C2W Applications for Radio Frequency Weapons

The proposed Phase I effort will determine optimal characteristics for a counter-communications radio frequency weapon (RFW). There are three primary elements to the optimization process. One element is the RFW itself, consisting of a power supply, radiation source, and antenna. They must be integrated into a robust package of minimum weight and size. Another key element in the optimization process is the radiated waveform, characterized by power density at a given range, frequency or frequency content, pulse repetition rate, duty cycle, and modulation. The power density necessary to produce an effect can vary by orders of magnitude as the characteristics of the RFW waveform are changed. Optimizing the RFW waveform can significantly reduce size and weight of the weapon, increase its useful range and its operating time. The proposed optimization process actually starts with the third element, identifying vulnerabilities common to many radio types that are difficult to counter. Once target vulnerabilities are identified, the RFW waveform will be optimized. This determines requirements for the REW, which is optimized to minimize size and wight. This systematic process has proven to be more successful than starting with a given RF source and trying to find system susceptibilities by trial and error.