Military R&D of the week: Bomb detecting paintball guns...

[LnGrrrR]

http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/11/army-bombs-paintball/



On Wednesday, the Army announced that it’s in the market for a paintball system (http://www.acq.osd.mil/osbp/sbir/solicitations/sbir20121/army121.htm) that can detect the presence and type of different explosives. The system would work by loading up projectiles with materials that advertise the presence of explosives — sort of like a litmus test for bombs — and firing them at the suspected bombs. Picture paintballing, but with a target that might really kill you.


What do you guys think? Is it worth the investment? WC, I know you want to chime in on this one. :)

[ChuckD]

tbh, I've heard of much worse military R&D ideas...

[spursncowboys]

I believe they should put a pay raise with or higher than the annual inflation (deduct oil) for all enlisted side military.

[boutons_deux]

Staring at goats is much more effective and credible

[AFBlue]

I believe they should put a pay raise with or higher than the annual inflation (deduct oil) for all enlisted side military.

This...Army programs are notoriously horribly run. They've had countless blunders in the last 25 years with investing billions and not bringing technology to the point of full-scale production and deployment. The money could be spent more effectively elsewhere.

[Wild Cobra]

http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/11/army-bombs-paintball/


What do you guys think? Is it worth the investment? WC, I know you want to chime in on this one. :)
LOL...

If there is a reality that it can work, I don't see a problem. Seems like a long shot to me though. I cannot form an firm opinion without seeing advancements already made in the area of direct chemical detection at such low levels.

Tell me. Think we can detect picograms of explosives by shooting 2-1/2 ml of a chemical at it? What do we look for, a color change?

I wonder if it's another pet project to keep some congressman's brother-in-law wealthy.