Early and Late TL9

[Varyon]

Originally Posted by pawsplay

We now have plenty of practical microwave weapons. For practical reasons, these tend to either be anti-electronic weapons, or devices that target the water in the human body for pain or incapacitation. A purely destructive weapon could be built, but would have limitations depending on the target and the environment. Microwave weapons are no longer Ultra-Tech. Every single weapon listed from the MAD to the TL 9-10 disruptor weapons currently exists, in realized or prototype form. Vehicle-mounted MAD weapons have been used in military operations and in riot suppression. There is some concern that lower powered versions have been used by covert ops to harass and injure diplomatic staff. Anti-drone rifles have existed as working concept weapons since at least 2019, and there are reports that some may have been deployed in small numbers in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Have MAD weapons (which typically use the ADS acronym, standing for Active Denial System) actually been used in such? I know they were deployed in Afghanistan, but it was allegedly withdrawn before it ever saw use. Similarly, there was discussion of potentially using one on rioters back in 2020, but the National Guard near the relevant location didn't actually have one and thus it was never actually used. I'd be interesting in learning about cases where they've actually been deployed rather than just tested on volunteers.