High-Power Electromagnetic System for Stopping Vehicles

Overview

Eureka Aerospace’s current High-Power Electromagnetic System (HPEMS) uses a compact, tunable power source and a high-gain antenna to beam microwave energy in the direction of targeted vehicles. Once emitted, these electromagnetic waves bring vehicles to a halt by inducing strong disabling currents in their ignition and control systems.

Overall, the fruits of our research will yield an efficient compact high-power microwave system capable of disabling or destroying the target’s microprocessors/electronic circuitry by delivering an electromagnetic “punch” in a wide range of military and law enforcement applications.

Specific key applications for HPEMS include:
•    Immediate immobilization of cars and trucks on roads and multi-lane highways
•    Non-lethal area denial to vehicles (high-value asset perimeter protection)
•    Protection of ships and oil platforms on the open seas
•    Neutralization and detonation of IEDs at standoff distances in excess of 100 m

Problem Background

There is a critical need for a system capable of non-lethal area denial to vehicles/boats for (1) perimeter protection of high value assets, e.g. personnel barracks, from approaching hostile vehicles, carrying explosives and (2) immobilizing vehicles on urban, suburban roads and multi-lane highways. Currently there is no cure-all technology that:
• stops a vehicle at range
• minimizes collateral damage and human effects
• allows for reversibility
• is human-portable
• has a small logistical footprint
• is not affected by weather or terrain
• is cost effective.
The host platforms for such a system can be high-value assets themselves (e.g. a building or an oil rig) or a ground vehicle, a helicopter, a boat, or a UAV. An initial target platform for testing is a standard Ford Crown Victoria police interceptor used by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.