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Miniatures Adventure => Future Wars => Topic started by: Cacique Caribe on March 24, 2020, 01:11:29 PM

Title: Is A Directional EMP A Reality Or Still SciFi?
Post by: Cacique Caribe on March 24, 2020, 01:11:29 PM
As the question says.

And how often is it used in wargaming?

Thanks

Dan
https://americanmilitarynews.com/2020/03/chinese-expert-says-viable-option-to-attack-us-warships-with-emp-in-south-china-sea/
Title: Re: Is A Directional EMP A Reality Or Still SciFi?
Post by: katie on March 25, 2020, 11:34:27 PM
They're a real thing -- usually called HERF guns. You can shoot down drones with them. They're illegal in a lot of jurisdictions.
Title: Re: Is A Directional EMP A Reality Or Still SciFi?
Post by: pixelgeek on March 26, 2020, 12:51:37 AM
They're a real thing -- usually called HERF guns. You can shoot down drones with them. They're illegal in a lot of jurisdictions.

I think they are illegal everywhere.

I can't see how they would be used at range though as the inverse square law would seem to limit their use
Title: Re: Is A Directional EMP A Reality Or Still SciFi?
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on March 26, 2020, 06:33:57 PM
They are not strictly EMP guns, but more like MASERs.
Title: Re: Is A Directional EMP A Reality Or Still SciFi?
Post by: Brummie on March 27, 2020, 10:17:57 AM
I think the main purpose of HERF guns is for countering small drones in CQ. A major concern was smaller drones are able to basically sneak up to you, especially in urban environments. Initially it was expected to just shoot them down. However someone pointed out its not easy shooting down a nippy floating object the size of a football; people might end up missing and shooting each other  lol.

As for EMPs, they've left speculation and are no longer restricted to detonating a nuke high up in the atmosphere. Initially it was hoped they'd be a good alternative to nukes for obvious reasons, but recently it was speculated that a powerful EMP would kill a lot of people too. Believe they can stop your heart.