WASHINGTON, (BM) – The US Navy released a photo of the Minnesota nuclear submarine in connection with the gratitude from the command, earned by its crew, learned BulgarianMilitary.com citing news agency RG.
But the most interesting thing in the photo is not the brave submariners, but a strange-looking weapon on the chest of one of them [a man in a mask on the left in the picture]. At first glance, it looks like a rifle with an optical sight [an unusual weapon for a submariner, you must agree].
If you look closely, it becomes clear that the sight is fixed on a frame with a stock, and a cylindrical device is installed in front of it, resembling the same sight, only enlarged one and a half times. This is a B. E. Meyers Glare LA-9 / P non-lethal combat laser used to temporarily blind an enemy.
The Naval Bulletin calls the device an “optical distractor” and describes its purpose as: giving the target an opportunity to clarify intent; unambiguous non-verbal warning; temporary suppression of the enemy’s visual perception by powerful flashes.
As you know, submarines are most vulnerable on the surface. As soon as the submarine emerges, a sailor from the outpost armed with Glare ascends the bridge with the commander.
If a swimmer or a vessel tries to approach the ship with unknown targets, a warning flash is sent in his direction, understandable without an interpreter. At the same time Glare is a humane weapon.
The built-in laser rangefinder determines the distance to the target and turns off the radiation if there is a risk of damage to the retina. As soon as the target leaves the danger zone, the laser resumes.
The handheld dazzler is capable of sending light signals 4 kilometers at night and 1.5 kilometers during the day. In the meantime, the US Navy deployed a much more powerful stationary laser on one of the frigates, designed for the same purpose. It is called ODIN.
If you are sailing next to a US Navy ship and suddenly get hit in the eyes with a green flash – turn to the side. Otherwise, a machine gun burst may follow, advises The Drive.
About B. E. Meyers Glare LA-9 / P
For long-distance hail and warning, especially during maritime security, the GLARE® LA-9/P combines a powerful green beam with Eye Safe® technology.
The laser rapidly determines if an unintended observer is within the nominal ocular hazard distance (NOHD) and immediately shuts off the glaring output to prevent accidental eye injury. Once the bystander has moved out of the NOHD, the laser output instantly resumes.
The GLARE LA-9/P (NSN: 5860-01-613-1742) has been replaced by the LA-22/U (NSN: 5860-01-657-3893) for the USMC Ocular Interruption System (OIS) Program.
Warnings can be sent out to 4 km at night and 1.5 km during daylight. Offensive glaring is achievable out to 500m to hinder and prevent further aggression. In theater, GLARE lasers have been proven to save lives of both civilians and soldiers by providing a rapid warning method across cultural and linguistic boundaries.
BulgarianMilitary.com
Editorial team
Editorial team
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