Date: Wed, 4 Apr 2001 10:04:57 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: new weapon



SET PHASERS ON STUN: The Pentagon has taken the first step toward "Star
  Trek"-inspired weaponry with the announcement of a new "active denial
  technology" gun. Developed for $40 million by Air Force research
  laboratories in New Mexico and Texas, it's a real raygun: it shoots
  microwave beams that heat up a target's skin, causing pain similar to
  "touching a hot light bulb." A spokesman from Kirtland Air Force Base
  says it's "the kind of pain you would feel if you were being burned.
  It's just not intense enough to cause any damage." The military wants a
  non-lethal weapon for use against civilians in peacekeeping operations.
  (AP)