Stealing the Sword Limiting Terrorist Use of Advanced Conventional Weapons

by Bonomo, James; Bergamo, Giacomo,; Frelinger, Dave; Gordon, John; Jackson, Brian A.

• ISBN13: 9780833039651
• ISBN10: 0833039652
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 10/10/2007
• Publisher: RAND CORPORATION

Summary

Examines how terrorists make technology choices and how the United States can discourage terrorists' use of advanced conventional weapons. Concludes that the United States should urgently start discussions with key producer nations and also decide on an architecture needed to impose technical controls on new mortar systems that should enter development soon.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. iii
Figures	p. xi
Tables	p. xiii
Summary	p. xv
Acknowledgments	p. xxiii
Abbreviations	p. xxv
Introduction	p. 1
Study Approach	p. 3
What Types of Advanced Military Weapons Could Become Available to Terrorists?	p. 7
Advanced Small Arms	p. 8
Technological Advance: Airburst Assault Weapons with Smart Ammo	p. 10
Technological Advance: Metal Storm's 100 Percent Electronic Firing Mechanism	p. 17
Mortar Systems	p. 20
Technological Advance: Gliding and Rocketing to Longer Range	p. 22
Technological Advance: Nonballistic Flight Through Thrusters and Control Fins	p. 27
Technological Advance: "Fire-and-Forget" IR- and RF-Homing Terminal Guidance	p. 28
Technological Advance: Laser and Fiber-Optic Man-in-the-Loop Terminal Guidance	p. 29
Technological Advance: GPS-Based Computer Aids, Integration, and GPS-Only Guidance	p. 32
Technological Advance: Lightweight Materials and Design Changes to Increase Speed	p. 36
Technological Advance: Greater Penetration, Greater Area Coverage	p. 37
Conclusion	p. 37
Sniper Systems	p. 39
Technological Advance: Ballistics Computers	p. 41
Technological Advance: Remote Aiming Platforms	p. 47
Technological Advance: Enhanced Scopes and Reticules	p. 49
Technological Advance: Long-Range Night Vision for Snipers	p. 50
Technological Advance: Rangefinders	p. 51
Technological Advance: Environmental Sensors	p. 52
Antitank Guided Weapons	p. 54
Man-Portable Antiarmor Weapons	p. 56
Limpet Mines	p. 58
Advanced Land Mines	p. 60
Night Vision	p. 61
Technological Advance: Four Generations of Light Intensification	p. 61
Technological Advance: Seeing Heat	p. 62
What Advanced Conventional Weapons Are Potentially Most Useful and Attractive to Terrorists?	p. 63
Game-Changing Weapons	p. 64
Terrorist Scenarios Involving Advanced Conventional Weapons	p. 66
Mortar Attacks	p. 66
Attack on the Rose Bowl: A Scenario	p. 71
Sniper Attacks	p. 75
Attacks Using Advanced Small Arms	p. 76
Attacks Using Antitank Guided Weapons	p. 77
Attacks Using Limpet Mines	p. 79
Comparing the Most Threatening Advanced Conventional Weapons	p. 79
What Opportunities Exist for Controlling Weapons of Particular Concern?	p. 81
Types of Use Controls	p. 81
Policy and Procedural Controls	p. 84
Technical Controls	p. 87
A Conceptual Design of a Use Control System	p. 91
Combining Policy, Procedures, and Technical Solutions	p. 96
How Might Use Controls Deter Terrorist Organizations?	p. 99
The Benefits, Costs, and Risks of Adopting Advanced Conventional Weapons	p. 100
Benefits Drive the Adoption Process	p. 102
Cost Considerations	p. 103
Risks in Acquiring New Technologies	p. 104
Potential Impacts of Weapon Control Measures	p. 106
Conclusions	p. 109
Observations and Implications	p. 111
Bibliography	p. 117
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