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Stopping Cars With Microwave Radiation

Ponca City, We Love You writes "Researchers have created an electromagnetic system that can quickly bring a vehicle to a stop by sending out pulses of microwave radiation to disable the microprocessors that control the central engine functions in a car. A 200-pound unit attached to the roof of a police car can be used to stop fleeing and noncooperative vehicles. The average power emitted in a single shot is about 10 kilowatts at 100 hertz and since each radiated pulse lasts about 50 nanoseconds, the total energy output is 100 joules at a distance of 15 meters. One concern with the device is that it could cause an accident if a car is disabled and a driver loses steering control. The device could also disable other vehicles in the area so the most practical application may be for perimeter protection at remote areas. Criminals have a work-around too. Since electronic control modules were not built into most cars until 1972, the system will not work on automobiles made before that year."

5 of 522 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Can't stop a Diesel by Technician · · Score: 0, Redundant

    This is absolutely useless against old diesel cars. I don't need no stinkin' computers or sparkplugs.

    Many of them to prevent starting off in a cloud of smoke due to low engine RPM and cold starting tempratures do have an engine control module. You might still move, but with limited injector control. It could be a slow speed chase.

    --
    The truth shall set you free!
  2. For no reason at all. by Sitnalta · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Excuse me while I install a Faraday cage around my car's computer.

  3. Faraday cage. by jcr · · Score: 0, Redundant

    So, you shield the car's computer. What's their next idea?

    -jcr

    --
    The only title of honor that a tyrant can grant is "Enemy of the State."
  4. Re:Won't stop my 1980s car by tjstork · · Score: 0, Redundant

    No electronics to kill.

    if (fuelInjection) {
            electronicDisable();
    } else {
            cout

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    This is my sig.
  5. I'm sure someone already said this by vsage3 · · Score: 0, Redundant

    ... but isn't this easily solved by placing a grounded metal surface (faraday cage) around your electronics? The only consideration then is ensuring that your cage is thicker than the skin depth that the waves can penetrate at the primary harmonic of 10 MHz, which looks to come out to about 1cm.