DETERRENTS

Non-lethal deterrents are being used in maritime security to assault the senses with and sound, providing an escalating threat response. By Jon Rosamond

The Weapon System was successfully trialled aboard the USS Ponce during a deployment to the Persian Gulf in late 2014. SOUND (Photo: USN) AND FURY hile laser weapons designed deployed from 2014 aboard the USS Ponce Handheld help to infict permanent blindness and the 100-150kW demonstrator being More appropriate for the maritime and port W are outlawed under a 1995 developed by for USN security sector however are the significantly UN protocol, laser dazzlers are permitted service in the 2020s – are intended smaller devices, often handheld, that use because their operational rationale is primarily to destroy swarming boats and diode-pumped solid-state to emit visual disruption – brief fashes of intense unmanned aircraft, but they also promise beams of green light. These are the light to warn the unwitting intruder that an unprecedented ability to respond in a preferred choice for security tasks because they are approaching a protected graduated manner to a variety of threats. the human is four times more sensitive maritime space, or longer exposures to Such a response could start with a visual to green light than red in daytime and about disorientate or temporarily blind the more warning and escalate to reversible jamming 360 times more sensitive at night. determined aggressor. of sensors, to inflicting limited material One of the most successful companies in High-end directed energy weapons – damage and – if the threat persists – to this field is US-based BE Meyers, whose such as the 30kW System causing disabling damage. promotional literature for its Glare LA-9/P

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and Glare Recoil laser dazzlers puts a special emphasis on measures designed to prevent accidental eye injury. The LA-9/P is the larger of the two devices and features a 250mW (maximum output) green laser for hailing and warning at distances of up to 4km at night and 1.5km in daylight. More debilitating ‘offensive glaring’ – intended to stop a determined aggressor – is achievable out to 500m. If a bystander is within the nominal ocular hazard distance (NOHD), BE Meyers’ trademarked ‘Eye Safe’ rangefinder technology immediately shuts off the laser. A laser is deployed by the security team on board the Military Sealift Command combat As soon as the individual has moved out of support ship USNS Ranier during a simulated attack in July 2016. (Photo: USN) the NOHD, the laser output instantly resumes. The LA-9/P is powered by one and the angle of divergence can be varied More dogged aggressors will be CR123 and four AA batteries and is available from 0.23 to 4. Power is provided by three disorientated and suffer temporary visual with an optional rifle stock. Customisation CR123 lithium batteries. impairment from a laser spot measuring options include variable output intensity, Alfalight (owned since July 2016 by UK 65cm in diameter at a range of 1,000m. beam divergence, , external photonics specialist Gooch Housego) Weighing 3.8kg, the TR3 is powered by a power and control interface. offers two weapon-mounted Non-Lethal rechargeable lithium battery. A single Designed for attachment to an assault Ocular Disruptor (NLOD) devices, both using charge is enough for 2,000 or more ‘shots’ rifle or machine gun, the smaller Glare a 330mW green laser, for maritime security in over an hour of constant use. Recoil – which was selected last year by tasks. NLOD-1 and NLOD-2 are intended to Accessories include a video camera sight the USMC for its Ocular Interrupter visually suppress targets at ranges from with tracking auto-focus and 200x zoom, programme – is said to be particularly 700m down to 20m (the minimum eye-safe key punch-code access pad, collapsible rifle suited for identifying, challenging and distance) but will also send verbal messages stock and bipod mount. deterring in counter-piracy situations. The or warnings out to 2km. Both devices have Recoil incorporates the manufacturer’s three operating modes: continuous beam, Noise pollution patented ‘SmartRange’ system, which slow pulse (2Hz) and fast pulse. Acoustic hailing devices (AHDs) produce integrates a laser rangefinder (LRF), near- With an optical beam diameter of 4mm focused, highly directional sound waves field detector (NFD) and accelerometer/ at exit, divergence of 0.5 and a fast pulse capable of delivering voice messages or gyroscope to prevent unwitting bystanders of 6Hz, the NLOD-1 is sealed in an warning tones over distances of several being subjected to unsafe levels of aluminium housing that can be immersed kilometres, enabling a port security irradiance. in water to a depth of 3m. The device officer or vessel watch team to determine The LRF beam envelopes the green beam measures 16cm in length, weighs 385g the intent of an approaching craft and and pulses at 100 times per second, swiftly (including a rail mount and three CR123A issue authoritative instructions at reducing the dazzler power when it senses batteries) and will operate at full power in standoff distances. an individual or object getting too close. temperatures from 45C down to -20C. Known colloquially as ‘sound cannon’ Algorithms in the LRF take account of , The smaller (9.5cm/200g) NLOD-2 has a or ‘sonic weapons’, they can generate , spray and dust ‘to create a more beam diameter of 0.6mm, divergence of sound pressure levels (SPLs) that are accurate, resilient and adaptive 0.46 and an accelerated fast pulse of capable of damaging the human inner understanding of the environment’, 8Hz. Using two CR123A batteries, it can be ear if deployed against targets at close according to BE Meyers. immersed in 2m of water and will operate quarters. The largest AHDs could The NFD detects any obstruction to the in temperatures up to 50C. A holographic potentially induce sufficient discomfort to LRF receiving lens and shuts down the day sight is optional. repel a boat crew that has entered a green beam automatically. The three-axis Xtreme Alternative Defense Systems is restricted maritime space. gyroscope senses movement of the device marketing its Threat Assessment Laser Like most providers of such systems, and reduces power until a steady aim is Illuminator Rifle 3 (TR3) laser dazzler for however, LRAD Corp states categorically achieved. This prevents hazardous counter-piracy and other maritime that its market-leading Long Range Acoustic irradiance in situations where the device is applications. The TR3’s green laser has a Device (LRAD) – which projects sound moving faster than the LRF can detect power output of 2.5-3W and should deter waves in a 15-30 beam – is not a weapon objects and lose power output, the the crew of a boat approaching from over but a ‘highly intelligible, long-range company said. The Recoil’s 250mW dazzler 1km away in daylight and 3km at night, well communication system and a safer has a maximum effective range of 900m beyond the range of conventional firearms. alternative to kinetic force’.

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In 2009, the logistics ship USNS Lewis & Clark deployed an LRAD while evading attack by pirates, broadcasting verbal warnings to two approaching skiffs at a range in excess of 1.8km, and in 2011 the Republic of Korea Navy used a similar device while freeing the crew of the hijacked chemical tanker MV Samho Jewelry. On 1 February this year, LRAD Corp said it had secured export orders worth over $1 million, including acoustic devices for law enforcement, defence and public safety applications in China and LRAD 1000Xi systems for a maritime application in Japan. Announcing a previous 1000Xi sale to an unnamed coast guard agency in Southeast BE Meyers’ Glare LA-9/P green laser can deliver warnings out to 4km at night and 1.5km in Asia in 2016, the company said that its daylight. (Photo: USN) ‘attention-commanding warning tones and voice broadcasts determine the intent of voice communications beyond normal well as ashore, the 500RX has twin emitter boats not responding to radio calls, standoff distances. panels mounted on a pan and tilt drive and establish large standoff zones around coast The compact 450XL device – which is controlled remotely across an IP network, guard vessels and provide enhanced intended for use on board smaller naval, allowing the operator to remain in a safe communication during coastal defence coast guard, police or port security craft – location some distance from the device. A operations. LRAD systems ensure has the audio output ‘of a unit almost twice maximum SPL of 154dB gives a range of commands and instructions in any its size and weight’, according to the 2km/650m. language are clearly delivered, heard and company, and can reach out to 1,700m. Measuring 91x104cm, weighing 80kg understood over wind, engine and and with a peak power consumption of background noise.’ Aboard and ashore 1,000W, the 500RX also has an integrated Capable of delivering such instructions Also designed for small vessels is the video camera and optional Maxabeam out to 3km in ‘ideal conditions’, or a more similarly sized 300X-RE system, which has to illuminate targets out to realistic 1,250m against 88dB of a maximum output of 150dB and can 3.5km. Able to withstand wind speeds of background noise, the 1000Xi features a deliver intelligible speech to 1,000m in 90kt, the system can be integrated with carbon-fibre emitter head, an MP3 control ideal conditions, reducing to 350m in a radar to provide automated intruder alerts module for playing recorded messages, a more typical operating environment with and responses. microphone for live broadcasts and a 88dB of background noise. Weighing The similarly sized and configured remote operation capability. Technical 11.3kg and with a front face measuring 950RXL – unveiled by LRAD Corp in specifications include a maximum 63x36cm, the 300X-RE has a remote MP3 November 2016 – produces a maximum continuous SPL of 153dB (at 1m), sound control module with 2GB of storage SPL of 156dB and an acoustic range of projection in a +/-15 beam at 1kHz and memory. Typical power consumption is 3km/1,250m. It is the commercial version typical power consumption of 720W for 50W for voice messages and 150W for of a remotely operated system provided to warning tones or 190W for voice messages. warning tones. The 500X-RE has a the USN. Weighing 39.4kg and with overall maximum range of 2km and is the USN’s ‘Military organisations around the dimensions of 91x102x33cm, the device AHD of choice for small vessels, according world are filling the critical gap can operate in temperatures from 60C to the manufacturer. between initial engagement and down to -33C. LRAD’s RX systems are protecting naval escalation of force with LRAD’s In January, LRAD Corp announced that it bases and commercial ports in Bahrain, unparalleled long-range communication was expanding its XL product line, which Jordan, Qatar and the US. With frontal and scalable non-lethal, non-kinetic employs patent-pending driver technology dimensions of 142x164cm and weighing deterrent tones’, the company said. to generate higher audio outputs from 154kg, the 1000RX is one of the ‘LRAD systems are in use in more smaller and lighter hardware. Designed for company’s larger models and its acoustic than 70 countries around the world shipboard and shoreside installation, the output of 159dB will carry messages out to and are the only AHDs that meet all new 1950XL system is said to deliver 3km under ideal conditions or 1,250m US military requirements.’ The company ‘highly intelligible’ spoken messages out to against background noise. also suggests that its AHDs can be 5km and empowers hails, warnings and Suitable for deployment aboard ships as carried by USVs to provide an

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‘autonomous, remote first-response player, thermal management system and Clear speech capability for port, harbour and ship peak power consumption of 750W. While LRAD and Ultra Electronics use security’. Weighing almost 41kg, the larger conical speakers, HPV Technologies has Ultra Electronics said that most of its HS-18 model has a maximum SPL of developed a family of Long Throw – Planar HyperSpike AHDs – which comprise arrays 156dB, range of 2km, frequencies Magnetic Speaker (LT-PMS) hailing and of wideband transducers with a patented from 245Hz to 10kHz, a very narrow warning systems, utilising its Magnetic waveguide, eliminating interference by acoustic beam of +/-5 and an STI Audio Device (MAD) planar transducer. The producing an acoustic beam that is in of 0.96. Optional devices such as a flat panel MAD-1 has a light diaphragm and phase – are suitable for maritime law video camera, searchlight or laser a frequency response from 180Hz to enforcement applications. dazzler can be accommodated within 18kHz, producing ‘exceptional clarity’ and The smallest ruggedised HyperSpike the Opti-Port equipment bay, a 146mm levels of sound distortion that are ‘virtually device is the handheld HS-10-R (also known diameter space in the centre of the undetectable’, even at maximum volume, as the HS-Micro II), which weighs less than acoustic wave, intended to minimise the according to the manufacturer. 7kg and has a peak SPL of 144dB, a calibration and maintenance time for any Seven LT-PMS models are available, from useable communication range of 750m-plus device fitted. the handheld 1HH with a single transducer and eight hours of battery life. Frequency Both the HS-14 and HS-18 are offered to a mighty 96-driver array weighing 603kg. coverage is 400Hz to 7kHz, the beam width in remote guise with an optional pan and The larger models are particularly suited to is +/-15 (ie a 30 cone) and the device has tilt mount from Moog, allowing a number longer-range maritime duties. As additional a Speech Transmission Index (STI) rating – a of units to be programmed for distant drivers are combined into a single system, widely accepted measure of voice operation within a single network. not only does the volume increase but the intelligibility – of 0.85 (ratings from 0.75 to 1 Intended for larger ships, the HS-40 is acoustic beam dispersion tapers into a are judged ‘excellent’). The HS-10-R can be claimed to be the world’s first 160dB+ smaller area. ‘With a tighter pattern and operated remotely via a wired smartphone directed voice projection system and the more power, the speaker can throw sound app and can cope with temperatures from ‘loudest AHD in production’, according to farther while remaining articulate and 60C to -20C. Ultra Electronics. Maximum output is clear,’ HPV Technologies states. ‘The Intended for mounting on board small 163dB and the usable range exceeds acoustical results become progressively craft, the HS-14 has a cylindrical emitter 3km. Most notably, it can produce a more powerful as listening distances get head weighing 16.8kg with dimensions of warning tone of 135dB at a range of extended to beyond a mile.’ 37x42cm. It has a maximum output of 100m. The HS-40 emitter head is 997mm Furthermore, said HPV, the output 151dB, range of 1.5km, frequencies from in diameter, 343mm deep and weighs volume from planar drivers attenuates at a 300Hz to 8kHz, a narrow acoustic beam 86.2kg. The frequency range is 225Hz to much lower rate, typically 1.5dB for each of +/-12, STI of 0.81, internal 16GB file 12kHz and the STI is 0.91. doubling of distance, compared with 3-6dB for conventional speakers. The company LRAD Corp insists that its acoustic hailing devices – such as the 500X shown here – are not claims that spoken messages delivered by weapons but ‘highly intelligible, long-range communication systems and a safer alternative to LT-PMS speakers ‘can be heard at kinetic force’. (Photo: USN) distances which cannot be matched by any other product or transducer technology’. Thus the 5.5kg battery-powered LT-PMS- 1HH has a useful range of 200m and dispersion angles of 30 horizontal and 20 vertical, while the LT-PMS-24, which integrates 24 transducers in a unit weighing 122.5kg, can reach out to 1,200m with dispersion angles of 5x5. The largest model offered, the 2.3x2.4m LT-PMS-96 array, has just 2 of dispersion and a range of 1,600m. The 24, 54 and 96 driver models can be fitted with optional waveguides for increased SPL output and enhanced mid/low-frequency performance (increasing the useful range by about 100m), a for precise aiming and a video camera. Remote operation via a third-party network control interface is also available.

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Diver disruption Currently in service with the USCG is the Enhanced Underwater Loudhailer (eLOUD), developed by Applied Physical Sciences, whose website said the system will warn, deny access to, move and/or suppress divers at ranges out to 460m. eLOUD consists of a man-portable, battery- operated control unit and a lightweight three-speaker vertical line array, developed by Oceanears (Ocean Engineering Enterprises), that can be deployed from a vessel or quayside at depths to 21m. A 400W power amplifier provides a The Glare Recoil was developed for the US Marine Corps Systems Command Ocular Interruption programme. (Photo: BE Meyers) frequency range of 300-5,000Hz and maximum SPLs of 190dB at 2,700Hz and 180dB at 500Hz (both at 1m range). The The acoustic blast is initiated by a Acoustic energy is produced by 16 horn- same transducer array is used in the trigger mechanism on the controller, with loaded compression drivers rated at 200- Enforcer Underwater Communication and electrical power provided by batteries or by 300W and capable of generating SPLs of Diver Disruption System, designed and radio frequency remote firing. Guns are up to 150dB, according to one manufactured by UK-based Westminster available in five sizes, with chamber unconfirmed report. International, although this company said it volumes of 10, 20, 40, 60 and 100in air Switchable from tight focus to very wide will deliver clear, powerful warning bottle packs have total air capacities of spread, the acoustic beam is steered messages to 800m. 150, 290 and 570ft and operating electronically by an operator viewing the If the warnings are ignored, Enforcer pressures range from 1,000psi to target through a camera located atop the will produce high-powered disruptive sound 2,500psi. array. The low-frequency sound can frequencies that are ‘designed The number of shots available depends penetrate ship structures, even in the to have a maximum disorientation effect on the total air capacity, the system presence of loud background noise. on the diver’ and ‘are likely [to] induce a operating pressure and the size of the gun The laser has pulsating and continuous sense of discomfort or panic, causing chamber, but estimates for typical modes and while irradiance can be adjusted [them] to leave the area or surface for configurations range from 36 shots (for a from 69 to 32,700W/cm at 200m, the interception’, according to Westminster. 40in gun with 290ft energy pack same report notes, output is kept below ‘Should the diver remain in the water, the operating at 2,000psi) to 213 shots (for a 1,000W/cm (the American National frequencies are likely to have a continued 10in gun with 150ft of air operating at Standards Institute threshold for eye-safe adverse effect which could cause sickness 1,000psi). exposure to lasers) when aimed at people. and confusion.’ HAI states that these systems ‘provide a With the optical devices gaining the A completely different route to scalable deterrence... by various means target’s attention and the sound projector underwater defence is being taken by including the frequency with which the conveying specific instructions, the DSLA is Hydroacoustics Inc (HAI), whose products pulses are transmitted, the creation of ‘especially well-suited for hailing and use low-frequency blasts of sound energy tones superimposed on the broadband warning vehicle and vessel operators’, the delivered by ‘air guns’ to force intruders to output, the use of increased air pressure JNLWP stated. ‘At night, the DSLA can the surface. Sold to navies and coast and an increased number of guns that are severely degrade an individual’s ability to guard agencies worldwide, the company’s simultaneously fired’. perform threatening tasks.’ The DSLA is Diver Interdiction Systems are available as undergoing human effects and operational portable units deployed from patrol craft, Audiovisual response effectiveness testing to ensure it can be ships or locations ashore, or as static The Distributed Sound and Light Array safely deployed without causing permanent networked assets with air guns anchored (DSLA) is under development by harm to individuals. or attached to buoys or piers. Pennsylvania State University’s Institute Amid continuing claims from critics who The portable system consists of: a for Non-Lethal Defense Technologies and allege that non-lethal deterrents are control box an energy pack containing two sponsored by the Pentagon’s Joint Non- inherently dangerous, and with or three bottles of compressed air (at Lethal Weapons Program (JNLWP). It manufacturers and operators remaining 4,500psi) an umbilical (high-pressure air integrates a Target High-Output under the spotlight of public scrutiny, such hose, electrical cable and suspension Responder-16S phased acoustic projector trials will remain a crucial part of the rope) and the air gun itself. A stationary with a green laser disrupter and four bright development process for any innovative network will feature an array of guns white xenon (two enhanced new device designed to bolster served by a single controller. and two spotlights). international maritime security. ▪ INTERNATIONAL MARITIME & PORT SECURITY MARCH/APRIL 2017 VOLUME 4 NUMBER 2 WWW.IMPSNEWS.COM

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