The aircraft, defense and security firm, Boeing, has recently been granted a patent on an innovative system that is designed to protect a target, such as people, vehicles and buildings, from the damaging shockwaves of a nearby explosion. The concept is similar to that of glowing energy shields typically seen in sci-fi movies like Star Trek and Star Wars.

The exact patent is entitled a “Method and system for shockwave attenuation via electromagnetic arc”. It is a shockwave attenuation system that consists of 1) a sensor that detects a shockwave generating explosion and 2) an arc generator that receives a signal from the sensor to superheat and ionize a small region between the target and the explosion, by using laser, electricity and microwaves. This leads to the creation of a second medium that is different in its temperature, density and composition from the surrounding air. The force fields which are thus produced reflect, refract, absorb or deflect at least a portion of the shockwaves, hence protecting the target from damage.

Nonetheless, the force fields do not stop actual projectiles nor do they protect the target from direct impact of bombs, shells or shrapnel. They also do not completely envelope the target as they are only generated in the direction of the explosion. The sensor’s sensitivity in detecting shockwaves and the arc generator’s time lag in generating force fields is questionable too. Despite these limitations, this technology is definitely a promising step towards making the idea of ‘impregnable barriers in the battlefield’ possible.

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