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Boeing Patents Star Wars Style Force Field Technology

Posted by samzenpus on from the power-up-the-deflector-shield dept.

An anonymous reader was one of many to point out that Boeing doesn't want to rely on a sad devotion to an ancient religion to protect aircraft and conjure up the stolen data tapes, but plans on using force fields instead. "Boeing's new patent may let the force be with you even in real life. The aircraft and defense company has taken a cue from science fiction with its plan to develop a Star Wars style force field that would use energy to deflect any potential damage. Just liking the luminescent shields seen in the film, Boeing's "Method and system for shock wave attenuation via electromagnetic arc" could provide a real-life layer of protection from nearby impacts to targets. The downside: It won't protect from direct hits."

5 of 126 comments (clear)

  1. You mean...? by T.E.D. · · Score: 4, Insightful

    So really more like deflector shields.

    1. Re:You mean...? by grimmjeeper · · Score: 3, Insightful

      To be fair, the A-Wing only got through AFTER they brought down the bridge deflector screens and intensifying forward batteries so that nothing could get through didn't really work out for them.

    2. Re:You mean...? by Opportunist · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Well, technically they didn't even have time to intensify the forward batteries fire before Arvel Crynyd came in for a visit.

      --
      We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
  2. Prototype by Luthair · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Shouldn't they need a working prototype to patent this? Oh well, I guess at least the patent will be expired before these devices actually exist.

    1. Re: Prototype by Wycliffe · · Score: 1, Insightful

      Sadly, the powers that be disagree.
      They would rather have you dead than wounded. It's the reason that there is an international ban on weapons that make you blind or deaf. Wounded soldiers are costly and make people see the real cost of war while dead soldiers are quickly forgotten.