Abstract. Directed-energy weapons (DEW) are devices which inflict damage upon a
target by directing high intensity electromagnetic radiation over some distance,
using for instance a high-energy laser (HEL) or high-power microwave
source, and a focusing aperture. With recent increases in peak
and average emitted power levels, X-band microwave radar is gaining
the potential for use as a DEW. This paper explores
a range of implementation issues arising in the application of
active electronically steered array (eSA) and electronically steered array (ESA)
X-band radars as directed-energy weapons. The application of circular polarization
at the radar antenna is shown to be useful for
coupling power into targets, as is chirping of the radar
waveform. It will be necessary to design radar modes specifically
for the purpose of microwave attack, to provide the capability
to interleave operator-controlled high-power emissions with necessary tracking waveforms. Estimates
of achievable effect using a representative radar configuration indicate that
a microwave attack regime will be effective only at short
ranges.
Related topics:
electronic warfare, command systems
View first page of "Kopp: Considerations on the Use of Airborne X-band Radar as a Microwave Directed-energy Weapon"
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