Basics of Electric Weapons and Pulsed-Power Technologies

摘要

Most conventional weapons rely on chemical energy (explosives) as their destruction mechanism, either to explode on target, like bombs, or to create kinetic energy, like a bullet. Electric weapons are different. Electric weapons use stored electrical energy, rather than explosives, to attack or destroy the target. Electric weapons generally fall into two categories: directed-energy weapons (DEWs) and electromagnetic (EM) launchers. DEWs send energy, instead of matter, toward a target, and can be separated into three types: laser weapons, particle-beam weapons, and high-power microwave (HPM) or radio- frequency (RF) weapons. EM launchers use electrical energy to throw a mass at a target, thus making them distinct from directed energy. There are three types of EM launchers: rail guns, coil guns, and induction drivers. All involve the use of strong magnetic fields to push against projectiles. While electric guns are an electric weapon, they are not a DEW. High electrical powers and large energies are needed for all these weapons. Technologies for storing and controlling electric power are needed and are commonly called pulsed-power technologies. Electric guns are often associated with DEWs due to their common reliance on pulsed-power technology. This article discusses the following topics: (1) the advantages of electric weapons over conventional explosives, (2) pulsed power technologies for electric weapons, (3) the all- electric ship and electric weapons, (4) high-power microwave (HPM) and radiofrequency weapons, (5) high-energy lasers, (6) particle beams, and (7) electromagnetic launchers.