Selected Air Force Directed Energy
Weapons Programs
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The Air Force is developing and testing a number of DE technologies through the Directed Energy Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The following section provides a brief description of selected unclassified efforts.
Tactical High-Power Operational Responder (THOR)
The Tactical High-Power Microwave Operational Responder (THOR) technology demonstrator see Figure 3), designed by AFRL in collaboration with industry partners, is intended to provide a viable DE C-UAS weapon system focused on short-range airbase defense THOR is housed in a standardized foot transport container that enables it to fit inside a C transport aircraft. Users reportedly can deploy the system in three hours and operate its user interface with only rudimentary training According to Air Force press releases, THOR has successfully completed a two-year test period and is to inform follow-on prototype efforts.
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