Russia tests microwave gun for use on 6th generation fighter jets
(Baonghean.vn) - Microwave directed energy weapons are said to be being tested at firing ranges in Russia. The prototype is designed to burn self-propelled missile systems, and can be integrated into the arsenal of 6th generation fighter aircraft.
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| A fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jet. Photo: Sputnik |
Vladimir Mikheev, Deputy General Director of the Radio-Electronic Technologies Corporation (KRET), a leading contractor specializing in manufacturing electronic warfare weapons, said that the leading weapons system "exists and is making effective progress. Tests are being carried out continuously, both in the laboratory and at the firing range."
Microwave sniper rifles are essentially guns that emit powerful electromagnetic radiation, causing circuits to fry.
Such directed energy weapons could be used to disable incoming missiles by destroying their guidance systems.
Earlier, a KRET official stressed that Russia's future 6th generation fighters could be equipped with this device.
Mr. Mikheev predicts that some electronic components in an aircraft will be integrated into a composite device, thereby combining the functions of radar and other sensors, along with an electronic warfare system, a guided missile system and even communications equipment.
The device's attack feature would produce large amounts of microwave radiation, which would be harmful to the pilot, meaning only drone-style aircraft would be suitable.
