Sonic Weapons

Sonic Weapons Latest News

Serbia’s government has been accused of using a banned ‘sonic weapon’ to disperse protesters in Belgrade.

What are Sonic Weapons?

• Sonic weapons (Acoustic Weapons) are devices that deliver loud, painful sounds over long distances.
• They can emit audible or inaudible sound waves to disrupt, disorient, or incapacitate people.
• Some versions act as voice amplifiers, allowing authorities to issue commands over large distances.
• First developed for military and crowd control purposes, they were used in Iraq (2004) by the U.S. military.

How Do Sonic Weapons Work?

• They use hundreds of transducers (electronic devices that convert energy into sound waves).
• The highly concentrated and amplified sound can be directed at specific targets.
• Authorities control the frequency, volume, and duration of the sound.
• The narrow sound beam can cause extreme discomfort, pain, and disorientation to those exposed.

Types of Sonic Weapons

• Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD): Used by law enforcement and military for crowd control. Can project sound over 8,900 meters at up to 160 decibels (dB).
  • Causes ear pain, hearing damage, nausea, and dizziness.
• Mosquito Device: Emits a high-pitched sound that only younger people (below 30 years) can hear. Used to deter loitering in public areas.
  • Causes irritation and discomfort in young individuals.
• Infrasonic Weapon: Emits low-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but cause physical pain and disorientation. Still under research.
  • Potential to cause headaches, nausea, vertigo, and internal organ damage.

Sonic Weapons FAQs

Q1. What are sonic weapons?

Ans. Sonic weapons, also known as acoustic weapons, use sound waves to cause discomfort, disorientation, pain, or damage to targets. They can be used for crowd control, military defense, or non-lethal deterrence.

Q2. How do sonic weapons work?

Ans. Sonic weapons emit high-intensity sound waves, either in audible or infrasonic/ultrasonic ranges. These waves can affect human balance, cause nausea, disorient enemies, or even damage eardrums and internal organs.

Q3. Are sonic weapons lethal?

Ans. Most sonic weapons are designed as non-lethal tools for deterrence. However, at extreme intensities and prolonged exposure, they can cause serious harm, including permanent hearing loss or internal injuries.

Q4. Who uses sonic weapons?

Ans. Sonic weapons are used by military forces, law enforcement agencies, and security personnel. Countries like the U.S., China, and Russia have developed or deployed them for riot control, area denial, and crowd management.

Source: IE