variety) a non-lethal, man-portable deterrent weapon.
"Non-lethal weapons can provide essential capabilities in situations where reducing civilian casualties and unnecessary damage to property is crucial to mission success," said Col. Tracy Tafolla, director of the Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate. "The JNLWP is working to develop new non-lethal directed-energy technologies that can help fill capability gaps and provide warfighters with critical escalation-of-force options."
Unfortunately, no pictures of this device appear to be available online (you can take a look at the PHaSR). However, here's a device that seems to capture the general spirit of the thing.

(From Mars Attacks!)
From dvidshub; thanks to Moira for pointing this one out - and including a picture.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 9/27/2009)
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