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Solid State Active Denial Technology

Monday September 30, 2013

What is it?

The Solid State Active Denial Technology (SS-ADT) is a non-lethal weapon system which disrupts hostile activities and can deny personnel from remaining in specific areas, without causing permanent physical harm or collateral damage. SS-ADT is a directed energy weapon which uses radio frequency millimeter waves at 95 GHz traveling at the speed of light to create a brief intolerable heating sensation on the person’s skin at tactically useful ranges. The heating sensation propels individuals to instinctively move to escape the energy. A Soldier is “in the loop” while operating the system and automatically times out in a few seconds to limit exposure, making it safe.

What has the Army done

The U.S. Army Armaments Research Development and Engineering Center is leveraging Joint Service investments to develop the SS-ADT. The SS-ADT science and technology effort is directed toward improving the size, weight, power and cooling consumption of the current Active Denial System.

What efforts does the Army have planned for the future?

The Army is collaborating with the DOD Non-Lethal Weapons Program in advancing this technology to be used as an adjunct or stand-alone system. A hand held SS-ADT version is planned for integration with future Soldier dismounted weapon systems to provide an escalation of force capability. The system will provide Soldier protection in crowd control and similar situations requiring a non-lethal solution.

Why is this important to the Army?

A constantly changing battlefield places the Joint Warfighter in unpredictable environments. A system that can affordably prevent non-combatant casualties and collateral damage while ensuring the safety of the Joint Warfighter is critical technology. The SS-ADT gives it a greater engagement range envelope than currently fielded non-lethal capabilities, utilizing one system rather than a complex “System of Systems.” The SS-ADT operational flexibility is a highly promising technology for crowd dispersal, checkpoint security, perimeter security, area denial, and port protection from both mobile and fixed site applications.

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