Scientists at NATO are working on a new electromagnetic device that stops suicide bombers’ vehicles before they reach their target. In a new video released earlier this week, researchers in Norway demonstrate the effectiveness of their high-intensity electromagnetic beam against cars, jet skis and drones.
The device works by generating a very high-intensity pulse that interferes with the vehicle’s electronic control system, effectively stopping the engine, explains Dr. Ernst Krogager, task group chairman of the NATO STO group that has been leading the project. In the video above, the beam is used to stop a car approaching a simulated military checkpoint. While mounted inside the back of a moving vehicle, the beam also successfully stops another car approaching from behind. Further demonstration also shows the beam works against jet skis and drones carrying remote-controlled bombs.
The technology is non-lethal, says Odd Harry Arnesen, senior scientist at Norwegian Defence Research Establishment.
“It doesn’t actually kill anyone, it doesn’t harm anyone, and it doesn’t really harm the vehicle much either,” he said.
While testing is scheduled to conclude in 2014, several issues remain, says Popsci. Every demonstration in the video is done in a controlled environment with a single clearly-identified target. But scientists are concerned with how the technology play out in the real world, where a suicide bomber’s vehicle may be in close quarters with numerous other cars, trucks and electronic devices. And while the beam is effective against cars with electronic components, older vehicles utilizing mechanical parts are likely to be unaffected.
