The nascent
technology of Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) and Electromagnetic Bombs
(E-bombs) will revolutionise many aspects of modern warfare. While
immature, this technology will permit new offensive and defensive
techniques against a wide range of targets.
This website will post a selection of relevant articles and papers.
The
first experiments using an airborne High Energy Laser (HEL) were
performed by the US Air Force between 1975 and 1984, using a modified
NKC-135A equipped with a carbon dioxide Gas Dynamic Laser (GDL).
Despite
its limitations the ALL system destroyed several AIM-9 missiles and a
BMQ-34A drone (US Air Force).
The
ABL laser and pointing system is carried by a Boeing 747-400F airframe,
rebuilt to house the COIL laser hardware and large optical turret
(Boeing photos).
The development of compact
E-bomb warheads, especially using HPM emitters, will permit their
integration in a wide range of weapons. To date bombs, cruise missiles
and artillery rounds have been proposed for the delivery of such
devices. Depicted are some representative non-Western delivery systems
and the most likely warhead packaging we can expect to observe (C.
Kopp).
