FT259

Thus far used primarily against Somali pirates and Iraqi insurgents, the Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) is described as both a long-range communications device and a tool capable of broadcasting “powerful deterrent tones”. Despite such euphemisms, to many the LRAD is a sonic weapon and it is frequently described as an acoustic or sound cannon. The LRAD saw its first documented tactical use in America on the streets of Pittsburgh, employed against demonstrators ‘unlawfully’ protesting the G20 summit. Although it had been deployed previously (most recently in San Diego at a town hall forum) it had remained unused.

However, on the evening of Thursday 24 September the LRAD was used to both broadcast orders demanding protest­ors clear the streets and as a noise generator blasting the assembly with a directed wave of squealing, high-pitched car alarm howl-and-flutter (the LRAD can exceed 150dB).