In an effort to counter the increasing threat posed by enemy drones and other airborne threats, the Air Force developed the THOR.
THOR is a prototype Directed Energy weapon used to disable the electronics in drones, and was specifically engineered to counter multiple targets – such as a drone swarm – with rapid results.
High energy lasers kill one target at a time, and high powered microwaves can kill groups or swarms, which is one reason THOR offers a unique capability.
“The system output is powerful radio wave bursts, which offer a greater engagement range than bullets or nets, and its effects are silent and instantaneous,” said Amber Anderson, THOR program manager .
Anderson went on to explain THOR is housed in a 20-foot shipping unit, can be transported in a military cargo plane and assembled by just two people.
“Drones represent an emerging threat to U.S. military bases, personnel and infrastructure, and it is THOR’s mission to keep them safe, at close range and from a distance,” Anderson said.
To view THOR in action, visit https://youtu.be/QjHGxKb6W1c.
By Joanne Perkins, Air Force Research Laboratory