EMP Bomb (Episode: Future Shock)
Decades ago, during high altitude nuclear weapons tests, one of the blast effects observed by military scientists was a strong electromagnetic pulse (EMP) capable of disabling many types of electrical equipment. It was quickly recognized as a potent weapon on its own and today it is seen -- in a non-nuclear form -- as an effective and devastating component of a superpower's arsenal.
In less than a nanosecond after generation, an EMP can radiate in all directions and induce heavy currents that will overload and fry the circuitry of almost all electronic components. Such an effect can instantaneously paralyze both military targets and civilian centers by disabling vital electronic systems. This diagram (above), produced by Australian engineer Dr. Carlo Kopp, shows the hypothetical battlefield use of a limited range EMP bomb. There are unconfirmed reports that American forces used such a weapon in the 1991 Gulf War and again in 2003 against Iraqi targets.
http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/futureweapons/photo/photo_06.html
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LRAD Weapon (Episode: Future Shock)
Loud, annoying noises have been a "weapon" at the personal level for millennia, but recently the world's security and military forces have been using a far more potent sonic weapon known as the "long range acoustic device" or LRAD. Just under 3 feet in diameter and weighing 45 pounds, the black circular device emits an intense 15- to 30-degree-wide acoustic beam -- a high-pitched shrill tone similar to a smoke detector alarm -- that can easily cause permanent auditory damage at close range.
At 100 yards, the LRAD beam is extremely painful, but it is typically used at ranges of 300 to 500 yards as a warning or deterrent weapon. LRAD's are used by the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard to warn off approaching vessels, and the weapon has been tested in Iraq in various capacities.
http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/futureweapons/photo/photo_07.html
