JOURNAL: A Kalashnikov Moment

The more I dig into homemade HERFs (particularly microwaves), the more I think this is a Kalashnikov moment in history.

First, the potential demand is huge. HERF weapons can be used to destroy/incapacitate any system that uses microelectronics. This capability means that a simple, effective, robust, low-cost, man-portable HERF device is going to be the weapon of choice during the early 21st century. It will be very popular with nation-state militaries (which would give producers a modicum legal cover) and with global guerrillas. Part of their appeal is that these devices are so simple that almost anyone can operate them with little to no training. The upshot is that sales of tens of millions of units possible. It may someday equal the over 50 m AK-47s in circulation today.

Second, the supply is potentially plentiful. All it takes to make this weapon is a entrepreneur/designer willing to manufacture it. All the parts necessary for these devices can be easily acquired (global suppliers) or easily manufactured. The design expertise needed is relatively low. It is also possible to vary the capabilities easily. A component design with snap-on elements (like different magnetrons (frequencies), power packs, antenna designs (wide-area or focused depending on frequency used), etc) would enable the device the flexibility to meet the needs of different users/missions.

Frankly, it's only a matter of time before we see the emergence of a replacement for the Kalashnikov and 'herfing' systems enters into our vocabulary.

Comments

[bobs your uncle]

What about emi filters and shielding? Much of military electronics are protected against the emp of nukes. What would it take for the targeted systems to be similarly protected. Interestingly the Blackhawk helicopter had problems with its Avionics early on. The helicopters kept crashing in-explicably. Eventually it was determined that the aircraft in question had flown at treetop level between microwave communications towers. The rf interference was appearently sufficient to cause a crash. This problem was rectified by simply improving the electromagnetic shielding of the components.