The whole world continues to discuss the murder of "Terrorist No. 1" committed by the American special forces. We will look at ten cutting-edge solutions and technologies that (as far as can be judged) helped the military to successfully carry out this risky operation.
1. RQ-170 Sentinel
The Sentinel drone, created by Lockheed Martin using stealth technology, has long been kept in the strictest confidence by the Pentagon. We have only seen the "spy" pictures of this device, leaked to the Internet ("The Kandahar Beast"). With a wingspan of almost 20 m, the RQ-170 is designed for reconnaissance and operates at altitudes up to 15 km. Some reports suggest that this time, before the American marines began to move towards the target, at least one such UAV, which had ordinary video cameras on board, visited Osama bin Laden's hideout area, and …
2. Hyperspectral sensors
Unlike conventional cameras, they allow you to work outside the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum, capturing both the ultraviolet and infrared ranges. They can work in complete darkness and provide high-resolution images that carry a lot of additional useful information that is inaccessible to the naked eye. Details that cannot be discerned in normal photographs are made available with this technology. Unlike multispectral (multizone) imaging, hyperspectral does not use separate bands in different parts of the spectrum, but actually covers the entire available range continuously. Perhaps, similar sensors are on board and …
3. Helicopters MH-60 Black Hawk
The Sikorsky helicopters, again made using stealth technology, are modified versions for special operations. Apparently, they played a key role: on board each "Black Hawk Down" is capable of carrying up to 11 people, plus they can be equipped with infrared jammers to steer enemy missiles. And for navigation they use the latest …
4. Radar to ensure flight with terrain bend
It is these onboard radars that allow helicopters to fly inconspicuous at ultra-low altitudes even in poor visibility conditions and at night (which is especially beneficial in highly rugged terrain in this part of Pakistan). The principle of their operation is traditional: the radar emits a signal and picks up its characteristics, already reflected from the terrain, after which the on-board computer is engaged in the analysis, which controls the autopilot and maintains the flight at a constant height above the ground. Thanks to him, the "Navy Seals" managed to sneak up to the very place of shelter of "Terrorist No. 1" - although, as you know, not everything went perfectly, and already at the target one of the helicopters fell. However, the enemy did not get it: the marines used …
5. Hand grenades with thermite mixture
A mixture of aluminum and iron oxide powders burns, creating a temperature of about 4000 ° C and burning literally everything (for example, the melting temperature of such a metal resistant to heating as tungsten is "only" 3400 ° C). After the hellish heat of the thermite mixture, nothing remains. The path was opened, the approaches were cleared - it was time to set in motion …
6. Light and sound grenades
Non-lethal special-purpose weapons designed to temporarily disable the enemy by means of "psychophysiological (distracting and overwhelming) and mechanical immobilizing action." Simply put, a mixture of the same aluminum powder with a sufficiently powerful oxidizer - say, potassium perchlorate - burns out in a flash so strong and bright that it temporarily blinds and stuns the enemy. A similar weapon is included in the outfit of the American Marines, along with much more exotic special equipment. Such as…
7. Headset TASC-1
Today, such headsets are very widely used by the American army, providing fighters with constant tactical communication. In principle, these are just portable radios, only more compact and reliable in operation than those that can be bought in a regular store. And, of course, using secure communication channels. From this point of view, it is much more interesting …
8. Helmet cameras for satellite communication
The specific type and characteristics of these cameras are not disclosed, however, it is known that they have the ability to transmit a video signal to a base station, from where it is already broadcast to a satellite - and can be received anywhere in the world. It was they who allowed the American president to personally follow what was happening on the air and see how effectively his soldiers use their main weapon …
9 and 10. M4 assault rifles and MP7 submachine guns
Since Terrorist # 1 was shot, it was most likely done with this weapon, or one of them. Both the Colt assault rifle and the Heckler & Koch submachine gun are classic American Marine Corps weapons.
