Chinese S.W.A.T. team rides Segways into the line of fire
A counter-terrorist exercise known as "Taishan 2008," took place yesterday in Jinan, Shandong Province, China. Among other things, the forces used Segways for transportation. As we've reported in the past, the Segway has become an increasingly popular way to travel now that gas prices have risen to record high levels in the United States. We've even seem some police forces using the urban runabouts and capturing criminals with them. Still, nothing we've seen in the past made us believe that somewhere in the world, the Segway scooter is being used by gun toting, armor wearing tactical defense teams. Seriously, is the Segway really the best choice for this type of operation?Perhaps the T3 Mobile Defender would be a bit more appropriate. That machine has been specifically designed for police units and appears a bit more battle ready. Perhaps the advanced targeting system hooked to a non-lethal air gun would prove useful. Or maybe the S.W.A.T. team hopes to stun their opponents with disbelief to win the day.
[Sources: Engadget, Gizmodo]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
SEGsby 9:07PM (7/02/2008)
Having owned a Segway for almost two years, with almost 3200 miles on it-- I can say that it's an amazing, rugged & versitle platform for all kinds of uses. The T3 won't fit thru normal sized doors and small elevators like the Segway can. The T3 also sucks at curb jumping or being ridden down spiral staircases... T3's are also not pedestrian friendly and tip over when they turn quickly. Unless you're an Officer, T3's are illegal to ride anywhere in the US, in contrast; Segway's are legal in 44 states, thus far, and are deemed safe enough to use on sidewalks like a powerchair owner can.
With a slight mod to the control stick, you can operate the machine completely hands free (using knee paddles). This is PERFECT for Officers who need to use both hands, to perform their jobs. Camera crews, also find thse kinds of modifications to the base platform, indespensible.
Segway's are probably the most underappreciated lean, green, transportation & mobility machines in modern history. Too bad.
SEGsby
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Frank 10:51AM (7/03/2008)
Got it. Get out of swat free card if I can jump a ditch wider than 18 inches. Sounds good to me.
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SEGsby 2:25PM (7/03/2008)
Funny how people assume the stupidest things when they've never had any personal experience in the matter...
Segways actually jump and catch air, just fine! The Urban model (i2) allows for 3 seconds of airtime, while the Offroad version (x2), allows for 5 seconds before it's deemed that the user is out of control of the device.
Take a look at this footage, if you have any doubts as to the capability of the machines with a trained operator:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-qohhyHunQ
There are no hand controls, like a traditional Break or Throttle to direct the machine. The current Segway requires the user to manipulate their body's center of gravity (COG) to control the platform (forward, back, left & right). So, you're actually burning way more calories standing and supporting yourself, than just passively sitting in a car or traditional scooter. The typcical lazy comments simply stem from cultural bias, ignorance and prematurely closed minds...
Check out www.segway.com for real information, unless you're too lazy to click...
SEGsby
b33gee 11:20AM (7/03/2008)
Brilliant. This ranks right up there with the 'cultural revolution'
Get those fat cops to do some exercise so they can keep up with the terrorists Hu Jin Tao.
I mean Jeez, if you're in a SWAT team and you need a frickin Segway to get around, the whole system needs to be scrapped.
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SEGsby 4:16AM (7/18/2008)
Think about it...
The cops are likey FAT because our culture keeps insisting they SIT all day on their BUTTS in CARS... Nothing else is as lazy or bad for your body as that.
But historically, people came to accept that passively sitting in patrol cars all day-- is somehow OK. This is a great example of where "common sense" really isn't being applied properly today. Don't react with your gut; use your brain! These kinds of outdated cultural myths need to die...
Give the Cops some exercise; let them actively patrol on a (450 mpg equiv) Segway! They have no choice but to burn more calories when riding one.
SEGsby
xkurt 11:46AM (8/08/2008)
"450 mpg equiv"
Does this account for the "line-loss" of energy through power lines due to resistance? I sometimes read this can be up to 40%. Please excuse me if this is a naive question. I'm new to this site.
philippeseg 2:38PM (7/05/2008)
more segway commando picture on SEGWAY in PARIS blog
http://www.segway-in-paris.com/article-20933029.html
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