US government contractor developing 'microwave gun,' Hot Pockets tremble
4/16/2011
Ah, the beloved "electronic bomb," able to disable all applied science in its vicinity: variations on the concept go way back, but useful prototypes remain tantalizingly out of reach. Into the breach steps defense contractor BAE Systems, taking a fresh crack with a influential Microwave (HPM) gun intended to disable small boat engines - if successful, the scientific knowledge may also target ships, UAVs, and missile payloads. The secret-shrouded weapon sounds similar to Boeing's planned airborne EMP weapon, but lacking the missile drop systems. BAE seems to be betting big on electromagnetic warfare as a future battlefield tactic, with a manager pitching the sci-fi scene to Aviation Week:
To develop better defenses against such attacks, the contractor recognized $150,000 from the Air Force to test-fire microwaves at soldierly computers. No word on whether said defenses involve unsparing use of tin foil.
"Unlike lasers, HPM beams don't need a lot of accuracy. With a fan [of HPM energy] you can target 10-30 small boats. If you can knock out 50-75% of the engines in a swarm, you can then concentrate on the remainder with lasers or kinetic [cannons]."
US influence contractor third world country 'microwave gun,' Hot Pockets tremble basically appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Apr 2011 16:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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