E Bomb

Specter of the E-Bomb
 

A rocket is launched into a crowded metropolitan area, but instead of a conventional explosive payload, it deploys an array of aerials that spring out and release a burst of radio frequency, knocking out all electronic devices in the target area. The burst lasts less than a second and cripples the civil structure to include telephone, television, radio and electrical networks. It also renders military command and control systems, weapon computers, radios and radar systems completely useless. The weapon does all this without directly causing a single human casualty.

According to the London Daily Telegraph, the nonuclear, nonlethal artillery shell is being developed in England to incapacitate an enemy's electronic equipment. The impetus to develop this technology came from a 1994 paper presented at a Bordeaux conference by A. B. Prishchipenko entitled "Radio Frequency Weapons on the Future Battlefield." Four years later the Russians had developed a portable electromagnetic device, or E-Bomb, capable of disabling electrical and electronic systems. Research on this technology dates back to the late 1940s and seemingly enables a high-tech force's worst nightmare.

The Novel Technology Section of Britain's Matra BAe Dynamics responded by working on a means to counter the Russian weapon as well as producing a version in the West. A successful test would demonstrate that the technology can paralyze an adversary's electronic command and control, weapons and resupply systems without lethal force. The weapon's developers have persuaded the British Ministry of Defense (MOD) that the weapon is feasible. The MOD has taken the first step in the procurement process by publishing a summary of requirements for "Radio Frequency Munitions delivered by 155mm shell or rocket." Such a weapon is low-cost, easy to deploy without warning and difficult to counter. LINK