The US War: Unveiling the Microwave Bomb

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of a "microwave bomb," a type of munition rumored to be tested by the US during an ongoing conflict. Participants explore its operational principles, potential effects, and implications for military strategy, with a focus on theoretical and speculative aspects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants speculate that the microwave bomb would use energy from a conventional explosion to generate a flash of microwave energy.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential effects of the microwave pulse on personnel versus electronic systems, with questions about why personnel would remain unharmed.
  • One participant mentions that the pulse has a high peak-power but a low total energy, suggesting that this is why it does not cause significant harm to personnel.
  • Another participant questions the relationship between peak power and total energy, indicating a need for clarification on these concepts.
  • There is a comparison made between the microwave pulse and an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) from a nuclear explosion, raising further questions about their similarities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple competing views regarding the operational mechanics and effects of the microwave bomb, and no consensus has been reached on these points.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the classified nature of the technology and the specifics of its operation, highlighting limitations in available information.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring military technology, electromagnetic effects, and the implications of new weaponry in modern warfare.

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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?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
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...
 
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 propaganda and psychological warfare.

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

It's pretty fascinating stuff, but a little over-dramatised.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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
 
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?
 
Not if the pulse only goes on for a very short time.
 
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).
 
So is the microwave pulse similar to an electromagnetic pulse caused by a nuclear explosion?
 

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