Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Boeing's CHAMP Missile Uses Radio Waves To Remotely Disable PCs

Posted by Unknown on from the computer-time-is-over-billy dept.

Dupple writes "During last week's test, a CHAMP (Counter-electronics High-powered Microwave Advanced Missile Project) missile successfully disabled its target by firing high power microwaves into a building filled with computers and other electronics. 'On Oct. 16th at 10:32 a.m. MST a Boeing Phantom Works team along with members from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Directed Energy Directorate team, and Raytheon Ktech, suppliers of the High Power Microwave source, huddled in a conference room at Hill Air Force Base and watched the history making test unfold on a television monitor. CHAMP approached its first target and fired a burst of High Power Microwaves at a two story building built on the test range. Inside rows of personal computers and electrical systems were turned on to gauge the effects of the powerful radio waves. Seconds later the PC monitors went dark and cheers erupted in the conference room. CHAMP had successfully knocked out the computer and electrical systems in the target building. Even the television cameras set up to record the test were knocked off line without collateral damage.'"

3 of 341 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Yea!... I mean No. by SJHillman · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I think this is a pretty good use of our military budget. It knocks out enemy electronics without collateral damage. If it hits the wrong target, no civilian casualties. Granted, it's not too difficult to shield against, but that costs a fair bit of money and not everyplace can easily be shielded. If you can take out enemy electronics, you can effectively kill their communications and even a good portion of their mobility... which are probably the two most important elements in any conflict.

  2. Re:Yea!... I mean No. by Nadaka · · Score: 5, Insightful

    No casualties...

    Except everyone with a pacemaker.

    And everyone hooked up on life support.

    And most of the people flying through the area.

    And most of the people driving at high speed through the area.

  3. Re:Faradays cage by bmo · · Score: 5, Insightful

    >Nope, a Faraday cage is not 100% effective against microwaves

    Microwave oven manufacturers would disagree with you. It's not magic.

    --
    BMO