The radio wave weapon that takes down drones: Meet the RF DEW

Adam explains the UK’s groundbreaking new technology - A radio frequency directed energy weapon. Developed through collaboration between Defence Equipment & Support and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, it can engage multiple targets simultaneously and costs an estimated 10p per shot.

The weapon creates an intense beam of radio frequency energy which directly damages or disrupts electronic components of small airborne threats, such as drones.

[AlexanderRabe-mh]

This is British defense technology and engineering at its best. We admire you for this. Greetings from Germany.

[nickholden]

What they don't mention is that radio waves aren't degraded as much by the weather, compared to laser based solutions. If they can extend the power and add a good automatic tracking and engagement system then it can also be used to target other munitions.

It's downsides are the portability of the power unit needed to power this (I understand it's relatively short range right now so longer range will need more power) - and therefore challenge it's mobility.
Secondly - how easy will it be to counter this, I would have thought a basic faraday cage would counter this - but without an ???

[robertorr]

Excellent explanation.
Without banner advertising

[Whatifwarlord]

Can you build something that stops potholes??! 😮 maybe you could test a ground scanning pothole finding radar??? 😮

[xjet]

So basically it's a microwave oven, a directional antenna and some sights.

[planetofthepete]

This was the original application for RADAR technology - before the 2WW. Back then the targets were analogue and far more resilient, thus the shift in focus to Direction and Range finding.
I do wonder what the counter would be?... will we see hardened drones with a layer of copper protecting key systems? Will we see responsive Tx sub-systems with the ability to filter external high energy?

Can't see where this goes.

[kevinmobile]

A fascinating project from the perspective of a former RF engineer. What tx power, ERP and frequency is used if you're able to state that?

[OnTheMarkToday]

Clever but it also makes itself a huge target.

[SiMacKW]

This is cool and interesting, and I look forward to seeing where they can take it through further prototype iterations. Forewarned is forearmed and all that. I'm sure the engineers will be checking the comments here in shock to try and address all the game changing capability holes they failed to think of, here pointed out by the youtube viewership.

[PaulKelly-]

A bit confused, in 1974 we had what was then new an item called the bubble. That stopped radio controlled devices, from being activated by the terrorist. I know this worked really well in NI, and also watched various radio controlled aircraft falling out of the sky. What is the difference between then and now, bubble was man packable and the new ones on a truck!

[Whywearedoingit]

Send that to Ukraine and we will see how good it it.

[VeryWellMiLady]

What are the fallen drones called - DEW Drops?

[Alex-ffvf]

With all due respect, but when it comes to all microwave or laser-type weapons, I’ve only seen demonstrations taking down drones that were hovering in place. In a real conflict, a drone flies toward its target at very high speed and never in a straight line, so that’s where my skepticism about these kinds of defensive weapons comes from.

[johnnyhollis]

Impressive but as has happened in the Ukraine any ground based expensive electronic threats are usually taken out one way or another.

[ulthien]

Unless you can disable a drone in 100ms and recharge/re-aim as quickly,
a simple swarm of 30 drones will destroy your expensive equipment in no time.

2c

[henrya]

This is certainly an interesting development. However, history has taught us that for every 'sword' there is (eventually) a 'shield'.

[twobellz]

If we’re seeing this, imagine what’s behind closed doors……..

[BetaboyBuffet]

Great ! Can it differentiate between, say, a hovering kestrel and a hovering drone ?

[BeautySecret_Travel]

My design from 1998-1999 well done guys. However you can take out multiple targets if you correct your horn. . What is your distance? Richardsons and Ratheon shares will go thru the roof now

[kenwebster]

As our government due to the acts of certain persons has now to find more money for our defense for the UK, Why is their not, like giving whatever each person if they wish to charities, a same thing started on Facebook etc ? The people of Britain could give whatever amount they wish so that this weaponary could be brought up to the peak of efficensy and mass produced here, which will create jobs too. On a completly voluntary basis by the indiveiual/s by signing up for 1 year and the stopping donating or keep on for another year until our defense spending is able to take the strain on its own...At the moment it is diffecult for any government to increase the money for defense... Run by the government and going towards keeping the UK better able to defend itself.