Airman burned during south Georgia ray-gun evaluation
WHNS – April 6, 2007
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. An airman suffered second-degree burns during an evaluation of a non-lethal heat-ray gun this week in south Georgia.
Officials say the injured airman was taken to the Joseph M- Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital in Augusta after the incident Wednesday. He was not identified.
Second-degree burns can cause pain and superficial blisters.
Burn Center spokeswoman Beth Frits says the airman is in good condition and is expected to be released today.
He's a member of the 820th Security Forces Group, based at Moody Air Force Base, near Valdosta, which is evaluating the space-age weapon, known as the Active Denial System.
It fires an electromagnetic beam that makes people feel as if they are about to catch fire.
Apart from creating a terrifying sensation, the technology is supposed to be a harmless, non-lethal way to disrupt riots or persuade enemies to drop their weapons.
http://www.wtvm.com/Global/story.asp?S=6335525
Last updated 08/04/2007