英语六级阅读备考：快速阅读练习(6)_大学英语阅读

英语六级阅读备考：快速阅读练习(6)

　　As opponents who lack high technology are reduced to hiding in the face of ever-increasing firepower, new weapons are being developed to attack the deepest bunkers, including super cavitating warheads and burrowing bombs.

　　One of the most ambitious schemes is to build a shield to defend the US from ballistic missiles. This would rely on a combination of airborne lasers and missiles, but the laser program has proved more challenging than expected, as has hitting a missile with another missile. But lasers have succeeded in shooting down tactical rockets and even artillery shells.

　　Neutrino beams that could travel through the Earth and zap nuclear missiles on the other side of the planet have even been envisioned.

　　However, many critics doubt whether a missile defense scheme could work, and suggest that intercepted warheads might fall on Europe, Canada or middle America.

　　Less Lethal

　　The debate between weapons developers and their critics is also intense in the field of non-lethal weapons, intended to incapacitate without killing. Controversial Taser guns-delivering an electric shock via wiresare widely used by police and military. New wireless versions are under development, which can sweep crowds with electrical energy, as well as electroshock projectiles and other devices.

　　The US military have developed the Active Denial System, or people zapper, which uses a microwave beam to inflict pain without damage, as well as the Pulsed Energy Projectilea non-lethal laser causing incapacitating pain. But there are fears that such weapons could be abused.