US Navy MEDUSA Contract Summary: Remote Personnel Incapacitation System

Phase I Summary Report
Contact Information

Government Contact
Mr. George Gibbs
Email: george.gibbs@usmc.mil
Phone: (703)432-3676
Fax:

Point of Contact
Dr. Lev Sadovnik
Email: lsadovnik@waveband.com
Phone: (949)253-4019
Fax: (949)253-4089

Firm Information
WaveBand Corporation
17152 Armstrong Avenue
Irvine, California 92614-5718
United States
http://www.wavebandcorp.com

Award Details

Contract #

M67854-04-C-1012

Topic

N03-163

Solicitation

03.2

SYSCOM MARCOR

Award Amount

99965.00

Phase I Program

Navy SBIR

Start / End Date

11/19/2003 – 05/19/2004

FY Reported

2004

Title

Remote Personnel Incapacitation System
Summary Information
Objective of Phase Effort

The main goal of the Phase I project wad to design and build a breadboard prototype of a temporary personnel incapacitation system called MEDUSA (Mob Excess Deterrent Using Silent Audio). This non-lethal weapon is based on the well established microwave auditory effect (MAE). MAE results in a strong sound sensation in the human head when it is irradiated with specifically selected microwave pulses of low energy. Through the combination of pulse parameters and pulse power, it is possible to raise the auditory sensation to the “discomfort” level, deterring personnel from entering a protected perimeter or, if necessary, temporarily incapacitating particular individuals.

Summary of Results from the Phase I Effort

The major results of the Phase I effort were that – An operating frequency was chosen – Hardware requirements were established (commercial magnetron, high-voltage pulse former) – Hardware was designed and built – Power measurements were taken and the required pulse parameters confirmed – Experimental evidence of MAE was observed

Potential Applications and Benefits

Potential applications of the MEDUSA system are as a perimeter protection sensor in deterrence systems for industrial and national sites, for use in systems to assist communication with hearing impaired persons, use by law enforcement and military personnel for crowd control and asset protection. The system will: be portable, require low power, have a controllable radius of coverage, be able to switch from crowd to individual coverage, cause a temporarily incapacitating effect, have a low probability of fatality or permanent injury, cause no damage to property, and have a low probability of affecting friendly personnel.

Taxonomy

Photograph/Graphic

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