The Engineer reports that a net and rope launcher, which can also fire golf balls, is being developed to prevent pirate attacks. The Engineer reports …

The Buccaneer, from BCB International, uses compressed air to fire a plastic cylinder containing either a coiled rope or net up to a range of 400m.

The coiled line of net or rope, which has a parachute attached to the end, will unravel and lay out across the surface of the water. As a pirate boat travels through the water its propeller shaft will pick up the line and become entangled.

Another poor solution to a problem that was solved hundreds of years ago.

Hat Tip: Slashdot