2. Contents:
Introduction.
Basic Principle of E-Bomb.
Technology Base for E-Bomb.
Coupling Modes.
E-Bomb Targets.
Firing of E-Bombs.
Defences Against E-Bombs.
Military Applications of E-Bomb.
Advantages and disadvantages.
Conclusions.
References.
5/23/2015 2
3. Introduction
The most recent war operations relied on air power and precision
guided ammunitions.
Future campaigns will require more suitable weapons to achieve
shock effect over large targets with small attacking forces.
Electromagnetic bombs (E-Bombs) can perform such a role.
5/23/2015 3
4. Basic Principle of E-Bomb
The Electro Magnetic Pulse (EMP) effect .
The Electromagnetic Pulse is an electromagnetic shock wave.
This pulse of energy produces a powerful electromagnetic field
sufficiently strong to produce short lived transient voltages of
thousands of volts on exposed electrical conductors like wires,
printed circuit boards etc.
This can cause irreversible damage to wide range of electrical and
electronic equipments particularly computers and radio or radar
devices.
5/23/2015 4
5. Technology Base for E-Bomb
There are two widely used technologies:
Flux Compression Generators(FCG),and
Virtual Cathode Oscillator or Vircator.
5/23/2015 5
6. Flux Compression Generators(FCG)
FCG can produce tens of Mega Joules in tens to hundreds of
microseconds.
Main parts of FCG include:
Armature(copper tube).
Stator(helical heavy wire coil).
Initiator(plane wave explosion lens) and
5/23/2015 6
7. Contd…..
Jacket(prevents disintegration due to magnetic field).
FCG start current is provided by an external source.
When start current peaks initiator is fired to initiate explosive burn.
Explosive pressure expands armature and creates moving short.
Moving armature compressses a magnetic field.
5/23/2015 7
9. Contd…..
Electron beam is accelerated through foil or mesh anode.
Electrons passing through anode will form a bubble of space charge
around anode.
Under proper conditions this space charge will oscillate at micro
frequencies.
Peak power of tens of GW for 100s of sec.
Cheap and simple to manufacture.
5/23/2015 9
10. Coupling Modes:
Front Door Coupling through antennas.
Destroys RF semiconductor devices in transmitters and receivers.
Back Door Coupling through power /data cabling,
telephone wiring.
Destroys exposed semiconductor devices.
Punches through isolation transfomers.
5/23/2015 10
12. Firing of E-Bombs:
Warhead comprises of priming current source,FCG(cascade) and
Vircator tube.
Missile installations must supply 100% of weapon priming energy
from own supply.
Bomb installation-weapon can be precharged before release from
aircraft.
A free fall E-Bomb is more lethal.
5/23/2015 12
14. Firing options:
Aircraft Dumb bombs (free fall delivery).
GPS or satellite guided bombs.
standoff missiles.
Cruise Missiles(weight restricted to 340kg).
5/23/2015 14
15. Defence and Hardening
Destroy the delivery vehicle.
Electromagnetically harden/hide important assets.
Use optical fibres for data transfer and comprehensive shielding.
Isolate power feeds with transient arrrestors.
Use non-electromagnetic power feed and electromagnetic “air
lock”.
5/23/2015 15
17. Military applications of E-Bomb:
Electronic combat:
The E-Bomb enables rapid attrition of enemy electronic assets over
large areas.
The E-Bomb offers important force multiplication effects compared
to conventional weapons.
Strategic warfare:
Economic vitals-finance and stock
markets,manufacturing,petroleum are highly vulnerable.
5/23/2015 17
18. Contd…..
Transport infrastructure-signalling and vehicle ignition systems are
vulnerable.
Population-radio and TV receivers.
Military equipments are vulnerable.
Theatre Warfare
Offensive Counter Air operations-disable aircraft in flight,on
ground and destroy their supporting infrastructure.
5/23/2015 18
19. Contd…..
Sea Control-disable surface combatants prior to attack with
conventional weapons.
Punitive Missions:
The E-Bomb is a punitive weapon as it can cause much economic
and military damage with no loss of civilian life.
E-Bombs could be profitably used against countries which sponser
terrorism and info-terrorism.
5/23/2015 19
20. Advantages:
Not lethal to humans.
Negligible collateral damage.
No mass media coverage of bombing casualities(broadcast
equipment destroyed)will reduce threshold for the use of strategic
air power and missile forces.
5/23/2015 20
22. Conclusion:
E-Bombs are weapons of electrical mass destruction.
High payoff in using E-Bombs against fundemental infrastructure
results in substantial paralysis.
Decisive advantage in the conduct of electronic combat.
E-Bombs are non lethal weapon.
The critical issues for next decade are the devolopment of E-
Bombs and hardening of infrastructure.
5/23/2015 22
23. References:
1. The air power manuel second edition.RAAF
APSC,CANBERRA,1994.
2. IEEE PULED POWER CONFERENCE,NEWYORK,1989.
3. IEEE SPECTRUM 2002,2003,2001.
4. DIGEST OF TECHNICAL PAPERES.
5. HOEBERLING G92-’ADVANCES IN VIRTUAL CATHOD
MICROWAVE SOURCES’.
5/23/2015 23