Side looking radars were first fielded in the 70s. FLIR and its derivatives appeared about 25 years ago. The only other thing this piece needed was ominous music ala JAWS. Really.

I knew somebody would come along and pronounce: "No big deal. It's all been done before." Maybe so, but not the extent and effectiveness of the current technology. Computers were around in the 70s too, but not quite the same as today's computers.

Can't wait for someone to come along and announce that this technology is already available in the animal kingdom.

There is a vast difference between the first generation NOD and the current ones but really just a matter of degree. Better clarity, better battery life, etc. To suggest that "seeing inside a house" is somehow a breakthrough that just occurred is just plain wrong. GPS guidance is the next evolutionary step from inertial guidance but hardly a miracle.

I was being overly sarcastic. No offense intended. In all seriousness, the new crops of weapons in the works are nothing short of science-fiction stuff. Heat-beams, sonic, direct-energy (lasers), invisibility cloaks, etc. Too bad all this technology has to originate from the need to kill people.

This is a bit off track but have you all seen the AA12 fully automatic shotgun? For those of you who haven't:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4ebtj1jR7c

The term "Equalizer" has become archaic in respect to our military forces eventually endowed with this monster. I would love to see Uncle Sam put in a rush order for as many to arm every soldier in Iraq and Afghanistan right Now.

Yeah, and in 15 years gang bangers will be buying them off an army surplus store. Can't wait!