Historical Overview of Directed-Energy Work at Dahlgren
Abstract
In 1962, the United States set off a megaton nuclear weapon 250 miles above the Pacific. The blast caused a large imbalance of electrons in the upper atmosphere that interacted with the Earth's magnetic field to create oscillating electric fields over a large area of the Pacific. These fields were strong enough to damage electronics in Hawaii, a thousand miles away, and clearly demonstrated the effects of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP). It didn't take long for the military to begin considering ways to create such pulses without using nuclear weapons. In the late 1960s, the Special Applications Branch at the Naval Weapons Laboratory at Dahlgren began studying ways to generate high-power oscillating electric fields that could be used as a weapon to damage enemy electronics. These devices were basically high-power versions of the old spark-gap transmitters used in the early days of radio. For over 40 years, the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) has been a leader in developing Directed Energy devices, pulsed-power systems, and electric weapons. Its people have contributed many publications and patents, and set world records. Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) tend to be complex and technically challenging to build. Regardless, these weapons offer important, powerful advantages, such as Deep Magazines, Cheap Rounds, Fast Targeting, Variable Lethality, and Pinpoint Targeting. As a result of NSWCDD's leadership, persistent scientific initiatives, and leading-edge engineering over the years, naval warfighters will increasingly find themselves turning to DEWs when dealing with situations spanning the spectrum of conflict.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA560558
Entities
People
- Stuart Moran
Organizations
- Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division