New Shell Disrupts Electronics December 28, 2000 LONDON, Dec 28 (UPI) -- British scientists have developed a non-explosive artillery shell that can put out such a powerful burst of radio-frequency energy it will destroy or disable electrical and electronic systems for miles around without killing anyone. The new so-called E-Bomb was developed privately by Matra BAe Dynamics and fits into US research efforts into matching and countering similar Russian systems, whose advanced development startled western intelligence officials when it was revealed two years ago. Particularly worrying to British intelligence officials were reports that the IRA has discussed using a version of the Russian bomb that can be carried in a briefcase. The target, according to the London Daily Telegraph on Wednesday, was the City of London. A meltdown of unprotected computer electronics in the heart of one of the world's primary financial centers is one of Britain's worst nightmares. But almost equally-alluring to British Ministry of Defense officials was the prospect of using such a weapon themselves. Last summer they issued a summary of requirements to companies for "radio frequency munitions delivered by 155mm shell or rocket", without saying what they would use it for. US cruise missiles and bombs are believed to be earmarked for similar radio frequency devices, but this is the first time one has been designed for close-in artillery systems that are cheaper and less easily shot down. "It's being looked at for peacekeeping operations, perhaps for hostage situations where you want to knock out someone's mobile phones, computers, electronic security devices and so on," said a BAe Systems spokesman Thursday. The company's work on the system won the scientists a gold award for innovation from the BAe Systems chairman. The E-Bomb works by being fired from a long-range 155mm artillery gun or MLRS rocket launcher and then breaking open its outer casing over the target. The shell or rocket then unfolds its radio transmitter aerials and the transmitter sends a high powered radio pulse of billions of watts that lasts just a few nanoseconds. Just how effective it would be against a modern military force remains uncertain, however. British, American and other Nato equipment is significantly "ruggedized", encased in extra layers of protective materials compared to that of off-the-shelf commercial electronics. The result of an E-blast could be, therefore, that the enemy military has the only functioning communication systems while the civilian infrastructure, including power plants, manufacturing, hospitals and transportation, stops working. NATO's military has been hardening its electronic systems for many years, primarily as a defense against nuclear warfare. It has long been known that the electro-magnetic pulse (EMP) of a nuclear blast severely damages electronic equipment. Up to now, however, EMP has only been considered a peripheral concern of the far more devastating consequences of nuclear war, not as a weapon on its own. "The theory and strategy of active electronic warfare in non-nuclear situations has still to be determined," said one senior British officer. "We are still sorting out some of the lessons of the air campaign on Serbia last year. But this is the first I've heard of a practicable, useable design for the artillery. It certainly tends to open up the discussion a bit." A Ministry of Defence spokesman said there is no contract for the Matra BAe device, and there is no funding commitment to the futuristic project. The Matra BAe spokesman said it could be ten years before it is deployed. (C) 2000 UPI All Rights Reserved. /=-=-=-=-Click Here & Support Our Sponsor-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=\ Juniper Bank-2.9% intro APR, 100% access Experience unrivaled Internet and wireless convenience with friendly account reminders and online discounts. Get connected to a whole new kind of credit card. http://click.topica.com/aaaa5Eb1dhr0b1uN1Ic/Juniper \=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=/ --via http://techPolice.com archive: http://theMezz.com/cybercrime/archive unsubscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] subscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] url: http://theMezz.com/alerts ___________________________________________________________ T O P I C A http://www.topica.com/t/17 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
