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Chinese researchers have reportedly developed a cutting-edge high-power microwave (HPM) weapon capable of generating electromagnetic pulses equivalent to the energy released in a nuclear explosion. Although still in the laboratory phase, the weapon’s potential to disrupt modern military operations is drawing significant attention.
Unlike traditional HPM systems that typically use satellite-dish-type antennas, this new weapon utilizes advanced phased array technology. According to Interesting Engineering, this system allows for precise energy focusing, enabling the weapon to target multiple objects simultaneously. Researchers have managed to stabilize the rotating electromagnetic waves, which is a significant technological leap since this type of setup has been notoriously unstable in the past.
The key to the weapon’s power lies in its ability to generate microwaves approaching 1 gigawatt (GW), a feat that many experts considered impractical until now, according to Interesting Engineering. The HPM system uses a unique power divider, roughly the size of a household fan, which distributes energy into eight independent channels. These channels feed the phased array antennas, and together they can emit electromagnetic pulses of up to 80,000 volts per meter. This level of power is comparable to the electromagnetic pulses produced by nuclear detonations, making it a potent tool for disabling electronic components.
One of the most significant advantages of this technology is its efficiency. The power divider has been rigorously tested more than 5,000 times at full power without significant degradation, and its operational efficiency reaches an impressive 96.6%. This durability and stability are crucial for a weapon that may be deployed in high-stress, real-world military environments.
The weapon operates in the Ku-band, the same frequency used by commercial communication satellites like Starlink, which makes it especially effective against space-based targets. Given its ability to disrupt low-Earth orbit satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles, the weapon could significantly enhance China’s anti-satellite and anti-drone capabilities.
While still under development, this HPM weapon could play a pivotal role in future military strategies, offering a highly effective means of neutralizing advanced electronic systems from a distance.
