US Government researchers developing “Puke-ray”

The Homeland Security Department is aiming to arm federal agents with a light-saber weapon emitting a dazzling strobe that would subdue criminals, terrorists and even unruly airline passengers.

It’s the latest government effort to develop a nonlethal weapon — in this case, a powerful beam of light that temporarily blinds anyone who looks into it.



“The light could be used to make a bad guy turn away or shut his eyes, giving authorities enough time to tackle the suspect and apply the cuffs, all while sparing the lives of passersby, hostages or airline passengers,” according to a description of the device from the Homeland Security Department’s science and technology division.

Program manager Gerald Kirwin said Homeland Security has so far invested $1 million for testing of the LED (light-emitting diode) Incapacitator. It is being developed by a Torrance, Calif., company, Intelligent Optical Systems, and it will be tested this fall on volunteers at Pennsylvania State University’s Institute of Non-Lethal Defense Technologies.