Military

Directed energy weapon replaces million-dollar missiles at 13 cents a shot

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The RFDEW costs 13 cents per shot
Gabriele Molinelli
The RFDEW costs 13 cents per shot
Gabriele Molinelli
The RFDEW – a 13-cent solution to a million dollar problem
Crown Coyright
The RFDEW uses a powerful electromagnetic pulse
Gabriele Molinelli
The RFDEW can fit on the back of a lorry
Gabriele Molinelli
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A new directed energy weapon is being rolled out to bolster British defense capabilities. And, at 13 cents a shot, it's just as effective, but a lot cheaper than the multi-million dollar missiles it's designed to replace.

The Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW) is part of the British government's policy to respond to a changing geopolitical situation, placing the country's defense on more of a war footing as it increases spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030. This policy change also includes fast-tracking the rollout of lasers and other directed energy weapons.

The latter is extremely important, because, well, knocking out a drone that costs a few grand with a missile costing millions of dollars per round is bad economics – see, for example, the US$1.3-2.5 million Sea Viper missile used to take out a US$20,000 drone, as reported by Navy Lookout. Also, missile stockpiles tend to be pretty small, and swarms of cheap drones could easily exhaust them.

The RFDEW – a 13-cent solution to a million dollar problem
Crown Coyright

Energy weapons overcome these problems because, though the weapon itself costs money, on a shot by shot basis they are astonishingly cheap. And, since they fire energy rather than solid rounds, they can potentially fire an infinite number of times so long as the energy holds.

The RFDEW is a self-contained energy weapon that can be operated by one person, and can detect, track, and engage multiple threats at a range of up to a kilometer (0.62 miles). It can also be installed on everything from a warship to the back of a lorry. The main target will be drones or aircraft electronics, blasting them with a burst of electromagnetic radiation.

Being developed as part of Project Ealing, the RFDEW is scheduled to be tested by the 7th Air Defence Group along with the DragonFire laser weapon in September. The results will be used to evaluate the systems and determine possible improvements.

"We are already a force to be reckoned with on science and technology, and developments like RFDEW not only make our personnel more lethal and better protected on the battlefield, but also keep the UK a world leader on innovative military kit," said Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge. "As we ramp up our defense spending in the coming years, our Defence Drone Strategy will ensure we are at the forefront of this war-fighting evolution."

Source: UK Government

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16 comments
Ancliff
Star wars here we come!
riczero-b
I would expect these would be used in other areas of warfare, for example disabling the satnav and nightscope vision of troops or tanks. They would need close quarters and precise aim though .
Brian M
Makes sense, but perhaps also add low cost hunter drones to the mix. The RFDEW defence is only a line of sight weapon, so ground hugging AI equipped attack drones could get through, especially in built up areas or were terrain is hilly.
windykites
The range is not very effective. Also drones can be sent in large numbers and swamp the system. Bad weather a possible problem.
Troublesh00ter
I agree with windykites. One kilometer isn't great for range, and a single unit could be overwhelmed by a swarm of drones. I think the smart money would be to build these as a battery of two or more transmitters and to have a BUNCH of 'em to defend a site or a ship.
Deres
In fact, this is just a powerful radar that can create interferences in the cables and electronic of the target. A quick EM radiation hardening of drones would probably protect them. Just using hardened cables (with external metallic coating) and electronic boards inside a faraday cage aka a metallic box. With that, the already very short effective range will be even diminished rendering this expensive equipement as efficient as a shotgun.
David F
Whichever companies are involved, buy shares now. 🤑
Karmudjun
This might be too little too late. If I read this correctly, one unit can take on multiple targets swarming it within one km. But it relies upon a steady power source - and until Fusion reactors are feasible in a pull behind trailer with camouflage, effective drone attacks would involve cutting off power and overwhelming with shear numbers. I don't see how all radiowaves require line of sight or become ineffective in rain - I can see diminished effectiveness, but conjecture or confabulation are not my strong suits. Improve the range, and maybe these are keepers!
Lee01
Agreed, this is kinda short range, but it'll keep the local kids off my lawn...
Ukunda
Sure spend 2.5% on the military complex to meet NATO requirements but our arrogant politicians shouldn't go around threatening nuclear superpowers with very advanced weapons.