While governments and the Pentagon are increasingly talking up the need to
protect the sensitive power grid and brace for the impact of a potential
electromagnetic pulse (EMP) incident, which could come naturally from a solar
flare or via an attack by a foreign entity, the Air Force is ready to embrace
EMP as the status quo of future warfare.
The Air Force Research Laboratory has been working with Boeing for several
years on the perfection, miniaturization and deployment of its
Counter-electronics High-powered Advanced Missile Project (CHAMP), which has
already been in the arsenal, but which will become increasingly central to
the armed forces.
The U.S. Air Force’s confirmation that they and Boeing are developing the
Counter-electronics High-powered Advanced Missile Project (CHAMP), an
electro-magnetic pulse (EMP) weapon, that essentially uses microwave energy
to render useless all electronics in its “blast” area without causing
structural damage, trended all over the Internet last month
[…]
“This technology marks a new era in modern-day warfare,”
said Keith Coleman, Boeing Phantom Works’ CHAMP Program Manager in a Boeing
video on the CHAMP test in 2012. “In the near future, this technology
may be used to render an enemy’s electronic and data systems useless even
before the first troops or aircraft arrive.”
Here’s a video simulation of CHAMP in action, including proud statements
from its creators on its powerful effect during tests to use directed energy
to neutralize a modern urban environment:
In their test, the electromagnetic attack took out all the computers and
other electronic equipment in the office without creating any structural
damage, which would have rendered most populations and many enemies helpless
in a real world conflict scenario.
In 2012, CHAMP lead test engineer, Peter Finlay, said, “Today we made
science fiction science fact.”
Though there are ways to guard against an EMP attack, it essentially
amounts to an instant checkmate for anyone who is not prepared.
Lights out may largely translate to game over in future
scenarios… bringing the masses to their knees.
That is what the Air Force is eyeing, and why it is (pardon the
unfortunate pun) championing CHAMP in its public relations efforts.
Miniaturization and stealth deployment will give U.S. forces the edge,
while similar weapons are already in the hands of rival powers and even rogue
players.
[Flight Global reporter James Drew] reported that Masiello said the
technology is mature and will be miniaturized for the JASSM-ER.
CHAMP is “an operational system already in our tactical air force, and
that is really what will make us more operationally relevant.
There is little doubt that such an attack could be crippling, as many
experts in the U.S. have warned. As the Inquisitr reports:
United States EMP Commission statement about the domino effect an EMP
attack would have on the United States.
“The primary avenues for catastrophic damage to the nation are through our
electric power infrastructure and thence into our telecommunications, energy,
and other infrastructures. These, in turn, can seriously impact other
important aspects of our nation’s life, including the financial system; means
of getting food, water, and medical care to the citizenry; trade; and
production of goods and services. The recovery of any one of the key national
infrastructures is dependent on the recovery of others.”
But are its devastating effects against civil populations – even in
declared wars – fair game? And how long until such an attack threatens the
population here at home?
Read more on the EMP threat and what YOU can do to prepare and guard
against it in the SHTF archives:
Congressman Urges Protection for Power Grid: EMP Attack
“Could Bring Our Civilization to a Cold, Dark Halt”
What Are You Going To Do When A Massive EMP Blast Fries The
U.S. Electrical Grid?
“Super EMP” Capable of Disabling Power Grid Across Lower 48
States
A Green Beret’s Guide to EMP: Practical Steps to Prepare for
a “Lights Out” Scenario (Part 1)
Military Readies Mountain Fortress to “Shield Against EMP
Attack”
Well-Connected Insiders Plead for Action: “An EMP Could
Change the Course of Global Civilization By 2030″
