The
Verge: The Counter-electronics High-powered Microwave
Advanced Missile Project (CHAMP) is an attempt to create a
missile capable of shutting down electronic systems, such as
computers, with minimal collateral damage. Designed by Boeing
Phantom Works and the US Air Force Research Laboratory Directed
Energy Directorate, a CHAMP missile was successfully tested on
16 October. The missile directs high-power microwaves at its
target but causes little to no physical damage. In the test,
the missile shut down all electronic devices in seven different
target buildings and even disabled the cameras recording the
event. Keith Coleman, the CHAMP program manager, said that the
test was an important step forward in modern warfare, but the
air force has not indicated if or when the missile will be
deployed in combat.
