The US War: Unveiling the Microwave Bomb

In summary: The microwave bomb is supposed to use the energy from a conventional explosion to create a flash of microwave energy which travels in an arc in front of the missile. This device is said to be very effective in taking out targets such as tanks, air defense radars, missile systems and communications networks. However, personnel operating these units are left untouched. Presumably, because the pulse has a high peak-power, it would be fatal to anyone caught in the vicinity.As for the effects of being toasted by a microwave pulse, it is unknown. However, it is possible that the electrical circuits within a person's body would be fried, resulting in serious injury or even death.
  • #1
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The Microwave Bomb

Well, it's pretty hard to miss the fact that there is a war going on right now...
One rumor going around is that the US will test a new type of munition, a so-called microwave bomb.
Does anyone have an idea how this device works?
 
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  • #2
It will use the energy from a conventional explosion to create a flash of microwave energy which travels in an arc in front of the missile.
Here's the question I am interested to know -> How?
It's probably classified and stuff, but any speculation is welcome...
 
  • #3
I just heard on CNN that these devices are not being used in the Gulf (yet). They would knock out comunications, and the U.S. is still wanting to use Iraqi radio and TV for propoganda and psychological warfare.

But the "how" can be found at http://popularmechanics.com/science/military/2001/9/e-bomb/print.phtml [Broken]

It's pretty fascinating stuff, but a little over-dramatised.
 
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  • #4
This takes out tanks, air defence radars, missile systems and communications networks but personnel operating these units are left untouched.

If the pulse is so massive, why won't the personnel get fried by the microwave?

Just curious too, what happens to a person if he is toasted by microwave?
 
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  • #5
Originally posted by Bubonic Plague
If the pulse is so massive, why won't the Iraqi personnel get fried by the microwave?

Just curious too, what happens to a person if he is toasted by microwave?

The total energy of the pulse is actually small. It has a high peak-power. It doesn't really fry anything, it just causes a small amount of damage to the delicate junctions of transistors and other semiconductor circuits.

Njorl
 
  • #6
The total energy of the pulse is actually small. It has a high peak-power.

If it has a high peak-power, shouldn't the total energy also be high?
 
  • #7
Not if the pulse only goes on for a very short time.
 
  • #8
One rumor going around is that the US will test a new type of munition, a so-called microwave bomb.
Hehe. This started when Dan Rather couldn't figure out what an "E-Bomb" was (ElectroMagnetic Pulse Bomb) when he mentioned it on the first day of the "shock and awe" campaign. He said "um, Energy, Microwave, uhh..." It is what the other users have described here (minus the microwaves).
 
  • #9
So is the microwave pulse similar to an electromagnetic pulse caused by a nuclear explosion?
 

1. What is the microwave bomb and how does it work?

The microwave bomb, also known as the Active Denial System (ADS), is a non-lethal weapon that uses high-frequency electromagnetic radiation to heat up the targets' skin, causing a sensation of intense burning and forcing them to retreat. The radiation used in this weapon is similar to microwaves used in household appliances, but at a much higher intensity.

2. What was the purpose of using the microwave bomb in the US War?

The US War, also known as the Gulf War, was fought between the United States and Iraq. The microwave bomb was used as a non-lethal alternative to traditional weapons, such as guns and bombs, in order to minimize casualties among both military personnel and civilians.

3. Was the use of the microwave bomb in the US War controversial?

Yes, the use of the microwave bomb in the US War was controversial. While it was praised for its effectiveness in incapacitating enemies without causing permanent harm, it also raised concerns about the potential long-term health effects of exposure to high-frequency radiation.

4. How did the microwave bomb impact the outcome of the US War?

The microwave bomb was used in a few instances during the US War, but it did not have a significant impact on the overall outcome of the conflict. It was mainly used as a deterrent and to control crowds, but it did not play a major role in any major battles or engagements.

5. Are there any other non-lethal weapons similar to the microwave bomb?

Yes, there are other non-lethal weapons that use similar technology to the microwave bomb. Some examples include the Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), which uses high-frequency sound waves to disperse crowds, and the Active Denial System 2 (ADS-2), which is an updated version of the microwave bomb with improved accuracy and range.

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