Chinese scientists have worked with military and law enforcement agencies to develop the world's first portable sonic gun that can be used for riot control.
Portable Sonic Device Designed To Disperse Crowds
The Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences revealed on Wednesday that the rifle-shaped device was designed to disperse crowds using focused waves of low frequency sound.
Sonic weapons are typically large and need to be mounted on vehicles. They are also powered by electricity to drive the magnetic coil that generates energy, which means they need a large and stable source of power.
China's newly developed sonic device is portable and has no moving parts. Xie Xiujuan, the lead scientist on the project, said that the device is powered by a tube-shaped vessel that contains an inert gas. When the device is heated, the gas particles vibrate producing a deep and monotonous sound.
Biological Effects Of The Device
The prototype has already gone through field and third-party tests. The project team has also completed its assessment on how the device affects the body.
The sonic device can cause extreme discomfort. Studies have shown that low frequency sound energy may cause headaches, vomiting, dizziness, bowel spasms, involuntary defecation, organ damage and heart attacks, depending on the intensity and exposure.
China To Mass Produce Portable Sonic Device
Earlier this month, a panel of scientists and engineers met in Beijing where it approved a design developed by Xie's team for mass production.
"The panel suggested that the fruit of the project should be transformed into practical equipment as soon as possible," the academy said.
Xie did not comment on the potential uses of the device sans approval from higher authorities.
The unveiling of the device comes amid anti-government protests in Hong Kong. China's sonic weapon program was launched in 2017 long before the mass demonstration started, but authorities could possibly use the sonic device to address the months-long protests.
