One of the promising types of weapons is microwave weapons. Its principle of operation is similar to a microwave oven. The mobile generator generates ultrashort electromagnetic waves in the 95 GHz range. The received signal is amplified and, with the help of a specially designed antenna, is broadcast in the desired direction. The signal is a short-term powerful pulse. Electromagnetic waves of this range are able to penetrate human skin to a depth of half a millimeter and heat water in cells, as well as in the intercellular space.
The result of this penetration is sharp pain, similar to the sensation of a burn, but more severe. After exposure to microwave weapons, the enemy's living force in the shortest time loses its combat effectiveness. In addition, the microwave combat system is capable of creating sound effects by vibrating the eardrums. Nerve impulses arise in the inner ear, which the brain perceives as sound. Exposure to sound of a specially selected frequency can be very destructive to the human body. However, one should not think that only people experience the effect - all metal objects heat up, including weapons and ammunition. Heating the latter can cause a series of explosions of shells and cartridges.
Microwave weapons are classified as follows: ground-based, airborne and surface-based. For the ground-based application of microwave combat systems, their installation can be performed on a vehicle.
The US Department of Defense has now summed up its ADS Microwave Gun Comprehensive Assessment. This system refers to a non-lethal type of weapon designed to temporarily neutralize the enemy. The experiments carried out have shown the safety of its use when used at a given capacity. According to the declared data, the use of microwave weapons does not harm human reproductive function, and also does not lead to the development of cancerous tumors. These systems are supposed to be used to disperse people in the event of riots, to protect military facilities and ships from terrorist attacks. The distance at which the ADS microwave cannon is effective is approximately 750 m. In this case, the radiation power and the range of destruction can be increased if necessary.
There are no technical insurmountable problems in the creation and use of microwave weapons. According to experts, microwave combat systems can be relatively humane, but also barbaric, depending on the characteristics and method of use. Currently, all new developments of microwave systems are underway, but they are not disclosed.