- The devices were tested by the MoD
- Machine also to be used in Euro Championships
- Also sends out verbal messages
By Mario Ledwith
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Controversial weapons known as ‘sonic cannons’ will be used during the London Olympics, the Ministry of Defence revealed yesterday.
The devices emit a pain-inducing noise, said to be as loud as a military jet taking off, which can be used to disperse crowds.
The Long Range Acoustic Device, which is made in America, will also be used to control possible riots at the football European Championships this summer.
Olympic preparations: A Royal Marines landing craft, top, fitted with an American-made Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) at the front, exercises with a patrol craft on the Thames
The devices were tested by the MoD last week during a major security exercise before the Olympics.
They can emit noises of up to 150 decibels and are said to be highly directional, meaning security forces are able to point the devices at clear target groups.
A video of the device being used at a G20 protest in the US shows demonstrators running away covering their ears.
As well as emitting ear-splitting tones, the device can also be used to communicate verbal messages to crowds, such as telling them to disperse.
A spokesman for the MoD said the weapon would be used ‘primarily in loud hailer mode’.
Ear-piercing: The 'sonic cannon' similar to the one pictured here emits a loud pain-inducing noise. It could be used to disperse crowds during the Olympics
Sound advice: As well as emitting ear-splitting tones, the device, similar to this one, can also be used to communicate verbal messages to crowds, such as telling them to disperse
The device has previously been used by the US Army in Iraq, while the US Navy has used them in operations against Somali pirates.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: ‘As part of the military contribution to the police led security effort to ensure a safe and secure games, a broad range of assets and equipment is being used by our armed forces.’
The MoD is undertaking a huge security operation to deal with possible terrorist threats during the upcoming Olympic Games.
The security services caused controversy last month when they confirmed that surface-to-air missiles would be placed on top of residential flats close to the Olympic Stadium.
The ‘Higher Velocity Missile system’ will operate on the roof of Bow Quarter in east London, which houses 700 residents.
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Let the herding begin, you were warned about this yet done nothing apart from consume. The NWO is in takeover mode now.
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Why didn't they use these things during the riots last year ? Thank God I'm out of this farcical circus.
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And what about the innocent bystanders, especially those with hearing aids. Why go to these so called games, the government is surely telling us that something is going to happen?
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Crowds? What crowds?? Utterly pointless exercise as there wont be any crowds at all! I only know one person who got tickets to the Olympics, and that's to watch the volleyball in Horseguards Parade of all places.
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Sonic Cannon's, Missile Systems, Police and Army in full combat gear .... And everyone is falling for the ' We must protect the Olympics ' garbage ..... It is for this years Summer Riots. The Goverment know they will return. Better organised, better planning and better lootin .... I hear the MET officers are running a book on which officer can shoot the first looter. And the police in Tottenham are favorites so far .... Lol !
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Why not call these the OVERlympics? These crowd control measures are an OVER-reaction to the OVER-hyped, OVER-budget games, being attended by OVER-rated politicians, OVER-paid bankers, OVER-controlling sponsors, and OVER-the-hill minor celebrities. Got a ticket? Be prepared for OVER priced food and drink.. I'll be glad when it's all OVER!
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So it's earplugs all round lads!
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So much effort to entertain the masses - so much effort to 'protect' them - so much effort to keep them under control. Something not quite right there?
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Just play Cheryl Cole's music at full volume, same effect.
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What a pointless invention, rioters and protesters will simply wear ear defenders to block the sound out. John, Peterborough, 12/5/2012 12:27 Just wait for the MOD to buy, Raython's, Silent Guardian System, a small portable version of the US Military, Active Denial System, that uses microwaves to clear a crowd. That ever happen to the right to demonstrate ? Looks like the The Olympic rings are becoming a symbol of oppression, nothing will disrupt them !
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