Air Force to get nonlethal microwave defense system

Boeing Co. will develop a microwave defense system for the Air Force under a $38 million contract.

The award calls for Boeing to develop and test a nonlethal, high-power microwave airborne demonstrator for use by the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Counter-Electronics High-Power Microwave Advanced Missile Project.

“This demonstrator will provide a revolutionary, nonlethal system allowing the military to neutralize specific targets while minimizing or eliminating collateral damage,” said Keith Coleman, program manager at Boeing Phantom Works, in a statement released today.

Integrating the Air Force Research Laboratory’s compact microwave technology with Boeing’s air vehicle design and manufacturing expertise could lead the way to a new breed of nonlethal but highly effective systems, Coleman added.

The three-year program includes ground and flight demonstrations that will focus on technology integration and military use.

As the prime contractor, Boeing will provide the airborne platform and serve as the systems integrator. Ktech Corp., of Albuquerque, N.M., is the primary subcontractor and will supply the high-power microwave source. Sandia National Laboratories will provide the pulse power system.