| #2 A good way to evaluate weapons is whether they are 'point', 'zone' (or 'cone'), or 'area'. A point weapons is like a rifle: from point 'a' to point 'b', in either direct or indirect fire. A zone weapon forms a cone of damage from a start point outward, down or up, like a claymore mine, a hand grenade, or an airburst munition. An area weapon forms a circular or irregular coverage area, such as a propane (overpressure) bomb or chemical weapon. From this perspective, what is the value of the DREAD weapon? Much to much overkill for a point target, but too focused for an area weapon, which leaves it as a zone weapon. Optimally, a zone weapon is used when there is a concentration of enemy. But on the ground the enemy would be far too close for that to be the best weapon--they should have been engaged at a far greater distance. This leaves an aerial platform, used with the purpose of sweeping a large area like a broom. An to carry the requisite amount of ammunition, along with the energy generation equipment, a large aircraft, such as the C-130, would seem to be to best platform. Ironically, the high volume of ammunition could serve the dual purpose of protecting the aircraft from SAMs, if they originated from the area being swept. |