Nexus - 0704 - New Times Magazine-pages

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Another embodiment resembled the early mechanical television designs of John Logie Baird. It utilised large timpani skins, mir- rors, lights and photocells. A mirror was fastened to the tim- panum, and a light beam would flicker when infrasound struck the mirror. The photocell recorded these flickers as an electrical sig- nal. This detector system was very reliable. By far the most advanced detectors which Gavreau designed and tested utilised an electrolytic process. In this analogue of sys- tems developed by Fessenden to measure faint wireless signals, chemical solutions and fine wirepoint electrical contacts were used. Chemical solutions, separated by an osmotic barrier, were forced to migrate through the barrier whenever infrasound tra- versed the system. This chemical mixture was then measured as an increased electrical conductivity in a sensitive galvanometer. This system was reliable and accurate. However, all of these systems suffered from one problem: the offensive use of an incredible infrasonic amplitude would burst them into vapour. involves determination of an attack pitch, generation of the same, and projection of the pitch "out of phase". The active nullifier method is not completely accurate or protective by any means. A highly modulated, mobile infrasonic source would be nearly impossible to neutralise successfully without extremely sophisti- cated electronics. But Gavreau imagined an elegantly simple approach—one which would not require the defender to be exposed to his own infrasonic projections. While fixated on the old notion of gun installations and stations, Gavreau and the team had momentarily forgotten their first research endeavour: robotics! versed the system. Thi then measured as © ROBOT-DELIVERED INFRASONIC WEAPONRY an increased electrical conductivity in a sensitive galvanometer. Let us recall that Dr Gavreau and his team of pioneers were in This system was reliable and accurate. the business of robotics, and developed industrial and military However, all of these systems suffered from one problem: the automaton systems. How difficult would it have been to couple offensive use of an incredible infrasonic amplitude would burst his newfound weaponry with robotic applications? them into vapour. Dr Gavreau combined the organ pipe and whistle format. The device was housed in a concrete block, less than a cubic metre in DEFENCE AGAINST INFRASOUND volume. The primary whistle was poised within its interior. At Statements were issued by the its flared opening were placed several French authorities, to the effect that resonant pipes. The device was oper- Dr Gavreau was not developing ated by highly compressed air, and weapons at all. Several patents, its output was frightful. In a conven- however, betray this conspicuous tional engagement, it would be capa- Smokescreen while it is impossitle Unfortunately, those who ble ofuiter’y destroying an aggres- to retrieve the actual patents for the . . sor. For one experiment, this infra- infrasonic generators, Dr Gavreau is would release infrasonic energy sound whistle set-up was sealed in an credited with extensive development would themselves be 880-pound [400-kg] concrete pier, of "infrasonic armour". Why would with a concrete baffle placed over its he "waste" such time and expense if slaughtered in the very act. projective end. Even with these pre- not for an anti-weapons program? cautions, the device succeeded in Thus use of infrasonic weaponry absolutely shaking a fan-shaped por- necessitates the development and tion of Marseille. It broke through its implementation of infrasonic shields. supportive concrete pier and Dr Gavreau spent more time devel- destroyed the baffle-covering in an oping infrasonic shields than on developing efficient infrasonic instant. Macabre! No sound was ever heard. This design demon- horns. Infrasound could not be blocked adequately, as Dr strated great pitch selectivity, power and directionality. Gavreau discovered early in his research. Infrasonic devices In this last feature, Gavreau and his team achieved a safety fac- require extremely large baffles. Furthermore, no one would dare _ tor of greatest value. Infrasonic defensive armaments could now initiate an infrasonic barrage on any invasive force without ade- be safely directed away from the operators. This weapon was a quate protection. Infrasonic horns can project their sounds in a remarkably compact and efficient device. Its efficiency was given direction, but natural environments "leak" portions of the gauged by the destructive output and the weapon's volume. sound in all directions. Infrasounds saturate their generators, A later embodiment of this terror disclosed another compact flooding and permeating their sources in a few seconds. They cube. The infrasonic whistle was presumably housed therein. "work their way back" towards those who dispatch their deadly Proceeding from the front plate were some 60 pipes, with flared signals. Infrasounds "hug" the ground and spread around their horns aimed in a deadly forward array. It was said that this device sources. Unfortunately, those who would release infrasonic ener- alone, remotely guided into an arranged artificial battlefield, burst gy would themselves be slaughtered in the very act. open heavy battlements and tank interiors with hideous effortless- Gavreau's first method involved the conversion of infrasound ness. In addition, several other more frightening and unmention- into successively higher pitches until the infrasonic pitch was able disruptions of equal effectiveness were observed. In each "lost". This was achieved in his passive "structural" method—an instance, not a sound was heard. enormous, layered series of baffles and resonant cavities. This The device was mounted on a mobilised robotic vehicle, form is "passive", since it merely stands and waits for infrasonic powered by diesel engines or compressed gas. The almost barrages, absorbing and converting them into harmless audible insignificant unit would be a bizarre foe for an army to engage. tones. As defensive weaponry, such a device would be terrible and His second method was more "aggressive", actively engaging effective. The system would be a true deterrent for those who and nullifying any offensive infrasonic power. The nullifier uses would be foolish enough to attempt a ground assault on any a well-known physical principle in its operation. As an "active" nation so armed. Armies would fall flat. Once the infrasonic shield, it transmits tones whose opposing wavefronts destructively horns were unleashed against the foe, the battle would not even interfere with incoming infrasound. Infrasonic attacks are nulli- begin. Such a war engine would be impossible to locate. None fied, or at least brought to much weaker levels. This method Continued on page 83 requires high-speed detection and response systems. The process Unfortunately, those who would release infrasonic energy 44 = NEXUS JUNE — JULY 2000 would themselves be slaughtered in the very act. Continued on page 83