Boeing has developed a weapon that can target and destroy electronic systems in a specific building.
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Engineers and designers from Boeing, Raytheon, and the Air Force Research Laboratory observed the test flight of a new type of cruise missile designed to disable electronic devices on October 16. The Boeing CHAMP, which stands for Counter-electronics High-powered Microwave Advanced Missile Project, is a cruise missile that uses high-powered microwaves to render electronics inoperable.
When the Boeing CHAMP cruise missile is deployed, there is a risk of causing collateral damage to surrounding areas and structures. The high-powered microwaves emitted by the missile can disrupt not only the target’s electronic devices but also those of nearby civilians or critical infrastructure. This unintended consequence may lead to unwanted consequences and harm innocent individuals.
The growing threat of the EMP
Demonstrated expertise in high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) technology, as showcased in the James Bond movie ‘Goldeneye,’ aligning with real-world scenarios.
Proactively assessed potential threats from countries like North Korea regarding EMP attacks on the US electricity grid, highlighting a forward-thinking approach to national security.
A similar effect was caused when the US detonated a 1.4-megaton nuclear warhead more than 240 miles above the Pacific Ocean in 1962 – an explosion in space sufficient to cause an EMP that hit electricity supplies in Hawaii over 850 miles away as well as destroying at least three low Earth orbit satellites. The significance of that incident lies in the fact that the world’s critical national infrastructure in the 1960s was much less vulnerable to disruption by EMP than it is today due to the fractional number of electronic transistors in use at the time.
Deployment of the electromagnetic spectrum, particularly radio waves at specific frequencies, to gather intelligence and disrupt enemy communications while protecting your own has been well understood for almost a century but has intensified with the use of remote-controlled electronic weapon systems and devices.
Some studies have found that brain tissue in rats is sensitive to EMP, which can cause damage to central nervous systems.
A strong enough EMP would also impact the cognitive strength of the left side of the human brain through sustained neural damage, though the pulse would have to be considerably more powerful than the estimated 100kV/m that human bodies can currently withstand and the 200kV/m that has been tested on rats in several Chinese studies.
EMP weapons have the potential to cause terrible damage, but the simple truth is that they are as yet unproven and there are much worse threats to civilisation whose effects are already well known.
Ref: https://eandt.theiet.org/2021/06/15/growing-threat-emp
Electromagnetic Pulse: The Dangerous but Overlooked Threat
What is an EMP event? In layperson’s terms, a man-made EMP event, probably an attack, would use the “Pulse” from a nuclear explosion high in the atmosphere to damage or destroy vulnerable electronics over a vast area. The electromagnetic radiation from a targeted, high-altitude EMP attack delivered via missile could disrupt most microelectronic-based and online systems within the HEMP footprint-from cell towers to car computers.
Can the U.S. do more to mitigate the EMP threat posed by near peer and rogue nation-states? Or be better prepared for the next geomagnetic disturbance, which some experts predict at 25 percent probability in the next 25 years? Foreign military writings include EMP attack as part of information warfare tactics, as reflected in expert Congressional testimony and EMP Commission reports, Robertshaw adds.
These are encouraging steps, yet what’s needed is a whole-of-nation plan to mitigate the EMP threat. See Electromagnetic Pulse Program Status Report, August 2020.). The team members note that MITRE is uniquely situated to convene and lead the critical public interest discussion about the EMP threat.
The EMP threat and proposed solutions are competing for attention and resources with far more tangible, immediate national priorities such as the coronavirus pandemic; economic, military, and ideological challenges of the Great Power Competition; and widespread protests for racial and social justice.
Ref: https://www.mitre.org/news-insights/impact-story/electromagnetic-pulse-dangerous-overlooked-threat
EMP Weapons and the New Equation of War
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An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is an intense burst of electromagnetic (EM) energy that causes, or can be used to cause, damage. Though natural EMP is always noticed as disturbances on the radio during lightening, much more powerful EMPs are generated by solar geo-magnetic storms. EMPs can also be generated, and artificially through nuclear explosions, or non-nuclear radio frequency weapons.1 Electric and magnetic fields resulting from such intense EMPs induce damaging currents and voltage surges in electrical/electronic systems, burning out their sensitive components such as semi-conductors.
The existence of a powerful man-made EMP was first proven during the first few nuclear tests. In 1962, the US conducted a high-altitude nuclear test code-named ‘Starfish Prime’. A 1.4 megaton weapon was detonated 400 kilometres above Johnston Island in the Pacific Ocean. Electrical equipment more than 1,400 kilometres away in Hawaii were affected by the EMP generated by the test. Street lights, alarms, circuit breakers, and communications equipment all showed signs of distortion and damage.2
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Why Boeing India Facility In Bengaluru Is More Than A Science And Technology Center?
BIETC Campus Inaugration: PM Modi inaugurates Boeing India Engineering and Technology Centre (BIETC) near Bengaluru | BIETC | Devanahalli | Boeing India E&T Centre| Company’s Largest Facility Outside United States | PM Modi in Bengaluru | Bengaluru Boeing Campus [19 Jan 2024 ]
U.S. Air Force and Boeing Develop
• Joint project aims to develop a weapon capable of targeting and destroying electrical systems without traditional firepower.
• Known as the “CHAMP” or Counter-electronics High-powered Microwave Advanced Missile Project.
• The weapon aims to eliminate the death and destruction caused by nuclear weapons.
• Theoretically, the missile system would target buildings and knock out their electrical grids, causing darkness and disconnectedness.
Counter-electronics High-powered Microwave Advanced Missile Project (CHAMP)
CHAMP Weapon
• Successful preliminary trials in 2012: CHAMP mission in Utah disabled seven targets.
• Accuracy and precision demonstrated through targeted buildings.
• Effectiveness due to ability to cut off electricity supplies to enemy parties while excluding civilians.
Air Force Research Laboratory’s CHAMP System
• Major General Tom Masiello confirms CHAMP is an operational system in the tactical air force.
• The Laboratory has only commissioned five CHAMP devices with Boeing.
• Military forces are developing next-generation weapons, including lasers.
• Lockheed Martin tested a laser weapon in March 2015, and the Navy deployed a Laser Weapon System in December 2015
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The missile is equipped with an electromagnetic pulse cannon.
This uses a super-powerful microwave oven to generate a concentrated beam of energy.
The energy causes voltage surges in electronic equipment, rendering them useless before surge protectors have the chance to react.
The aim is to destroy an enemy’s command, control, communication and computing, surveillance and intelligence capabilities without hurting people or infrastructure.
The United States has implemented the National Security Information law [a], which governs the use of electromagnetic technology for remote control of the human body. Similarly, the Russian Federation has also subjected technologies that provide access to the human brain to the same law [b]. Consequently, the involvement of mass media and the general public in advocating against the use of these technologies is restricted. It is evident that governments possessing such means of control can exploit them against individuals without granting them any opportunity for legal defense. As a result, the notion of a world that upholds freedom and human rights becomes tainted.
[a] http://web.iol.cz/mhzzrz – see memorandum of the Department of the Air Force and Communicating via the Microwave Auditory Effect [b] http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Campus/2289/webpage.htm – “Secret Superweapon in Action”The silent missile that can destroy enemy electronics with microwave PULSES: Air Force confirms terrifying new weapon
- Named counter-electronics high-powered microwave advanced missile
- Weapon destroys electronic systems without hurting people or buildings
- Champ is now an ‘operational system already in [the] tactical air force’
- Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range has been chosen as the delivery vehicle
From Ocean’s Eleven to Star Trek, weapons that wipe out enemy electronics are a staple of science fiction films.
For years, scientists have been attempting to create such a weapon as part of Champ, or the Counter-electronics High-powered microwave Advanced Missile Project.
Now, the US Air Force claims it has advanced the technology, and says it can deploy it using the stealthy Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range (JASSM).
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According to Foxtrot Alpha [c], once integrated into JASSM, Champ will be a ‘first day of war’ standoff weapon.
[c] http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/this-stealth-missile-will-use-emps-to-cripple-enemy-ele-1705441209Because it can be launched by both bombers and fighters, Lockheed’s Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile, or JASSM, is an ideal platform for Champ.
‘The capability is real … and the technology can be available today,’ said Major General Thomas Masiello, the Air Force Research Laboratory.
‘That’s an operational system already in our tactical air force’
In 2012, aircraft manufacturer Boeing successfully tested the weapon on a one-hour flight during which it knocked out the computers of an entire military compound.
During Boeing’s experiment, the missile flew low over the Utah Test and Training Range, discharging electromagnetic pulses on to seven targets, permanently shutting down their electronics.
Boeing said that the test was so successful even the camera recording it was disabled.
Although the project is shrouded in secrecy, experts believe the missile is equipped with an electromagnetic pulse cannon.
This uses a super-powerful microwave oven to generate a concentrated beam of energy which causes voltage surges in electronic equipment, rendering them useless before surge protectors have the chance to react.
![](https://qvive.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Boeing-2.jpg)
Keith Coleman, Champ programme manager for Boeing’s prototype arm Phantom Works, claims the technology marked ‘a new era in modern warfare’.
‘In the near future, this technology may be used to render an enemy’s electronic and data systems useless even before the first troops or aircraft arrive,’ he said during the initial test.
However, experts fear that the project could create an arms race, with countries scrambling to build their own electromagnetic pulse weapons.
Professor Trevor Taylor, Professorial Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, has previously said the Western world would be more vulnerable attack because of its increased reliance on electronics.
‘Should the US be known to have developed such a technology to the production stage, it would drive others to try to act similarly,’ he said.
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Should You Be Worried About EMF Exposure?
Electric and magnetic fields occur naturally and also come from human-made sources. Scientists and oversight agencies generally agree that low-frequency EMFs pose little danger to human health.
Most of us are used to the electronic conveniences of modern life. But few of us are aware of the possible health risks presented by the gadgets that make our world work.
Our power lines, cellphones, microwaves, Wi-Fi routers, computers, and other appliances send out a stream of invisible energy waves. Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are produced anywhere electricity is used, including at home and in the workplace.
Some experts are concerned about potential health effects from these fields. But should we be worried?
While most researchers don’t believe most EMFs are dangerous, there are still some scientists who question the safety of EMF exposure. Many say there hasn’t been enough research into understanding whether EMFs are safe. Let’s take a closer look.
What are EMFs?
Since the beginning of the universe, the sun has sent out waves that create EMFs, or radiation. At the same time the sun sends out EMFs, we can see its energy radiating out. This is visible light.
At the turn of the 20th century, electric power lines and indoor lighting spread across the world. Scientists realized that the power lines supplying all that energy to the world’s population were sending off EMFs, just like the sun does naturally.
Over the years, scientists learned that many of the emerging electrical appliances also create EMFs. As the medical world advanced, much of its diagnostic and treatment equipment, like imaging devices for X-rays and CT scans, were also found to make EMFs.
Today, 90 percent of the world’s population has access to electricity and uses electrical appliances. That means lots of electricity and EMFs are created around the world.
But even with all those waves, scientists generally don’t think EMFs are a health concern.
Symptoms of EMF exposure
Possible human health effects from exposure to EMFs hasn’t yet been determined with precision and accuracy. Research in the coming years may better inform us.
Some studies point to various symptoms coming from EMF exposure, but researchers generally say more study is needed. Many of the studies use animal or cell models, which are unreliable if applied to human health.
Also, some of these symptoms have been attributed to a condition called electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), where people relate various non-specific symptoms to EMF exposure.
The medical field hasn’t substantiated EHS, although people do experience symptoms that are sometimes distressing and even disabling.
No credible research currently links EHS symptoms to EMF exposure, and EHS isn’t considered to be a medical diagnosis. The medical field advises that further research is needed.
Still, some research gives tentative support to EMF symptomatology. Here are symptoms that some studies have suggested:
- sleep disturbances, including insomnia
- headache
- depression and depressive symptoms
- tiredness and fatigue
- dysesthesia (a painful, often itchy sensation)
- lack of concentration
- changes in memory
- dizziness
- irritability
- loss of appetite and weight loss
- restlessness and anxiety
- nausea
- skin burning and tingling
Takeaway
EMFs occur naturally and also come from human-made sources. Scientists and regulatory agencies generally agree that low-frequency EMFs pose little danger to human health.
But some researchers offer preliminary evidence that some danger may exist for long-term use, specifically to the nervous system and brain cognitive function.
Exposure to large levels of high-frequency EMFs is known to damage human DNA and cells. But it’s very unlikely that you’ll be exposed to levels high enough to endanger your health in your daily life. Exposure comes mostly in small amounts.
The best approach is to be aware that EMFs exist and be smart about your exposure. This is a developing field of research that will undoubtedly expand as our use of wireless devices and labor-saving machines increases. Keep an eye on the news for developing research.
Ref: https://www.healthline.com/health/emf#takeaway
Source: Mail Online, Youtube, EMC Directory-image
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