Chinese scientists claim breakthrough in microwave weapon tech
A team of Chinese scientists claims to have developed a modern weapon inspired by the Death Star laser from "Star Wars." This technology is said to have the capability to concentrate multiple beams of radiation on a single selected target, a feat that, up until now, has gone against the known laws of physics.
25 November 2024 19:17
Chinese scientists assert they have created an advanced weapon akin to the Death Star from George Lucas's acclaimed film universe. In the films, the Death Star is portrayed as a terrifying and supreme weapon of the Empire, capable of destroying entire planets once charged. In the cinematic depiction, eight laser beams converge at one point, creating a super laser that leads to the complete destruction of Alderaan.
A high-power microwave weapon akin to the Death Star laser?
The amalgamation of several high-power electromagnetic waves, subsequently focused on a target, seems to have inspired Chinese scientists. Recent reports from China, cited by the British newspaper "Independent," indicate substantial progress in this field; however, these reports seem to contradict established laws of physics. The Chinese scientific team is reportedly developing a high-power microwave (HPM) weapon capable of disrupting the operation of key electronic systems such as radars, computers, and communication infrastructure, as well as missiles and satellites. As "Independent" notes, this weapon can minimise collateral damage by focusing energy beams, making it especially useful in situations requiring political subtlety.
Researchers detailing their achievements in the Chinese journal "Modern Navigation" emphasise that currently available solutions for this technology do not possess effective combat capabilities. The main hurdle is that the synchronization error between individual components generating microwaves should not exceed 170 picoseconds, equivalent to trillionths of a second. Such a high level of precision demands greater accuracy than that offered by the atomic clocks used in satellite GPS systems.
Experts highlight that these types of systems could be far more economical than traditional methods, such as launching intercept missiles, which cost hundreds of thousands of pounds. However, the precision required to develop such a system raises doubts, and for the time being, it seems that the cinematic reality known from "Star Wars" is not poised to threaten us.
