China's HPM Weapon Fires 10,000+ Shots Without Failure
Chinese scientists have successfully tested a high-power microwave (HPM) system, achieving over 10,000 consecutive firings without malfunction
The HPM weapon boasts a lighter structure than traditional systems, with a size akin to a Gatling gun, enhancing its mobility and deployment versatility
Utilizing a three-gigawatt pulsed current, the system emits microwave beams exceeding hundreds of megawatts, operating at 10 to 30 pulses per second
Designed to disable electronic systems, the HPM weapon can effectively neutralize drones, missiles, aircraft, and low-orbit satellites
A key feature is its vacuum encapsulation system, eliminating the need for external pumps and enhancing operational efficiency
The system employs ceramic-metal welding, joining aluminum oxide ceramics with steel using high-temperature alloys, thereby avoiding rubber O-rings and improving durability
Incorporating a zirconium-vanadium-iron alloy NEG pump, the system maintains vacuum integrity by capturing gases like hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen during operation
Through meticulous cleaning and pre-baking of components, the system maintained vacuum levels of 10⁻⁷ Pa for 100 hours, with NEG pumps absorbing gas spikes within seconds during live trials
China's restrictions on gallium exports may impact U.S. development of gallium nitride (GaN)-based HPM systems, potentially slowing their progress