E-Bomb: the key element of the contemporary military-technical revolution

Abstract

The contemporary military rivalry is driven mostly by the ongoing military technical revolution. In particular, the weapons used on the future battlefield will play an important role in military affairs. Which weapons can play a key role in the future? Electromagnetic weapons seem to involve key elements for the future battlefield; they offer advantages over conventional weaponry by providing nonlethality, the advantage of attack at the speed of light, fast engagement of multiple targets, potentially low operational cost, and wide-area coverage for offensive and defensive purposes. This thesis proposes hypothetical electromagnetic bombs (e-bomb) and classifies e-bombs into three isocategories depending on power sources. It also assesses the potential lethality effects on different targets based on a developed MATLAB Simulation Model. It also provides an understanding of the principles of High Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP) and High Power Microwave (HPM) Weapons. In addition, a measure of effectiveness model is proposed to compare the hypothetical e-bomb, HEMP and HPM weapons. The strategic effects on military affairs will be assessed. Finally, this study will help the Turkish Armed Forces decide on investment in e-bomb research and development (R&D) to improve combat capabilities in the future battlefield.

The contemporary military rivalry is driven mostly by the ongoing military technical revolution. In particular, the weapons used on the future battlefield will play an important role in military affairs. Which weapons can play a key role in the future? Electromagnetic weapons seem to involve key elements for the future battlefield; they offer advantages over conventional weaponry by providing nonlethality, the advantage of attack at the speed of light, fast engagement of multiple targets, potentially low operational cost, and wide-area coverage for offensive and defensive purposes. This thesis proposes hypothetical electromagnetic bombs (e-bomb) and classifies e-bombs into three isocategories depending on power sources. It also assesses the potential lethality effects on different targets based on a developed MATLAB Simulation Model. It also provides an understanding of the principles of High Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP) and High Power Microwave (HPM) Weapons. In addition, a measure of effectiveness model is proposed to compare the hypothetical e-bomb, HEMP and HPM weapons. The strategic effects on military affairs will be assessed. Finally, this study will help the Turkish Armed Forces decide on investment in e-bomb research and development (R&D) to improve combat capabilities in the future battlefield.