Technology

The Army Is Pushing the Limit With This Insane ‘Magic Bullet’

This post originally appeared on Business Insider by Eloise Lee. 

Army Looking to Make Nonlethal Warhead for Miniature Organic Precision Munitions

The army is looking for someone to develop a non-lethal warhead to add to its non-lethal weapons collection. Here a soldier shoots bean bags at a target. (Photo: AP)

The Army is working on a getting a warhead that sounds like “peak absurdity,” says Spencer Ackerman at Danger Room.

This is the recipe for peak absurdity in weapons design. One part bazooka round; one part suicidal drone; one part stun round. What the U.S. Army hopes will emerge from that mix is a warhead that can loiter in midair while it hunts a human target — but won’t kill him when it finds him.

The “Nonlethal Warhead for Miniature Organic Precision Munitions” is described as a “magic bullet” in the Army’s official quest to find a small business that will make this little gem a reality.

The 3-pound warhead is part of a wider system of miniature aerial munition, which would usually be in the business of killing. The Army is interested in a nonlethal adaption that can “acquire a man-size target at the system’s combat range, in less than 20 seconds.”

The weapon would then quietly hover over the target up to 100 meters in the air, while sending back highly valuable information to troops. Using Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance technology the warhead would acquire GPS coordinates and video information that zones in on the target to provide feature recognition. Bingo.

At this point, it’s unclear what the warhead does next. Even if it’s not lethal, it should do something to apprehend the target, such as by stunning or temporarily blinding.

Army Looking to Make Nonlethal Warhead for Miniature Organic Precision Munitions

The military has developed several non-lethal weapons for its purposes, including this "sting ball" grenade. (Photo: Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Program)

The Army is leaving researchers to use their imaginations.

Ackerman points out the Army advises potential contractors to consider a variety of options: “mechanical, such as rubber balls; acoustic; chemical; electrical; or dazzle.”

Elsewhere in the world of “smart ammunition”, China says it has made a breakthrough developing a laser-equipped weapon that flies over a target zone searching for a mark. The major difference is, the China’s ammo is hell-bent on destroying the target and will unleash two hits — one destructive projectile to break through armor, immediately followed by a cluster of sub-projectiles to wipe out whatever the armor was protecting.

The U.S. Army’s “magic bullet” will likely have a much more delicate mission to accomplish, perhaps in aid of Human Intelligence operations which would require the target to be alive to answer troops’ all-important questions.

Editor’s Note: Check out this other non-lethal weapon that would be used to “fry enemy electronics” here

Comments (153)

  • jakartaman
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 11:41am

    They are for Homeland Security.
    They want it to bring down civilians so they can restrain and put into the camps

    Report Post »  
    • Mutiny
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 12:01pm

      That is exactly what this is for. On the other hand we have asked for it. We have allowed the Patriot Act to stand. We have allowed Tea Party freshman to vote for the NDAA. The house just passed CISPA. We are losing our freedoms weekly and like cattle being led to the slaughter house we dont see it. Our country is on the verge of bankruptcy and the GOP is trying to nominate a guy that has a budget that cuts not one penny from current spending levels. Its like I am in the twilight zone!

      Report Post » Mutiny  
    • lukerw
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 1:09pm

      What they really want is… a Chip in the Body… that Incompassitates… remotely! Alike the Killer Kane Helmet… in Buck Rogers!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • grimmy
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 1:30pm

      @Jakartaman.
      I believe you are correct sir.

      Report Post »  
    • Jinglebob
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 1:44pm

      They are planning on cutting the military budget to the bone…so that they can plan around with crap like this?

      Report Post » Jinglebob  
    • blair152
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 2:19pm

      Why not just buy tasers?

      Report Post »  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 2:27pm

      The ONLY magic bullet “IS” the one that brings peace and freedom. All others only bring destruction and hate and misery.

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
    • thegreatcarnac
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 2:41pm

      You are probably right. These ‘magic bullets’ are for us.

      Report Post »  
    • john gault 2
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 3:41pm

      I think your paranoid the pics of the FEMA camp in Montana is really a pic of a North Korean labor camp and its always easy to find 1 nut to validate any insane claim. Besides i know quite a few military men from all branches and all levels some work for generals, some officers themselves, some worked with sf, some just infantry, they all have one thing in common they all joined because they love this country and want to help people. How many of these patriots do you think are going to round up and kill fellow Americans knowing that they are innocent? I would bet if it was even attempted they would turn on the government. Without the military they have no chance of pulling something like that off….. STOP DRINKING THE COOL-AID!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • SavvyCowboy
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 3:48pm

      @JAKARTAMAN – Uncle barack‘s storm troopers will have a hard time hittin’ me with one of those when I’m laying in the weeds of one of my pastures 700 yards away with my trusty .300 mag, my Leupold cross-hairs fixed center-mass on their chest. :)

      Report Post » SavvyCowboy  
    • resme
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 3:52pm

      @mutiny, Don’t forget the so called “patriots” Bachmann, and Allen West voted for the cispa bill, Mainly republicants. ( Here I thought republicants were looking out for our freedoms LMFAO )

      Report Post » resme  
    • pavnvet
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 4:41pm

      These are not for us…Homeland Security already has 450 million rounds of 40 cal hollow points and a few hundred million .226s and shotgun shells.

      Report Post » pavnvet  
    • bankerpapaw
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 5:45pm

      Exactly!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Tribal Warrior
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 7:02pm

      Sounds crazy, but is a possibility.

      Report Post »  
    • teamarcheson
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 7:14pm

      This is inconsistent with Government’s resent purchase of over 400 Million rounds of hollow point bullets. Hollow point bullets enter your body like razor sharp buzz saws tearing and whipping away at your insides. Hollow point are against the Geneva Convention. Is this story intended to deceive Americans, surely Russian and Chinese troops are going to shoot to kill.

      We will now have a Smoke Free, Greens Eating, Homosexual, Kind, and Non-Lethal US Armed Forces. Toy guns will be used against enemy troops and hollow point bullets will be used against American men, women and children.

      Report Post »  
    • Thevoice
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 7:33pm

      Well it makes sense ..You have the Modern Marines, Army, air force and Navy used basically as a aid logistic delivery service . Foreign security , and explosive removal company today. So why not just carry magic bullets and fairy dust …

      Report Post » Thevoice  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 7:41pm

      @john gault 2
      How many of these patriots do you think are going to round up and kill fellow Americans knowing that they are innocent?
      ———
      No, but Barack’s got the military brass, dirty cops, wh*re-loving secret agents, TSA, union thugs, OWS punks, Black Panthers, black flash mobs, Muslim Brotherhood, and all the useful idiots.

      Report Post »  
    • workinman2
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 8:25pm

      Yep, they have been workin on getting FEMA camps ready…google it…

      Report Post » workinman2  
    • 1casawizard
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 8:47pm

      Let’s give a couple billion $s to a solyndra restart for that majic projectile that they’re looking for.

      Report Post » 1casawizard  
    • Papadoc
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 11:07pm

      John gault2 – paranoid and delusional are not the same thing. However, to your point, this is why we need the Dream Act. You are right, an American good ol boy from Texas isn’t going to go against Americans (unless he has been convinced by his superiors that they are enemies of America). On the other hand, what does your avg hombre from El Salvador care about upholding the US Constitution, particularly When seen as a choice between a few gringos standing in his way of a green card or once again slinging friolies in the home town.

      Report Post »  
    • black9897
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 11:12pm

      Oh, don’t worry. This is simply for our own protection. Just nod and move along.

      Report Post » black9897  
    • Proud Stray Dog
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 11:53pm

      @John Gault 2:

      Many Germans swore the same of Hitler. They had a change of heart right before the bright flash from the muzzle of a rifle, though.

      Report Post » Proud Stray Dog  
    • PoliticallyRightUs.Com
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 4:19am

      @mutiny,,, hey Stupid…Tea Party did not vote for NDAA!!!

      Report Post » PoliticallyRightUs.Com  
    • Quiata
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 9:14am

      @RULER4YOU “The ONLY magic bullet “IS” the one that brings peace and freedom. All others only bring destruction and hate and misery.”

      Sorry to differ, but many bullets END “destruction, hate, and misery”.

      Report Post »  
    • IMAWAKENOW
      Posted on April 28, 2012 at 11:21am

      The U.S. Army’s “magic bullet” will likely have a much more delicate mission to accomplish, perhaps in aid of Human Intelligence operations which would require the target to be alive to answer troops’ all-important questions.
      I call BS. we aren’t allowd to ask questions (water board) anymore. Stick to the basics, lead works just fine.

      Report Post » IMAWAKENOW  
    • Philogical
      Posted on April 29, 2012 at 8:53pm

      Obviously someone has not taken their medication today. While I do not like what Homeland Security has become over the last 9+ years this spurious attack against them is warrantless. After doing some checking, I see that a few Democrats and Libertarians have infiltrated this site to spread false rumors and gross inexactitudes. This is just another attempt to make the average run of the mill reader of The Blaze think that only the low IQ’ed or the mentally deficient, read what is written here. Sorry Charley you leftist operatives have been found out again. Drat, don’t you just hate that?

      Report Post » Philogical  
  • ginger100
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 11:26am

    If I wanted America to fail, I would give the Army crappy weapons and send them into harms way.

    Report Post » ginger100  
  • Rodney777
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 11:24am

    Why don’t we just shoot the enemy with rubber bans cause that crap hurts! stupid!

    Report Post » Rodney777  
    • strewth_cobber
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 1:20pm

      I’d say something more – but Blaze won’t let me add too many wise or interesting or silly or annoying words (if anyone cares to read them, that is)!

      God bless from Australia!

      ps… they banned/outlawed spud (potato) guns and fireworks from us kids here back in the 80s (’cause of one displaced eyeball on a being from impact of said item). Give it time, rubber bands, guitars, and asking your friends to, not so much open their minds (’cause their brain’s will fall out), but use their brains and think for themselves will also be outlawed. And knives and forks and spoons. They all capable weapons of mass distraction, err destruction. And yep, rubber bands do hurt when aimed and delivered powerfully!

      Report Post »  
    • strewth_cobber
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 1:23pm

      I hope I wrote that correctly – just that I recovering from a poke in the eye! I told the soldiers I was an expert karate hero – I just wasn’t ready and watching.

      Report Post »  
  • symphonic
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 11:23am

    All this OBSESSION with war and war tools. The mindset that thinks tools will save us instead of turning our hearts and minds to God is the one that will fall, and great will be the fall of it.

    Report Post » symphonic  
    • ChiefGeorge
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 12:00pm

      Your are correct sir!

      No man made laws, regulations or policies can save a community, state, nation or world in immoral decay and collapse will be the result because Satan wants chaos and collapse will bring that about. Turn us against and on each other for survival. The moral codes laid down for us are our best hope. Stop looking to man for the answers which are ungodly manswers.

      Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
    • VoteBushIn12
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 1:08pm

      You are such a prophet. All hail Symphonic, king of all that can be known and spokesman for God.

      If God din’t want us obsessing over war tools, he wouldn’t have encouraged violence when he poisoned the Egyptians, drowned them in the Red sea, led the Jews on a 40 year war rampage, and helped countless other Men of God (Elijah, Samson, David, etc) to kill countless of their enemies.

      The bible is built on war and violence; it‘s God’s will that we be a species of conflict. Deal with it.

      Report Post » VoteBushIn12  
    • the wireworker
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 11:30pm

      @ votinbush12

      God’s will is not that we live in conflict, it’s called the fall of man (sin)
      God has a perfect and permissive will but His will be done.

      the sins of man have always been paid for by the shedding of blood (life is in the blood, sin=death) whether it be mans inhumanity to man or the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. the former leads
      to death the latter leads to life.

      Lev 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

      Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

      Report Post » the wireworker  
  • RamonPreston
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 11:11am

    Does this work on civilians, also? Then they can drag them off to FEMA camps.

    Report Post » RamonPreston  
    • Favored93
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 11:53am

      That was my thought….all this neat’o stuff our military has for our defense will one day be pointed inward at us.
      Ya know… I grew up thinking and believing that we ( our nation and government ) are the ultimate good guys…. we rescued the world from the likes of Hitler,Stalin and Mussolini. We dismantled the Japanese emperor’s ability to make war and today Japan seems to be an friendly state. America dismantled communism with out a shot fired! (Or so we thought) I mean we were the ULTIMATE global good guy!!!! Now I could not trust this administration with a potato gun!!! It looks to me like we the people are now enemy number one!!!! We have our biggest enemy to date hanging our in our nations most sacred house while a patriot like Ted is threatened with a FELONY for being a good steward with his own livestock! I just don’t understand! When did this happen??? I am only 32 but I can’t help but wander what happened to .. “TRUTH, JUSTICE and THE AMERICAN WAY”!!!???
      The point I guess I am making is that after seeing all this stuff happening to Ted Nugent (lol may have misspelled his last name) I realize that our own govt. is slowly making US the enemy and I don’t understand why.
      sorry guys just needed to rant a little I guess :)

      Report Post » Favored93  
  • samnjoeysgrama
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 11:05am

    Yep. No problem killing unborn babies, but keep those terrorists safe! Then they can live to fight again. Duh. Where is John Wayne when we need him?

    Report Post » samnjoeysgrama  
    • Redwood Elf
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 11:30am

      John Wayne? We need Charles Bronson’s character from Death Wish, and Dirty Harry.

      Report Post » Redwood Elf  
    • Athinkerinaseaoflibs
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 12:35pm

      Dirty Harry also once said “A man has got to know his limitations”. This war where no one get hurt is clearly from liberals who by definition, don’t know their limitations.

      Report Post »  
    • Jinglebob
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 1:45pm

      We need lots of Mitch Rapp’s. Not toys.

      Report Post » Jinglebob  
    • Wolf
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 4:29pm

      What we need is an Enola Gay to flush the toilet that is Washington D.C. so we can do it right.

      Report Post »  
  • Krutch
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 10:35am

    Another example of sissyfied military leadership. How many of our men must die by trying to be nice to those who want to kill us. If only we could go back to winning conflicts instead of playing with lives and bodies of our men. Oh yeah, and now our women, too.
    War is too terrible to make it last like has been the case these last 60+ years. the quicker the end, the less we lose needlessly. Eliminate the UN and maybe the world will not be at each others’ throats so constantly. And only fight a war as a last effort. Then if a war can’t be avoided, go in to win it.

    Report Post »  
    • symphonic
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 11:26am

      Go in and win it. Go in and win it? What if getting OUT is the answer God wants? Ever think about what God wants? I do, and it spells getting out of these countries and stop killing millions of their people. Get out and stay out. Protect our own country, right here. That will save TRILLIONS, and then with a few BILLION left over, we can feed the poor and SOLVE the immigration “problem.”

      But oh no, we have people who would rather KILL people. I am sick of it.

      Report Post » symphonic  
    • Favored93
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 12:05pm

      Islamic Terror is a threat not just to us but Israel and the world. I am not a “global” kinda guy… I have no interest in being the police of the globe but Islam is wicked!!! We NEED to keep them in check and defend Israel. I believe that is EXACTLY what God wants from this nation.
      If we ignore this threat it is to our own destruction to say otherwise is suicide.

      Report Post » Favored93  
    • ADNIL
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 12:10pm

      SYMPHONIC – I am totally with you on this one. We need to bring all of our troops home, protect our own borders, and stop trying to “win the hearts and minds” of those who hate us with bullets and bombs. Correct me if I am misreading you.

      Report Post »  
    • maccow
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 2:22pm

      @Symphonic
      You do a lot of speaking for God. I read and understand His word very well and before I would have the arrogance to say that God wanted us to pull out and bring all our troops home I would have a scripture, In Context, to back that up.
      You seem to promote the kingdom of Symphonic more than the kingdom of God. Since “Wars and rumors of wars” are foretold for the end times by God. Why don’t you use such occurrences to point others to Christ rather then using these events to make liberal squishy political diatribes? I am not saying lets bring about war in order to hurry up the coming of the end. You seem to like using some Holier than thou perspective to make very leftist pronouncements.
      I, as a Christian, can support our troops, (I myself was one for 25 years) support fighting a war against radicle Islam both at home and abroad, and still be within the perfect will of Christ for my life and in keeping with my salvation.
      You on the other hand, seem to think that this nation should cease being America, all hold hands and sing Kumbaya and then we will all be right with God. Won’t work, because it won’t happen until the day Jesus returns.
      In the mean time, try directing some of your righteous indignation at the true evil in our lives, the government and leftists.
      The rest of us are running out of towels to clean up the messes made by your bleeding heart.

      Report Post » maccow  
  • RestoreCapitalism
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 10:31am

    Why don’t they just train the troops to call them names? And for a really serious confrontation, they can make faces too.

    Report Post » RestoreCapitalism  
    • scuba13
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 12:42pm

      What did everyone expect from a weapon designed by one of Encinom’s relatives?

      Report Post » scuba13  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 10:24am

    Ask Agent TERRY how those “bean bags” worked out for him!

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
  • USMarine430
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 10:03am

    I like the Marine bullet – the one that kills the enemy. Cheaper, more accurate, and there is no magic needed. The best part is – 30 come in a magazine!

    Here are a few quotes to help you with your morning :)

    The safest place in Korea was right behind a platoon of Marines. Lord, how they could fight!
    MGen. Frank E. Lowe, USA; Korea, 26 January 1952

    Marines know how to use their bayonets. Army bayonets may as well be paper-weights.
    Navy Times; November 1994

    Why in hell can’t the Army do it if the Marines can. They are the same kind of men; why can’t they be like Marines.
    Gen. John J. “Black Jack” Pershing, USA; 12 February 1918

    SEMPER FI!!!

    Report Post »  
    • Blackhawk1
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 10:30am

      Here is what a Marine friend had on the back of a jacket he wore.

      I may get so drunk I have to crawl out of here, but by God I’ll crawl like a Marine.

      Report Post » Blackhawk1  
    • jimbob50
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 2:51pm

      Brought to you by the Department of the Navy.

      Report Post »  
  • Joisey
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 10:01am

    I think somebody has watched too many Warner Bros. cartoons.

    Report Post » Joisey  
  • BobNH
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 9:56am

    Sounds like it would be better suited for domestic pacification.

    Report Post » BobNH  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 10:13am

      My immediate thought. You can’t re-educate people if you kill them. If you kill them, they can become martyrs. Better they’re re-educated so they can tell others how important it is to give yourself fully to the State.

      Report Post » Jaycen  
    • Twobyfour
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 12:46pm

      A fact known to many a tyrant. Therefore, after some experimenting, they usually settle on killing every tenth one, re-educating the rest pretty quickly. Nazis used this formula.

      Communist leaders had a thing for an accelerated educational process and often used much tighter formula — one of three (Pol Pot, Stalin, Mao).

      Report Post » Twobyfour  
    • Redwood Elf
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 2:28pm

      TwoByFour: That was pioneered by the Romans…that‘s where the word ’Decimate” comes from (It means to kill every tenth man.) – Too many people these days confuse it with “Devestate”

      Report Post » Redwood Elf  
  • cemerius
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 9:55am

    Just, what is needed MORE non-lethal “weapon” systems…..when you take the threat of death away what do you have left??? One shot one kill……The End!

    Report Post » cemerius  
  • wildbill_b
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 9:52am

    Who gets military style weapons beside the military in America???

    Report Post »  
  • Buddynoel
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 9:51am

    20 seconds is enough to check the voting registration of the target.

    Report Post » Buddynoel  
  • RJJinGadsden
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 9:50am

    At three pounds per round, a soldier in the field not be able to carry very many of these. I can see it’s use under certain extreme conditions such as the capture for intelligence reasons somebody who would fight to the death. But, a good marksman could accomplish the same result. I cannot see this project to worth the funds that will thrown away on it.

    Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 9:48am

    .
    Miniature Organic Precision Munitions, for a second I thought they were talking about all our new Gay Army Men……………

    Put that in your Fox Hole………….

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • BlackCrow
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 9:45am

    Load it with fletchetts and deploy it over Quran burning protesters.

    Report Post » BlackCrow  
  • Apple Bite
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 9:38am

    The tried and proven methods work fine to me….

    Report Post » Apple Bite  
  • 80mesh
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 9:36am

    just fill it with bacon bits …….problem solved

    Report Post » 80mesh  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 9:53am

      Yeah! Just make sure they are the real thing and not that soy substitute stuff.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
  • momrules
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 9:35am

    Keep tying our combat soldiers hand you idiots.

    Report Post »  
  • Rashomon
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 9:27am

    I think they need to cal tom slenick before this project runs away.

    Report Post » Rashomon  
  • SgtB
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 9:25am

    Sounds like a waste of our money and some idiot’s time to me. The military , or at least the Marines, are not there to bring you in if you do not cooperate peacefully. If you are shooting at us, we shoot back and we do so with a concentration of fire to ensure domination. That is what the military is good at. This is a waste.

    Report Post » SgtB  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 9:25am

    .
    “Nonlethal Warhead for Miniature Organic Precision Munitions”, sound like you need to put a Condom on it……

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on April 27, 2012 at 9:20am

    We build stuff to be more humane in the field of battle; China builds them to kill our troops, who wins in the end?

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • stifroc
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 9:58am

      at least when we loose we can have a free conscience knowing that we didn’t hurt anybody.

      Report Post » stifroc  
    • Twobyfour
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 12:18pm

      stifroc, you’d be free of conscience entirely when dead.

      Report Post » Twobyfour  
    • helioquois
      Posted on April 27, 2012 at 3:53pm

      The only problem is that these weapons are inhumane as they allow a weaker force to survive force on force encounters. Were they dead from the effects of standard ammunition, the quicker one can end combat encounters, thereby ending extended bloodshed. Why do we continue to coddle those who would otherwise do us harm, but continue to kill the innocent?

      Report Post »  

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