The Air Force Research Laboratory has created a new video animation that realistically depicts THOR (Tactical High-power Operational Responder) destroying swarms of enemy drones in a base defense scenario.

In an effort to counter the increasing threat posed by enemy drones and other airborne threats, the Air Force developed THOR.

THOR is a prototype Directed Energy (DE) 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 that 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 THOR program manager Amber Anderson.

Anderson went on to explain that 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.

Related Links
Air Force Research Laboratory
UAV News - Suppliers and Technology

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Mobile Force Protection Program Concludes with Successful Demonstration
Washington DC (SPX) Jun 08, 2021
In recent tests at Eglin Air Force Base, DARPA's Mobile Force Protection (MFP) program demonstrated a Counter-Unmanned Air System (C-UAS) multilayer defense architecture to defeat unauthorized drone intrusions over military installations or operations. Development of this low-cost reusable drone interceptor system approach began four years ago with the aim of creating an integrated system for thwarting attacks from self-guided small unmanned aircraft. The goal is to protect high value convoy ... read more