Air Force Research Laboratory workers are busy at Kirtland AFB, N.M., developing the first portable, non-lethal deterrent weapon—called the Personnel Halting and Stimulation Response, or PHaSR. The weapon uses a two-wavelength laser system which temporarily impairs aggressors by “dazzling” bad guys so they can’t see the PHaSR-wielding troops. AFRL has delivered the first two prototypes to the Human Effectiveness Directorate at Brooks City-Base, Tex., and the Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate at Quantico, Va., for testing.
Like a new car from the dealership, an HH-60W helicopter touched down at Joint Base Andrews, Md., on Nov. 2 with paperwork, a set of keys, and that fresh-from-the-factory smell. The newly activated 5th Helicopter Squadron accepted its first “Whiskey” in a brief but pomp-filled ceremony attended by the Air…