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We frequently tend to report about emerging UAV technologies, as well as anti UAV systems. The UAV and anti UAV industries have become so widespread that it is hard to go a week without discovering a new UAV or anti UAV system. Just as there are many different types of UAVs, there are many different methods to knock down UAVs. From radio jamming anti UAV rifles to drones crashing into hostile UAVs, researchers are constantly looking for the most efficient and practical way to combat unmanned aircraft. Another method of neutralizing drones involves the same concept we often use to heat food, microwaves.
The United States Air Force Research Laboratory has recently unveiled THOR, the Tactical High Power Microwave Operational Responder. In a live demonstration, THOR has managed to knock out a hovering drone from the sky using silent and invisible electromagnetic waves.
The system is designed to combat swarms of drones. Unlike other methods involving precise directed energy to neutralize drones and UAVs, THOR shoots the electromagnetic waves in a cone shape, neutralizing many drones and UAVs at once. Taskandpurpose.com reports that the system’s main focus is to protect military bases from multiple drone attacks.
Even though the United States has cut its anti UAV budget by half, the Air Force Research Laboratory has managed to develop the $15 million system in 18 months. Producing one THOR unit would cost the U.S. Department of Defense approximately $10 million.
THOR has been designed to be deployed anywhere. The system is stored in a shipping container and can be transported via truck. In just about three hours the entire system can be assembled and ready for action. It takes two people to assemble the system and three people to fold it up.
The weapon system is activated with a laptop and a remote controls the antenna’s angle.
The United States decided to develop THOR and similar systems in order to give the military more options to defend itself from the threat of hostile drones.
