fancynewt1b6e21c8Ranging from state-of-the-art communication, precise and accurate laser target designator, sophisticated night and day cameras, and terrific Hellfire missiles, the Predator drone is equipped with a stunning array of weapons that would wreak havoc anywhere on face of the earth. However, Special Operations Command believes that this mind-boggling contraption is still in dire need of an astounding sound system. The command is begun its journey towards rectification of this flaw as it will be furnishing drone speakers not only for drones but also for tons of other applications as it launches its fantastic loudspeaker program.
Drone Speakers in the Iraq War
The battleground of Iraq and other war-stricken countries of the region witnessed the implementation of loudspeakers for psychological warfare operations also known as psyops. However, the currently employed loudspeakers seem to have lost their novelty since they were developed way back in the 90s.
Variants of Drone Speakers
Special Operations Command is planning to launch its Next Generation Loudspeaker System (NGLS) which consists of seven versions:
- Manpack
- Ground/vehicle Warcraft
- UAV or unmanned aerial vehicle
- Unmanned ground vehicle
- Scatterable media long duration
- Scatterable media short duration
- Sonic projection (focused sound)
The manpack and vehicle drone speakers will serve as substitutes for the presently deployed systems. However, unmanned and scatterable variants will be a totally new technology. They will be connected with each other via secured wireless connections; thereby providing clusters of loudspeakers that offer high quality and reliable recorded audio, real-time transmission, and acoustic-deception ability.
Interconnected drone speakers spread out in a region can produce puzzling sound effects. It may even give an impression of military patrol or a vehicle scouring the area, surrounding the opponent with ghosts while hiding the presence of actual military forces.
Long Range Acoustic Device
Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) gives rise to a concentrated sound that has been used effectively by Special Forces. According to official estimates, the LRAD sound can be heard at a range of no less than 1.4 Km and it served as a great alternative to contact with the local population.
When it comes to operations, it can be used not only to clear civilians from streets and rooftops when a combat operation is underway and issuing requisite instructions but also to lure opponent snipers into the open who are then decimated by the Special Forces.
Aircraft speakers in the Vietnamese War
Now, we move on to the amazing experiment of installing drone speakers on aircraft which was used perfectly in the Vietnam war. Several audio transmissions including the much-vaunted “Wander Soul” which was also popular as “Howling Ghost” or “Ghost Tape Number 10” were tried. This played on the beliefs of the locals who were of the view that a dead person had to be given a proper burial in order to prevent their troubled soul from roaming around on the earth.
Wandering Soul
The Wandering Soul audio recording incorporates an echoing voice, probably that of a dead Vietnamese soldier, issuing a warning to his fellow fighters that his soul will roam around the earth for all eternity and advising them to return to their homes. The Vietnamese gorillas soon realized that the voice was not actually that of a phantom soldier but it still had an unnerving influence on them, and in several scenarios instigated them to start shooting at the aircraft equipped with the speakers.
Firing Hell from the Sky
One of the Navy squads got so much irked by being fired upon whenever they broadcast the recording that they transmitted it with a team of helicopters loaded with rockets and 7.62mm miniguns with the ability to sending down 4,000 rounds per minute. One of the soldiers said in an interview that while killing was the motive, the PSYOP tapes made the killing all the easier.
At other places, whenever the Howling Ghost tape was broadcast, C-47 gunship helicopters accompanied the PSYOP aircraft, ready to spray loads of ammunition at anyone opening fire at them from the ground.
Project Quick Speak
Back in 1965, the 5th Air Commando Squadron perpetrated the Project Quick Speak. This mission employed an aircraft with drone speakers installed on it transmitting recordings that incited the hiding Vietnamese gorillas by appreciating the Vietnamese incumbent government and warning them of dire results if they opened fire on the helicopter. In case of being fired upon, the C-47 gunship helicopters were ready to send down rounds of miniguns following by audiotapes telling the gorillas that they had been warned already!
The Crux of Drone Speakers
There could be a wide array of applications for drone speakers or speakers after the fashion on LRAD on a Predator or other drones. It could be used to warn a vehicle to halt urgently or tell the enemy to vacate a building or face the music. It could even carry out Howling Ghost or Quick Speak missions or employ other tapes to incite a response or even wreak havoc. Predator drones are fearsome beasts and horrifying sound effects could make them even scarier.
The Ride of the Valkyries could really turn the tables!