Counter-Swarm Electromagnetic Weapon Developed by AFRL

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October 8, 2019 | Originally published by Date Line: October 8 on

A Tactical High-power Operational Responder (THOR) is a counter-swarm electromagnetic weapon that the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) developed for airbase defense. The system provides non-kinetic defeat of multiple targets. It operates from ground power and uses energy to disable unmanned systems.

A demonstration system has been built and tested on military test ranges near Kirtland Air Force Base (AFB), NM, where it has engaged multiple targets. Further testing against a larger set of unmanned systems in swarming configurations is being planned.

THOR stores completely in a 20-ft transport container, which can be transported in a C-130 aircraft. AFRL officials claim that the system can be set up within 3 hours and has a user interface designed to require very little user training.