Electromagnetic bomb

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An electromagnetic bomb, also known as an E-bomb, is an electromagnetic pulse weapon that emits a high energy pulse which disables electrical equipment on a wide scale.

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History

The theory used in electromagnetic bombs was first put forward by A. H. Compton in 1925 for the study of atoms. The development of electromagnetic bombs for warfare was based on his findings.

The first test was carried out in 1958 when hydrogen bombs were ignited over the Pacific Ocean. This resulted in gamma rays being emitted, which upon striking oxygen and nitrogen molecules produced electrons that shot hundreds of kilometres away. This resulted in the disruption of radio communication in both the nearby Hawaii islands and the distant Australia. Street lights in the Hawaii too bore the brunt of the electromagnetic bomb.

The United States military then tried finding out ways to protect electronic equipment from such pulses and worked on the development of more efficient electromagnetic bombs. Britain developed their first e-bomb in 2000 which could shut down electronics within a range of many miles. Some reports have suggested that the US military used an electromagnetic bomb to disable the Iraqi TV station in 2003, although this has not been officially confirmed.

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Working

The following is a step by step illustration of the launching of a typical e-bomb using a cruise missile:

  1. The cruise missile is fired using a long range rifle or rocket launcher.
  2. The outer casing of the e-bomb is opened directly above the target.
  3. The shell opens out its transmitter aerials and sends a very powerful electromagnetic pulse lasting only a nanosecond.
  4. Anything electronic on the ground within the range of the e-bomb is destroyed.
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Effects

E-bombs mainly affect electronic gadgets that contain integrated circuits. Immense heat is produced in these gadgets due to the build up of heavy currents, resulting in their destruction.

E-bombs do not directly affect human beings, they only kill electronic equipment. However, those dependent on electronic equipment may die instantly, such as certain kinds of patients in hospitals.

Faraday cages can be used for shielding electronics in the event of an e-bomb attack.

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