For years, science fiction has hinted at devices that could shut down millions of devices with just one missile. Now it exists.
The Pentagon has been developing the Counter-Electronics High-Power Advanced Microwave Project, or CHAMP, for a few years. "The whole idea behind CHAMP is to be able to destroy an enemy's command, control, communication and computing, surveillance and intelligence (C4SI) capabilities without doing any damage to the people or traditional infrastructure in and around it," according to Jalopnik. The missile uses a microwave pulse to knock out all of the devices in a designated area without actually destroying any physical objects.
The CHAMP works in a similar manner to an EMP pulse. However, the EMP pulse would affect more than the predetermined target and isn't easy to stealthily send into a base. In contrast, the CHAMP would only affect the targeted area and would be much easier to shoot into an enemy's base without them detecting it.
Now the device has a vehicle. The U.S. Air Force recently revealed that it was going to fire CHAMP missiles with the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range (or JASSM-ER) launcher. "The capability is real ... and the technology can be available today"' Maj. Gen. Thomas Masiello of the Air Force Research Laboratory told the Daily Mail.
Boeing has tested the CHAMP before, according to the Daily Mail, which reported, "In 2012, aircraft manufacturer Boeing successfully tested the weapon on a one-hour flight during which it knocked out the computers of an entire military compound......During Boeing's experiment, the missile flew low over the Utah Test and Training Range, discharging electromagnetic pulses on to seven targets, permanently shutting down their electronics."
Many experts in the military believe that this device will change the way the U.S. fights for the better. Others are worried about it inspiring the next arms race. Only time will tell.
