Cruise missile-delivered directed-energy microwave weapon that autonomously flies programmed route to disable enemy electronics without explosives. AI route planning for multi-target engagement.
CHAMP's microwave pulse damages electronic systems by inducing voltage surges through the same connectors, cables, and antennas that electronics use to communicate, making shielding extremely difficult without completely enclosing every component in a conductive Faraday cage. The autonomous flight management system plans an optimized route through a target area that maximizes the number of electronics-disruption events while minimizing exposure to air defense systems. Boeing's 2012 test demonstration caused electronics failure in multiple rooms of a building in sequence, suggesting that a single aircraft could systematically disable an entire facility's electronics without deploying any explosive munitions.
Successful test disabling electronics in multiple buildings in single flight 2012; continued development program
Boeing (BA) developed CHAMP under AFRL contract. The program represents a small portion of Boeing's defense revenue but demonstrates capabilities that could drive significant future contracts if the technology is operationalized.