Electromagnetic weapon
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High Energy Radio Frequency weapons (HERF) or High Power Radio Frequency weapons (HPRF) are weapons that use high intensity radio waves to disrupt electronics. They are a type of directed-energy weapon. They operate similarly to electromagnetic pulse (EMP) devices, by inducing destructive voltage within electronic wiring. They are usually directional and can be focused on a specific target using a parabolic reflector. Faraday cages may be used to provide protection from most HERF and EMP effects.
See USA Department of Defense policy on non-lethal weapons.
(They also researched into sonic weapons: see Sonic weaponry#Research.)
Suitable materials and tools to create electromagnetic weapons are commonly available. "The threat of electromagnetic bomb proliferation is very real."[1]
In the United States of America, the University of Texas-Austin Institute for Advanced Technology (IAT) conducts basic research to advance electrodynamics and hypervelocity physics related to electromagnetic weapons. [2] Generally considered 'non-lethal weapons', electromagnetic weaponry do however pose health threats to humans. In fact, "non-lethal weapons can sometimes be deadly." [3]
Some common bio-effects of electromagnetic or other non-lethal weapons include effects to the human central nervous system resulting in physical pain, difficulty breathing, vertigo, nausea, disorientation, or other systemic discomfort. Interference with breathing poses the most significant, potentially lethal results. Light and repetitive visual signals can induce epileptic seizures. Vection and motion sickness can also occur. Cavitation, which affects gas nuclei in human tissue, and heating can result from exposure to ultrasound and can cause damage to tissue and organs.
Microwave pulses can also affect the epidermis (skin) and dermis, the thick sensitive layer of skin and connective tissue beneath the epidermis that contains blood, lymph vessels, sweat glands, and nerve endings, generating a burn from as far as 700 yards.[4] Directed energy weapons such as Boeing’s Airborne Laser which can be mounted on a 747 jet is able to burn the skin off enemy missiles.[5]
Electromagnetic weapons, including high power microwaves, were used during the Gulf War to disrupt and destroy the enemy's electronic systems and may have been used for other effects. Types and magnitudes of exposure to electromagnetic fields is unknown.[6]
[edit] See also
- Directed energy weapons
- Less-lethal weapon
- High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program
- Laser applications
[edit] Notes
- ^ The Electromagnetic Bomb - a Weapon of Mass Destruction [1]
- ^ Exploiting Technical Opportunities to Capture Advanced Capabilities for Our Soldiers; Army AL&T; 2007 Oct-Dec; Dr. Reed Skaggs [2]
- ^ Air University Research Template: "NON-LETHAL WEAPONS: SETTING OUR PHASERS ON STUN? Potential Strategic Blessings and Curses of Non-Lethal Weapons on the Battlefield"; Erik L. Nutley, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF; August 2003; Occasional Paper No. 34; Center for Strategy and Technology; Air War College; Air University; Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama; PG12 [3]
- ^ "Non-Lethal Weapons - Just Short of a Miracle"; by Hwaa Irfan; 06/19/2002; Health & Science; Islam Online
- ^ ”Light Warfare”; by Matthew Swibel; 04.23.07; Forbes.com [4]
- ^ U.S. Senate - Committee on Veterans Affairs: Hearings - Gulf War Illnesses; Testimony to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee; Meryl Nass, MD, Director of Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Mount Desert Island Hospital Bar Harbor, Maine; September 25, 2007 [5]
[edit] External links
- High-power microwave weapons - full power ahead? Jane's Defence Weekly, 25 August 2006.
