Microwave guns. In service and in the plans
To the so-called arms on new physical principles, various systems are attributed, including weapons, striking a target with the help of microwave / microwave electromagnetic radiation. Such means can affect the personnel and the material part of the enemy, causing them one or another damage, precluding further effective work. By now, the microwave weapon has ceased to be exclusively fiction. Some samples of this kind, created in our country and abroad, have already reached operation, and at the same time new projects are being created.
Theoretically, microwave / microwave weapons can theoretically be used against a wide range of targets. Directional radiation of a given frequency and high power can literally burn out the electrical and electronic components of the enemy’s material parts. When working on manpower, such tools can cause at least temporary pain. Thus, microwave "guns" or other similar weapons are of particular interest to the military in different countries.
In service
It is curious that the Russian armed forces already have serial samples of microwave weapons. It is the principle of microwave "burning out" of electronics that allows the remote demining machine (MDR) 15М107 "Foliage" to solve its tasks. This sample of equipment was created by the order of strategic rocket forces and is necessary for protection against explosive devices of launchers on patrol.
"Foliage" is an armored car "Bulat" with a number of new special purpose systems. First of all, attention is drawn to the large frame of the mine detector on the front of the vehicle and the parabolic antenna on the roof. The latter is the main element of the "microwave gun" used to combat explosive devices. It should be noted that only the radiating antenna is located on the roof of the vehicle. Other equipment microwave weapons located inside the armored hull. There is also an operator's console, which provides system management.
The principle of operation of the 15М107 in the “microwave gun” mode is quite simple. Moving along a given route, the demining machine automatically examines the situation and searches for explosive devices on or near the road. Declared the possibility of detecting dangerous objects at a distance of 100 m from the search module. If necessary, demining the explosive device can perform sappers, members of the crew "Foliage". However, the main mode of operation provides for the solution of such problems with the help of special equipment.
The internal equipment and the external antenna form powerful microwave pulses propagating in the sector of the forward hemisphere of width 90 °. Radiation power is such that explosive devices with electrical or electronic fuses fail. The microwave beam causes induction currents, whose parameters exceed the capabilities of the circuits. This leads to either a burnout of the electronics, or to its abnormal response. As a result, an explosive device fails or is destroyed.
A few years ago, MDR "Foliage" was adopted and entered into mass production. Such a technique has now been received in all the main connections of the Strategic Missile Forces. Serial machines 15М107 are actively used for their intended purpose. Together with mobile ground-based missile complexes, they go on patrol and search for dangerous items. The use of such technology eliminates the possibility of successful sabotage using any explosive devices.
On the ground
For a number of reasons, the microwave weapons have not yet received much distribution. Around the world in service adopted only a few such systems. However, the development of new designs continues, and the actual results of the next project can be told at any time. At the same time, developers of promising systems do not forget to stir up the interest of the public and give it new reasons for discussion and debate.
Thus, on October 1, the Russian mass media spread curious statements by Vladimir Mikheev, advisor to the first deputy general director of the Radio Electronic Technologies Concern (KRET). A representative of a leading enterprise in his field spoke about the existence of new electromagnetic weapon projects. Moreover, some similar products are already being tested both in laboratories and at test sites. Together with other systems, microwave guns exist and develop.
However, V. Mikheev did not specify the details of current projects. What kind of products are being created, for what tasks they are intended to solve and how soon they will be able to get into the troops is unknown. New messages on this subject may appear at any time, but it should be recalled that there is already some information about previous domestic work in the field of microwave weapons. In particular, it is known about some developments that are already close to being put into service.
In recent years, domestic and foreign experts have been actively discussing the "electromagnetic bomb" under the code "Alabuga". Information about this product was not complete, and some messages contradicted each other. About a year ago, the leadership of KRET opened the veil of secrecy and spoke about the Alabuga project. As it turned out, it was a really important program, but the result was not a finished product suitable for use.
According to official data, in the 2011-12 years, KRET enterprises engaged in research work called “Alabuga”. Its goal was to study the potential of electronic warfare, as well as finding ways for its further development. In the course of a number of studies at different test sites, ways were found to improve the EW complexes, as well as fundamentally new ideas for solving their problems. All these developments in the future it was planned to use in projects of real complexes.
However, detailed information on the results of the research work "Alabuga" has not yet been published. V. Mikheev pointed out that after the completion of this program, all subjects of electromagnetic weapons received the highest security classification. This direction was attributed to the category of critical technologies, and therefore it is openly possible to speak only about the fact of work.
It is curious that after the 2012 of the year, an EMI bomb called “Alabuga” was mentioned in the press. The last time she was remembered in the fall of 2014, and then this weapon, allegedly, was sent back for revision based on the results of regular tests. Official sources did not comment on these news. From last year's statements of the KRET leadership, it follows that such projects may indeed exist, but the military and industry, for objective reasons, do not disclose information about them.
While some types of microwave weapons remain at the design stage and are being tested in the laboratory, other samples seem to be approaching adoption. A few years ago, information was published on a promising active protection complex for armored vehicles, which may include radio-electronic or electromagnetic devices acting on the target.
This is a promising KAZ "Afganit", proposed for installation on a number of promising models of armored vehicles. According to the Research Institute of Steel, various means of protection against missiles using radar guidance or radio communication with a launcher can be used in the new complex. To combat such threats, among other things, a powerful electromagnetic pulse generator can be used. However, the developers of "Afganit" still did not disclose detailed information about this part of the complex, which led to the emergence of a mass of forecasts and estimates.
There is reason to believe that as part of the KAZ of a new type, a fairly sophisticated system of attacking incoming missiles using electromagnetic radiation can be used. In fact, rockets can be “shot” from a microwave gun. Depending on the type of ammunition and its guidance system, a powerful directional microwave pulse can disrupt the homing head or cause serious damage to the onboard automation.
The electromagnetic system is able to complement the "traditional" protective ammunition KAZ and improve the efficiency of the entire complex, as a result of which the survivability of the combat vehicle must also grow. However, it must be remembered that the full composition of the Afganit system and all its functions remain secret.
In theory
A number of developments in the field of electromagnetic and microwave weapons have already been brought, at least, to the tests. Other projects, however, stopped in the early stages and lost their chances of reaching operation. Nevertheless, in these cases there were interesting proposals.
For example, in 2015, the United Instrument Making Corporation announced a promising microwave cannon designed for use as part of an air defense. The complex of new facilities was planned to be mounted on one of the standard tracked chassis, which made it possible to use such a machine in the army along with other anti-aircraft complexes.
It was reported that the self-propelled complex includes so-called. relativistic generator and reflector antenna, as well as the necessary control systems. With the help of a microwave beam of the required power, such a complex could damage the onboard equipment of various aircraft. It was proposed to be used to protect areas from airplanes and helicopters, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles and precision weapons. In all cases, neutralizing the threat was to be achieved by defeating the electronics.
Unfortunately, since then this project has not been mentioned in open sources. Perhaps the work was stopped, but another scenario is likely. The proposed project could be of interest to the military department, as a result of which all the work on it was classified as it was with the results of the research work "Alabuga".
Tasks and questions
In general, weapons based on microwave radiation has significant prospects and can be used in various fields where it will solve a wide range of tasks. First of all, such systems should be used in those areas where contactless defeat of electronic systems is required. This may be air defense, protection of armored vehicles, demining, etc. Also, microwave weapons can be considered as a special addition to the "classic" EW, which does not involve disabling or destroying the target.
Another area of application of microwave guns is the fight against enemy manpower. However, the effectiveness of such systems is such that it is more profitable to use them as non-lethal means of influence. Thus, the microwave gun can be useful for suppressing riots, but on the battlefield, its effectiveness is questionable - especially in comparison with other weapons of all major classes.
It should be noted that in certain areas, microwave weapons, even in the best case, have limited potential. For example, in combat aviation such systems can only be used as a means of protection. The use of a microwave gun as a shock weapon imposes the most serious limitations. So, there is a need for special shielding of the cockpit and instrument compartments, which increases the mass of the aircraft. In addition, the effectiveness of electromagnetic weapons is inversely proportional to distance, and this either limits the range of "firing" or reduces the impact on the target. Thus, microwave weapons cannot show decisive advantages over existing weapons. At least not at the moment.
From the point of view of the introduction and practical application of super-high-frequency weapons similar to some other systems, built on the basis of new physical principles. It allows you to solve certain tasks, including those inaccessible to other classes of weapons. At the same time, microwave weapons are not a universal means for achieving any goals. In certain areas, its effectiveness is much lower than desired, but in other areas it may be useless.
The Russian defense industry has long been engaged in the study of "new physical principles" and methods of their use in the military sphere. Developed new devices for different purposes, and some projects have even managed to get to the series and operation. The continuation of important research works that are capable of moving into experimental design will allow us to study new technologies and ensure their implementation in practice. And the correct use of microwave radiation and other non-standard solutions will lead to an increase in the combat capability of the army.
On the materials of the sites:
http://ria.ru/
http://tass.ru/
https://rg.ru/
http://nvo.ng.ru/
http://kret.com/
http://niistali.ru/
https://vpk-news.ru/
http://encyclopedia.mil.ru/
http://defense-update.com/
Theoretically, microwave / microwave weapons can theoretically be used against a wide range of targets. Directional radiation of a given frequency and high power can literally burn out the electrical and electronic components of the enemy’s material parts. When working on manpower, such tools can cause at least temporary pain. Thus, microwave "guns" or other similar weapons are of particular interest to the military in different countries.
In service
It is curious that the Russian armed forces already have serial samples of microwave weapons. It is the principle of microwave "burning out" of electronics that allows the remote demining machine (MDR) 15М107 "Foliage" to solve its tasks. This sample of equipment was created by the order of strategic rocket forces and is necessary for protection against explosive devices of launchers on patrol.
"Foliage" is an armored car "Bulat" with a number of new special purpose systems. First of all, attention is drawn to the large frame of the mine detector on the front of the vehicle and the parabolic antenna on the roof. The latter is the main element of the "microwave gun" used to combat explosive devices. It should be noted that only the radiating antenna is located on the roof of the vehicle. Other equipment microwave weapons located inside the armored hull. There is also an operator's console, which provides system management.
The principle of operation of the 15М107 in the “microwave gun” mode is quite simple. Moving along a given route, the demining machine automatically examines the situation and searches for explosive devices on or near the road. Declared the possibility of detecting dangerous objects at a distance of 100 m from the search module. If necessary, demining the explosive device can perform sappers, members of the crew "Foliage". However, the main mode of operation provides for the solution of such problems with the help of special equipment.
The internal equipment and the external antenna form powerful microwave pulses propagating in the sector of the forward hemisphere of width 90 °. Radiation power is such that explosive devices with electrical or electronic fuses fail. The microwave beam causes induction currents, whose parameters exceed the capabilities of the circuits. This leads to either a burnout of the electronics, or to its abnormal response. As a result, an explosive device fails or is destroyed.
A few years ago, MDR "Foliage" was adopted and entered into mass production. Such a technique has now been received in all the main connections of the Strategic Missile Forces. Serial machines 15М107 are actively used for their intended purpose. Together with mobile ground-based missile complexes, they go on patrol and search for dangerous items. The use of such technology eliminates the possibility of successful sabotage using any explosive devices.
On the ground
For a number of reasons, the microwave weapons have not yet received much distribution. Around the world in service adopted only a few such systems. However, the development of new designs continues, and the actual results of the next project can be told at any time. At the same time, developers of promising systems do not forget to stir up the interest of the public and give it new reasons for discussion and debate.
Thus, on October 1, the Russian mass media spread curious statements by Vladimir Mikheev, advisor to the first deputy general director of the Radio Electronic Technologies Concern (KRET). A representative of a leading enterprise in his field spoke about the existence of new electromagnetic weapon projects. Moreover, some similar products are already being tested both in laboratories and at test sites. Together with other systems, microwave guns exist and develop.
However, V. Mikheev did not specify the details of current projects. What kind of products are being created, for what tasks they are intended to solve and how soon they will be able to get into the troops is unknown. New messages on this subject may appear at any time, but it should be recalled that there is already some information about previous domestic work in the field of microwave weapons. In particular, it is known about some developments that are already close to being put into service.
In recent years, domestic and foreign experts have been actively discussing the "electromagnetic bomb" under the code "Alabuga". Information about this product was not complete, and some messages contradicted each other. About a year ago, the leadership of KRET opened the veil of secrecy and spoke about the Alabuga project. As it turned out, it was a really important program, but the result was not a finished product suitable for use.
According to official data, in the 2011-12 years, KRET enterprises engaged in research work called “Alabuga”. Its goal was to study the potential of electronic warfare, as well as finding ways for its further development. In the course of a number of studies at different test sites, ways were found to improve the EW complexes, as well as fundamentally new ideas for solving their problems. All these developments in the future it was planned to use in projects of real complexes.
However, detailed information on the results of the research work "Alabuga" has not yet been published. V. Mikheev pointed out that after the completion of this program, all subjects of electromagnetic weapons received the highest security classification. This direction was attributed to the category of critical technologies, and therefore it is openly possible to speak only about the fact of work.
It is curious that after the 2012 of the year, an EMI bomb called “Alabuga” was mentioned in the press. The last time she was remembered in the fall of 2014, and then this weapon, allegedly, was sent back for revision based on the results of regular tests. Official sources did not comment on these news. From last year's statements of the KRET leadership, it follows that such projects may indeed exist, but the military and industry, for objective reasons, do not disclose information about them.
While some types of microwave weapons remain at the design stage and are being tested in the laboratory, other samples seem to be approaching adoption. A few years ago, information was published on a promising active protection complex for armored vehicles, which may include radio-electronic or electromagnetic devices acting on the target.
This is a promising KAZ "Afganit", proposed for installation on a number of promising models of armored vehicles. According to the Research Institute of Steel, various means of protection against missiles using radar guidance or radio communication with a launcher can be used in the new complex. To combat such threats, among other things, a powerful electromagnetic pulse generator can be used. However, the developers of "Afganit" still did not disclose detailed information about this part of the complex, which led to the emergence of a mass of forecasts and estimates.
There is reason to believe that as part of the KAZ of a new type, a fairly sophisticated system of attacking incoming missiles using electromagnetic radiation can be used. In fact, rockets can be “shot” from a microwave gun. Depending on the type of ammunition and its guidance system, a powerful directional microwave pulse can disrupt the homing head or cause serious damage to the onboard automation.
The electromagnetic system is able to complement the "traditional" protective ammunition KAZ and improve the efficiency of the entire complex, as a result of which the survivability of the combat vehicle must also grow. However, it must be remembered that the full composition of the Afganit system and all its functions remain secret.
In theory
A number of developments in the field of electromagnetic and microwave weapons have already been brought, at least, to the tests. Other projects, however, stopped in the early stages and lost their chances of reaching operation. Nevertheless, in these cases there were interesting proposals.
For example, in 2015, the United Instrument Making Corporation announced a promising microwave cannon designed for use as part of an air defense. The complex of new facilities was planned to be mounted on one of the standard tracked chassis, which made it possible to use such a machine in the army along with other anti-aircraft complexes.
It was reported that the self-propelled complex includes so-called. relativistic generator and reflector antenna, as well as the necessary control systems. With the help of a microwave beam of the required power, such a complex could damage the onboard equipment of various aircraft. It was proposed to be used to protect areas from airplanes and helicopters, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles and precision weapons. In all cases, neutralizing the threat was to be achieved by defeating the electronics.
Unfortunately, since then this project has not been mentioned in open sources. Perhaps the work was stopped, but another scenario is likely. The proposed project could be of interest to the military department, as a result of which all the work on it was classified as it was with the results of the research work "Alabuga".
Tasks and questions
In general, weapons based on microwave radiation has significant prospects and can be used in various fields where it will solve a wide range of tasks. First of all, such systems should be used in those areas where contactless defeat of electronic systems is required. This may be air defense, protection of armored vehicles, demining, etc. Also, microwave weapons can be considered as a special addition to the "classic" EW, which does not involve disabling or destroying the target.
Another area of application of microwave guns is the fight against enemy manpower. However, the effectiveness of such systems is such that it is more profitable to use them as non-lethal means of influence. Thus, the microwave gun can be useful for suppressing riots, but on the battlefield, its effectiveness is questionable - especially in comparison with other weapons of all major classes.
It should be noted that in certain areas, microwave weapons, even in the best case, have limited potential. For example, in combat aviation such systems can only be used as a means of protection. The use of a microwave gun as a shock weapon imposes the most serious limitations. So, there is a need for special shielding of the cockpit and instrument compartments, which increases the mass of the aircraft. In addition, the effectiveness of electromagnetic weapons is inversely proportional to distance, and this either limits the range of "firing" or reduces the impact on the target. Thus, microwave weapons cannot show decisive advantages over existing weapons. At least not at the moment.
From the point of view of the introduction and practical application of super-high-frequency weapons similar to some other systems, built on the basis of new physical principles. It allows you to solve certain tasks, including those inaccessible to other classes of weapons. At the same time, microwave weapons are not a universal means for achieving any goals. In certain areas, its effectiveness is much lower than desired, but in other areas it may be useless.
The Russian defense industry has long been engaged in the study of "new physical principles" and methods of their use in the military sphere. Developed new devices for different purposes, and some projects have even managed to get to the series and operation. The continuation of important research works that are capable of moving into experimental design will allow us to study new technologies and ensure their implementation in practice. And the correct use of microwave radiation and other non-standard solutions will lead to an increase in the combat capability of the army.
On the materials of the sites:
http://ria.ru/
http://tass.ru/
https://rg.ru/
http://nvo.ng.ru/
http://kret.com/
http://niistali.ru/
https://vpk-news.ru/
http://encyclopedia.mil.ru/
http://defense-update.com/
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