Bombs based on new physical principles. Weapons based on new physical principles (non-traditional weapons)

means of armed struggle, the damaging effect of which is based on the use of directed high-energy radiation and fields, neutral or charged particles brought to the targets, as well as on other non-traditional methods of destruction.

AT early XXI centuries, this type of weapon includes laser, accelerator, microwave, information, infrasound, geophysical, etc.

According to their striking properties, these weapons (at least some of their types) should be classified as weapons of mass destruction. Its application can lead to a new revolutionary and dangerous leap in military affairs.

Laser weapons are a special type of advanced directed energy weapon based on the use of laser radiation to destroy people and disable military equipment (primarily optoelectronic reconnaissance and weapon control systems). Such weapons can use gas, solid-state and chemical lasers with appropriate control and guidance systems.

At the beginning of the 21st century, only low-energy laser devices were used. Along with this, the possibility of forceful destruction by a laser beam of structural elements of military equipment, including the hulls of ballistic missiles and other aircraft, was experimentally tested. However, the appearance of samples of this type of weapon in service with the troops and naval forces is still very problematic due to its bulkiness, high energy consumption and other negative operational factors.

Accelerator (beam) weapons are a possible promising type of weapon based on the use of flows or beams of elementary particles (hydrogen, helium, lithium atoms, etc.) to destroy manpower and military equipment. It can be used mainly to destroy space and air targets.

Microwave weapons are a possible promising type of weapon based on the use of radio-electronic components of military equipment to destroy (mainly functional). In the system of such weapons, microwave energy generators in the millimeter and centimeter wave bands and their corresponding antenna systems can be used, which together form directed radiation. Usually refers to weapons of multiple use. Along with this, a search is underway for single-action explosive generators and the creation of bombs (rocket warheads) based on them that can destroy household and military electronics at distances of tens of kilometers, which can make these weapons very effective. Most likely, it will appear in service as a deterrent against aggression.

Infrasonic weapons are a promising type of weapon based on the damaging effect on the human body of sound vibrations of infra-low (from units to 30 Hz) frequencies. Can be used as a weapon of mass destruction.

Information weapons are promising complexes of specific software and information tools created to defeat the enemy's information resource. These include:

- "logic bomb" - a program embedded in a computer that, at a certain signal or at a set time, comes into action, distorting or destroying information;

- "computer viruses" - programs or introduced defects in software Enemy computers capable of disrupting a computer network and incapacitating weapons controlled by that computer (See 11.3.2).

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Albert Einstein: "I don't know what kind of weapons the third world war will be fought with, but the fourth one will definitely be fought with sticks and stones."

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Weapons based on new physical principles (non-traditional weapons) - new types of weapons, the damaging effect of which is based on processes and phenomena that were not previously used in weapons. By the end of the 20th century genetic weapons, geophysical, infrasonic, climatic, laser, ozone, radiological, microwave, accelerating, electromagnetic weapons, etc. were at various stages of research and development.

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Beam (laser and accelerator) weapons are directed energy weapons, the damaging factor of which is highly intense laser radiation. The main objects of damage to the LO are people (burn lesions of the retina and skin), as well as military equipment and optical devices

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Laser weapons Laser weapons (LO) are a type of directed energy weapon based on the use of electromagnetic radiation from high-energy lasers. The striking effect of LO is determined mainly by the thermomechanical and shock-pulse effect of the laser beam on the target. Depending on the density of the laser radiation flux, these impacts can lead to temporary blinding of a person or to the destruction of the body of a rocket, aircraft, etc. In the latter case, as a result of the thermal effect of the laser beam, the shell of the target object is melted or evaporated. At a sufficiently high energy density in the pulsed mode, along with the thermal effect, a shock effect is carried out, due to the appearance of a plasma. Of all the variety of lasers, solid-state, chemical, free-electron, nuclear-pumped X-ray lasers, etc. are considered the most suitable for laser weapons. The solid-state laser (TTL) is considered by US experts as one of promising types generators for aircraft-based laser weapon systems designed to solve the tasks of operational tactical, cruise missiles and aircraft, suppress optoelectronic air defense systems, as well as to protect aircraft carriers of nuclear weapons from guided missiles with any guidance systems. AT last years Considerable progress has been observed in connection with the transition from lamp pumping of active elements to pumping with laser diodes. In addition, the ability to generate radiation in TTL at several wavelengths makes it possible to use this type of lasers not only in the power, but also in the information channel of the weapon system (for detecting, recognizing targets and accurately aiming the power laser beam at them).

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Currently, work is underway in the United States to create aviation complex laser weapons. Initially, it is planned to work out a demonstration model for the Boeing 747 transport aircraft and, after completion of preliminary studies, go to 2004. to the full development stage. The complex is based on an oxygen-iodine laser with an output radiation power of several megawatts. According to experts, it will have a range of up to 400 km. Work on the study of the possibility of creating X-ray lasers does not stop. Such lasers are distinguished by high X-ray energy (100–10000 thousand times higher than that of lasers in the optical range) and the ability to penetrate through significant thicknesses of various materials (unlike conventional lasers, whose beams are reflected from obstacles). It is known that a laser device pumped by X-rays from a low-power nuclear explosion was tested during underground tests of nuclear weapons. Such a laser operates in the X-ray range with a wavelength of 0.0014 μm and generates a radiation pulse with a duration of several nanoseconds. Unlike conventional, in particular, chemical lasers, when targets are hit by coherent beams due to thermal effects, an X-ray laser ensures hitting a target due to a shock pulse effect, leading to evaporation of the target surface material and its subsequent spalling.

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Laser weapons are distinguished by stealth action (no flame, smoke, sound), high accuracy, almost instantaneous action (delivery speed is equal to the speed of light). Its use is possible within line of sight. The damaging effect is reduced in fog, rain, snowfall, with smoke and dust in the atmosphere. As of the middle of the 1990s, tactical laser weapons were considered the most developed, which ensured the defeat of optoelectronic means and human organs of vision.

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Accelerator (beam) weapon This weapon is based on the use of narrow beams of charged or neutral particles generated by various types of accelerators, both ground-based and space-based. The defeat of various objects and a person is determined by radiation (ionizing) and thermomechanical effects. Beam tools can destroy the shells of aircraft hulls, hit ballistic missiles and space objects by disabling on-board electronic equipment. It is assumed that with the help of a powerful flow of electrons, it is possible to detonate ammunition with explosives, melt the nuclear charges of the warheads of the ammunition. To impart high energies to the electrons generated by the accelerator, powerful electric sources are created, and to increase their “range”, it is supposed to apply not single, but group impacts of 10–20 pulses each. The initial impulses will, as it were, break through a tunnel in the air, through which the subsequent ones will reach the target. Neutral hydrogen atoms are considered very promising particles for beam weapons, since the beams of its particles will not be bent in the geomagnetic field and will not be repelled inside the beam itself, thereby not increasing the divergence angle. Work on accelerating weapons based on charged particle (electron) beams is being carried out in the interests of creating air defense systems for ships, as well as for mobile tactical land installations.

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Infrasonic weapons Infrasonic weapons are one of the types of ONFP based on the use of directed radiation of powerful infrasonic vibrations. Prototypes of such weapons already exist and have been repeatedly considered as a possible subject for testing. Of practical interest are oscillations with a frequency from tenths and even hundredths to units of hertz. Infrasound is characterized by low absorption in various media, as a result of which infrasonic waves in air, in water and in the earth's crust can propagate over long distances and penetrate concrete and metal barriers. According to studies conducted in some countries, infrasonic vibrations can affect the central nervous system and digestive organs, causing paralysis, vomiting and spasms, leading to general malaise and pain during internal organs, and at higher levels at frequencies of a few hertz - to dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness, and sometimes to blindness and even death. Infrasonic weapons can also cause people to panic, lose control of themselves and an overwhelming desire to hide from the source of damage.

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Certain frequencies can affect the middle ear, causing vibrations, which in turn cause sensations akin to motion sickness, motion sickness. The range of its action is determined by the radiated power, the value of the carrier frequency, the width of the radiation pattern and the conditions for the propagation of acoustic vibrations in a real environment. According to press reports, work on the creation of infrasonic weapons is being completed in the United States. transformation electrical energy in low-frequency sound occurs with the help of piezoelectric crystals, the shape of which changes under the influence of an electric current. Prototypes of infrasonic weapons have already been used in Yugoslavia. The so-called "acoustic bomb" produced sound vibrations of very low frequency.

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Infrasonic weapons Depending on the strength of the infrasonic impact, the results can range from the object's feeling of fear, horror or panic and psychosis on their basis to somatic disorders (from visual impairment to damage to internal organs, up to death). Experiments with the models of the Austrian researcher Zippermeier showed the destruction of the boards at a distance of several meters. NASA research has found that 19 hertz sound vibrations produced by rocket engines affect the eyeballs, causing astronauts to experience visual disturbances and visions of various kinds.

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Killer sound The idea of using infrasound as a weapon has been of interest to designers for a long time. However, only now they have come close to realizing this task. The principle of operation of this weapon is based on the damaging effect on the human body of elastic waves of low frequency - less than 16 Hz. Sound generator - combat sound gun. It is installed on armored heavy vehicles (such as tracked armored personnel carriers). The "shoot" would be sound waves, usually unheard of. The most dangerous, according to experts, is the interval from 6 to 10 Hz. Low intensity sound causes nausea and ringing in the ears. A person's eyesight deteriorates, body temperature rises, wild fear appears. Sound medium intensity upsets the digestive organs, affects the brain, causes paralysis, general weakness, and sometimes blindness. The most powerful infrasound can stop the heart. With a certain setting, the combat sound gun breaks the internal organs of a person.

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Radio frequency weapons Radio frequency weapons in the microwave frequency range are sometimes referred to as microwave or microwave weapons. In this case, first of all, the effect of radiation on the central nervous and cardiovascular systems is studied, since they regulate the activity of all other organs and systems, determine the state of the psyche and human behavior. It has now been established that when acting on the central nervous system, the greatest biological effect is caused by radiations that, in their parameters, correspond to the electromagnetic fields of the brain and coordinate the activity of its centers. In this regard, a detailed study of the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation of human brain centers is being carried out and the possibility of developing means of suppressing and stimulating their activity is being investigated.

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As a result of experiments carried out in the USA, it was determined that with a single exposure of a person to radiation with certain frequencies in the radio frequency range from 30 to 30,000 MHz (meter and decimeter waves) at an intensity of more than 10 MW / cm2, the following are noted: headache, weakness, depression, increased irritability, feeling of fear, impaired ability to make decisions, memory impairment. Exposure to the brain of radio waves in the frequency range of 0.3–3 GHz (decimeter waves) at an intensity of up to 2 MW / cm2 causes a sensation of whistling, buzzing, buzzing, clicking, disappearing with appropriate shielding. It has also been established that powerful electromagnetic radiation can cause severe burns and blinding. According to scientists, with the help of electromagnetic radiation, it is possible to remotely and purposefully influence a person, which makes it possible to use radio-frequency weapons to carry out psychological sabotage and disrupt the command and control of enemy troops. In relation to its troops, electromagnetic radiation can be used to increase resistance to the stress that occurs during combat operations. With the help of microwave weapons, it will be possible to disrupt the operation of any electronic systems. Promising magnetrons and klystrons with a power of up to 1 GW using phased array antennas will make it possible to disrupt the functioning of airfields, missile launch sites, centers and command posts, and disable command and control systems for troops and weapons. With the adoption by the armies of the opposing sides of such means as powerful mobile microwave generators of all types based, it will be possible to block weapons systems opposing side. This puts microwaves in the category of the highest priority weapons of the future.

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Types of geophysical weapons: Atmospheric (weather) weapons are the most studied type of geophysical weapons today. In relation to atmospheric weapons, its damaging factors are various kinds of atmospheric processes and the weather and climatic conditions associated with them, on which life can depend, both in individual regions and on the entire planet.

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Lithospheric weapons are based on the use of the energy of the lithosphere, that is, the outer sphere of the "solid" earth, which includes the earth's crust and the upper layer of the mantle. In this case, the damaging effect manifests itself in the form of such catastrophic phenomena as an earthquake, volcanic eruption, and the movement of geological formations. The source of the energy released in this case is tension in tectonically dangerous zones. Hydrosphere weapon. The use of the energy of the hydrosphere for military purposes is possible with the impact on water resources (oceans, seas, rivers, lakes) and hydraulic structures, not only nuclear explosions, but also large charges of conventional explosives. The damaging factors of hydrospheric weapons will be strong waves and flooding.

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Biospheric weapons (environmental) are based on a catastrophic change in the biosphere. The biosphere covers part of the atmosphere, the hydrosphere and the upper part of the lithosphere, which are interconnected by complex biochemical cycles of matter and energy migration. Currently, there are chemical and biological agents, the use of which over vast areas can destroy vegetation, the surface fertile soil layer, food supplies, etc. Ozone weapons are based on the use of ultraviolet radiation energy emitted by the Sun. The shielding ozone layer extends at an altitude of 10 to 50 km with a maximum concentration at an altitude of 20–25 km and a sharp decrease up and down.

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Types of geophysical weapons GEOPHYSICAL WEAPONS Earthquake lithospheric weapons; volcanic eruptions; movement of geological formations. Hydrospheric weapon of a tsunami wave; directed tidal waves; flooding of territories; inclined processes (landslides, mudflows, avalanches). Atmospheric weapons Prolonged heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms; fogs, etc. Climatic weapons impact on snow and ice cover (at the Earth's poles); changing the temperature and humidity regime with the help of orbital power stations. Biospheric (environmental) weapons - extermination of flora, fauna, environmental pollution. Geospace (ozone) weapons

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Electromagnetic weapons can hit computer systems, electronic countermeasure systems, energy systems and other electrical equipment by generating powerful pulses of electromagnetic radiation near them (using explosive magnetic generators). (used in the spring of 1999 in Yugoslavia)

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Acoustic weapons. Sound weapons - the principle of its operation is based on the emission of sound and infra sound waves certain frequencies. The sonic cannon is capable of transmitting clear warnings for many hundreds of meters, increasing the volume of transmitted commands to an unbearable level, and thus influence the behavior of the crowd, the commands of enemy ships, groups of terrorists in buildings, etc. Shooting megaphone Powerful pulses with a frequency of 2 to 3 thousand hertz, 150 decibels can produce permanent hearing damage. People who are close to this gun lose their temper, fear, dizziness, and nausea appear. At a close distance - a mental disorder, the destruction of internal organs. They are used to disperse the crowd, cause panic in military units, protect objects from strangers.

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Information weapon - a set of technical and other means and technologies designed to: establish control over the information resources of a potential enemy; interference in the operation of its control systems and information networks, communication systems, etc. in order to disrupt their performance, up to the complete disabling, withdrawal, distortion of the data contained in them or the directed introduction of special information; dissemination of beneficial information and misinformation in the system of public opinion formation and decision-making; a set of special methods and means of influencing the consciousness and psyche of the political and military leadership, personnel of the armed forces, special services and the population of the opposing state, used to achieve superiority in information confrontation.

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Gene weapons Scientific and technological advances in the field of biotechnology in recent years have made it possible to enter a new direction in the development of this science, called evolutionary molecular ("gene") engineering. It is based on the technology of reproduction in laboratory conditions of the processes of adaptive evolution of genetic material. The application of this approach ensures the creation of flexible technologies for targeted selection and reliable production of proteins with desired properties. According to experts, genetic engineering creates the prerequisites for the development of fundamentally new methods of working with DNA and for obtaining a new generation of biotechnological products. At the same time, it should be taken into account that the use of the results of genetic research is not limited only to the possibility of obtaining modified or new types of microbes that most fully meet the requirements of biological warfare. According to foreign experts, means of destroying the human genetic apparatus or "gene weapons" can also be created. It is understood as substances of chemical or biological origin that can cause mutations (structural changes) in genes in the human body, accompanied by a violation of health or programmed behavior of people.

AT recent decades When developing the concept of modern wars, the countries of the NATO bloc attach ever greater importance to the creation of fundamentally new types of weapons. His hallmark is a damaging effect on people, which, as a rule, does not lead to death of the affected.

This type includes weapons that are capable of neutralizing or depriving the enemy of the opportunity to conduct active hostilities without significant irretrievable losses of manpower and destruction of material values.

Possible weapons based on new physical principles (ONFP), primarily non-lethal, include:

1) geophysical (meteorological, ozone, climatic);

2) radiological;

3) radio frequency;

4) laser;

5) infrasonic;

6) genetic;

7)) ethnic;

8) beam;

9 antimatter;

10) paranormal phenomena;

11) acoustic;

12) electromagnetic;

13) information and psychological;

14) thermal.

1. A serious danger to the manpower of the battlefield may arise in connection with the creation "geophysical weapon" . Its functions are based on the use of the mechanism impact on the processes occurring in the solid, liquid and gaseous shells of the Earth. In this case, the state of unstable equilibrium is of particular interest.

The operation of this weapon is supposed to be based on means that cause natural disasters (earthquakes, rainstorms, tsunamis, etc.), the destruction of the ozone layer of the atmosphere, which protects the animal and plant world from the destructive radiation of the Sun. Of particular importance for the use of such means is the atmospheric layer at an altitude of 10 to 60 kilometers.

According to the nature of the impact, geophysical weapons are sometimes divided into:

a) meteorological

b) ozone,

c) climatic.

The most studied and tested in practice action meteorological weapon is to provoke downpours in certain areas. For this, in particular, the scattering of dry ice granules, silver iodide or barium iodide, and lead in rain clouds was used. A cloud of several thousand cubic kilometers in size, carrying energy reserves of the order of a million kilowatt-hours, is usually in an unstable state, and it is enough to scatter about 1 kilogram of silver iodide over it to drastically change its state and provoke a shower. Multiple aircraft, by using hundreds kilograms of specially selected reagents able to disperse clouds over an area of several thousand square kilometers and cause heavy rainfall and floods in some regions, but at the same time create “flying” weather in others.

The results of artificial stimulation of heavy rains, which were undertaken by the United States during the Vietnam War, and also, apparently, with the help of which weather conditions were created during the war in Yugoslavia in 1999, are known.

climate weapon considered as a kind of geophysical, since climate change occurs as a result of interference with atmospheric processes of weather formation.

aim a long-term (say, ten years) use of these weapons may be a decrease in the efficiency of agricultural production of a potential enemy, a deterioration in the food supply to the population of a given region. Catastrophic consequences for the state can cause a decrease of only 1 degree average annual temperature in the area of latitudes where the bulk of the grain is produced. As a result, political and even strategic goals can be achieved without starting a war in its traditional sense.

At the same time, the use of climate weapons in one area of the world can really destroy the planet's remaining climate balance and cause significant damage to many other "uninvolved" areas, including the country that uses these weapons.

Ozone weapon associated with the use of means and methods for artificial destruction of the ozone layer over selected areas of enemy territory. The artificial formation of such "windows" will create conditions for the penetration of hard water to the surface of the earth. ultraviolet radiation Sun with a wavelength of about 0.3 micrometers. It has a detrimental effect on the cells of living organisms, cellular structures and the mechanism of heredity. Skin burns are caused, the number of cancer diseases increases sharply. It is believed that the first noticeable result of the impact will be a decrease in the productivity of animals and agricultural plants. Violation of the processes occurring in the ozonosphere may also affect the heat balance of these regions and the weather. A decrease in ozone will lead to a decrease average temperature and to an increase in humidity, which is especially dangerous for areas of unstable, critical agriculture. In this area, the ozone weapon merges with the climatic one.

2. The destructive effect of radiological weapons based on the use radioactive substances. It can be pre-cooked powder mixtures or liquid solutions substances containing radioactive isotopes of chemical elements with specially selected radiation intensity and half-life. Main source production of radioactive substances can serve waste generated during work nuclear reactors. They can also be obtained by irradiating pre-prepared substances in them. However, the operation of such weapons is complicated by a significant radioactive background, which creates the danger of exposure of service personnel. Other likely a variant of radiological weapons is the use of radioactive substances, formed directly at the moment of the explosion of a thermonuclear charge. Based on this principle American project "cobalt bomb". To do this, it was supposed to create a shell of natural cobalt around the thermonuclear charge. As a result of its irradiation with fast neutrons, the cobalt-60 isotope is formed, which has a high intensity of y-radiation with a half-life - 5.7 years. The radiation intensity of this isotope is higher than that of radium. Falling out after an explosion on the ground, it creates strong radioactive radiation.

3. At the heart of the damaging effect RF weapons located exposure of the human body to electromagnetic (radiation) radiation. Studies have shown that even with sufficiently low intensity irradiation, various disturbances and changes occur in it. In particular, the detrimental effect of radiofrequency radiation on the disruption of the rhythm of the heart, up to its stop, has been established. There were two types of impact: thermal and non-thermal. thermal exposure causes overheating of tissues and organs and with a sufficiently long radiation causes pathological changes in them. Non-thermal exposure mainly leads to functional disorders in various organs of the human body, especially in the cardiovascular and nervous systems. A similar thing happened in Russia in June 1997 at the federal nuclear center Arzamas-16 (Sarov, Nizhny Novgorod region), where there was a strong release of neutron radiation. As this case showed, the most powerful ionization was caused on the critical assembly, which led to the death of the operator.

4. Laser weapons is a powerful emitter of electromagnetic energy in the optical range - quantum generators. Striking d e The action of the laser beam is achieved by heating up to high temperatures materials, an object that causes them to melt or even evaporate, damage to sensitive elements of weapons,

blinding the organs of vision of a person and inflicting thermal burns on him skin. The action of laser radiation is characterized by suddenness, secrecy, high accuracy, straightness of propagation and practical instantaneous action. It is possible to create laser combat systems for various purposes, ground, sea, air and space-based, with different power, range, rate of fire, ammunition. The objects of destruction of such complexes can be the manpower of the enemy, his optical systems, aircraft and missiles of various types.

5. Infrasonic weapons is based on the use of sound waves with a frequency of several hertz, which can have a strong effect on the human body. Infrasonic vibrations that are below the level of perception of the human ear can cause a state of anxiety, despair and even horror.

According to some experts, the impact of infrasonic radiation on people leads to epilepsy, and with a significant radiation power, death can be achieved. Death can occur as a result of a sharp violation of body functions, damage to the cardiovascular system, destruction of blood vessels and internal organs. By selecting a certain frequency of radiation, it is possible, for example, to provoke massive manifestations of myocardial infarction in the personnel of the troops and the population of the enemy. The ability of infrasonic vibrations to penetrate concrete and metal barriers should be taken into account, which undoubtedly increases the interest of military specialists in these weapons.

6. Genetic weapons.

The development of molecular genetics has led to the possibility of creating a genetic weapon based on the implementation of DNA recombination (deoxyribonucleic acid) - carrier of genetic information. With the help of genetic engineering methods, it was possible to carry out the separation of genes and their recombination with the formation of recombinant molecules. DNA. Based on these methods, it is possible carry out gene transfer with the help of microorganisms ensure the production of potent toxins of human, animal or plant origin. By combining bacteriological and toxic agents, it is possible to create biological weapons with a modified genetic apparatus. By introducing genetic material with pronounced toxic properties Virulent bacteria or viruses can be converted into bacteriological weapons capable of causing a lethal outcome in a short time.

7. The study of the natural and genetic differences between people, their fine biochemical structure showed the possibility of creating the so-called ethnic weapons. Such a weapon in the near future will be able to affect one ethnic group of the population and be neutral towards others. This selectivity will be based on differences in blood groups, skin pigmentation, genetic structure. Research in the field of ethnic weapons can be aimed at identifying the genetic vulnerability of individual ethnic groups, and at developing special agents designed for the effective use of this ability. According to the calculations of one of the leading American physicians, R. Hamerschlag, ethnic weapons can defeat 25 - 30% of the population of the country that was attacked. Recall that such population losses in a nuclear war are considered "unacceptable", in which the country is defeated.

8. The damaging factor of beam weapons is pointed beam, charged or neutral high-energy particles - electrons, protons, neutral hydrogen atoms. The powerful flow of energy carried by the particles can create targets in the material - intense thermal impact, shock mechanical loads, destroy molecular structure human body, initiate X-ray emission. The use of beam weapons is distinguished by the instantaneous and suddenness of the damaging effect. The limiting factor in the range of this weapon is the particles of gases in the atmosphere, with atoms of which the accelerated particles interact. The most probable objects of destruction may be manpower, electronic equipment, various systems of military equipment, ballistic and cruise missiles, and spacecraft.

9. Theoretical studies in the field of nuclear physics have shown the fundamental possibility of the existence antimatter. Existence antiparticles (like positrons) has been proven experimentally. When interacting particles and antiparticles significant energy is released in the form of photons. According to calculations, the interaction of 1 milligram of antiparticles with matter releases energy equivalent to the explosion of several tens of tons of trinitrotoluene. At present, the process of not only obtaining, but also preserving antiparticles is very complicated, and the creation of weapons of mass destruction based on antimatter in the foreseeable future is unlikely.

10. In recent years, there has been a wide interest in research in the field of bioenergy, associated with the so-called human paranormal abilities. Work is underway to create various technical devices based on the energy of the biofield, i.e. specific field that exists around

living organism. Research on the possibility of creating psychotropic weapons on this basis is being carried out in several areas:

1) extrasensory perception - the perception of the properties of objects, their state, sounds, smells, thoughts of people without contact with them and without the use of ordinary sense organs;

2) telepathy - transmission of thoughts at a distance;

3) clairvoyance (far-sightedness) - observation of an object (target) that is outside the limits of visual communication;

4) mental influence causing their movement or destruction;

5) telekinesis - mental movement of a person whose body remains at rest.

11. In non-contact wars, weapons based on new physical principles can be used. - acoustic weapons. In this type of damaging effect, it is likely that the energy of acoustic radiation of a certain frequency will be used. Most likely, it can be used if it is necessary to simultaneously incapacitate the service personnel of a specific military or economic facility. The carriers of such weapons can be ground, sea, air and space precision weapons. These weapons can be delivered in the required quantities by high-precision cruise and ballistic missiles and dropped by parachute to the ground in the area of objects or penetrate inside the objects to be destroyed. Such a defeat can cause demoralization and even death of all living things, disrupt or disable those radio-electronic means that work on the principle of receiving and converting acoustic waves, destroy individual elements of certain types of weapons, military equipment and objects.

12. ONPP will receive significant development electromagnetic damage.

It will be a type of damaging effect on objects, targets due to the energy of electromagnetic radiation of various wavelengths and power levels generated by radio frequency and laser weapons, electronic countermeasures (REW) using a conventional or high-altitude nuclear explosion. Pulse flows of radio frequency electromagnetic radiation of microsecond duration and with an energy density of the order of several tens of joules per square meter can cause functional damage to electronics. Such a weapon, depending on the radiation power, will be capable of:

▪suppress almost all classical radio-electronic means (RES) operating on the principle of receiving and converting electromagnetic waves;

▪cause melting or evaporation of metal in printed circuit boards of electronics, weapons and military equipment or cause structural changes in electronic components of military equipment;

▪influence human behavior;

▪destroy living cells, disrupt biological and physiological processes in the functions of living organisms.

The carriers of such weapons can be, as already mentioned, special ground, sea, air, and subsequently space-based cruise missiles used along extremely low flight paths, and numerous unmanned vehicles. long range actions.

13. Rapid development mass media, especially electronic ones, also creates objective prerequisites for their use for military purposes. It can be predicted that in the future the battlefield will increasingly move into the area of intellectual influence on the consciousness and feelings of millions of people. By placing space relays in near-Earth orbits, an aggressor country will be able to develop and, under certain conditions, implement an information war scenario against a particular state, trying to blow it up from within. Provocative programs will not be designed for the mind, but, above all, for the emotions of people, on their sensory sphere, which is much more effective, especially with a low political culture population, poor awareness and unpreparedness for such a war. The dosed presentation of ideologically and psychologically processed provocative material, the skillful alternation of true and false information, the skillful montage of details of various fictitious explosive situations can turn into a powerful means of psychological offensive. It can be especially effective against a country in which there is social tension, interethnic, religious or class conflicts. Carefully selected information, falling on such fertile soil, maybe in short term cause panic, riots, pogroms destabilize the political situation in the country. Thus, it is possible to force the enemy to capitulate without the use of traditional weapons.

14. Thermal (thermal) damage - this is a long-known type of damaging effect on objects, targets with the help of weapons using thermal energy and, above all, open fire. Having a physical and chemical nature, thermal damage is integral part both physical and chemical species defeat, and it will certainly continue in armed struggle future. The carriers of such weapons will be high-precision cruise missiles of various bases. Thermal weapons will be represented by well-known in the ground forces flamethrowers, incendiary ammunition and fire bombs, using incendiary substances, but it is to be expected that through the use of new thermal chemicals, their capabilities will increase significantly.

In wars and armed struggle of the future, it is quite likely that radiation, electromagnetic and acoustic ONPP will also be widely used. The impact of the use of this weapon will be carried out by laser, radio frequency, infrasonic radiation, as well as electromagnetic and acoustic interference, which now have the common name electronic interference. This weapon can be used both for destruction and for short-term incapacitation with the help of interference from aerospace and naval weapons.

WEAPONS BASED ON NEW PHYSICAL PRINCIPLES

Nikolai Nikolaevich Antonenchik

Novosibirsk Higher Military Command School, 630117, Novosibirsk, st. Ivanova, d. 49, senior lecturer of the department "Armament and Military equipment", tel. 89537979600, email: [email protected]

The article reveals samples of weapons working on new principles. Their analysis and directions for further development are given.

Key words: weapon, opponent.

ARMS ON NEW PHYSICAL PRINCIPLES

Nicholay N. Antonenchik

Novosibirsk Higher Military Command School, Novosibirsk, 630117, 49 Ivanova, senior teacher, department the “Armament and Military Equipment”, tel. 89537979600, e-mail: [email protected]

The article describes examples of work-ing of weapons based on new principles. Provides analysis and directions for further development.

Key words: weapon, enemy.

Along with the development of traditional types of weapons in many countries, much attention is paid to the creation of non-traditional weapons or, as it is more common to say, weapons based on new physical principles.

A weapon based on new physical principles (ONFP) is a type of weapon whose action is based on the use of directed high-energy radiation and fields, neutral or charged particles, as well as other non-traditional methods of complete or partial destruction of manpower, military equipment, objects or enemy territory.

Some types of such weapons can be classified as weapons of mass destruction. Its application will lead to a new dangerous and revolutionary leap in military affairs.

Laser weapon (LO) is a type of directed energy weapon based on the use of electromagnetic radiation from high-energy lasers. The striking effect of LO is determined mainly by the thermomechanical and shock-pulse effect of the laser beam on the target.

Depending on the density of the laser radiation flux, these effects can lead to temporary blinding of a person or to the destruction of the body of a rocket, aircraft, etc.

The complex is based on an oxygen-iodine laser with an output radiation power of several megawatts. According to experts, it will have a range of up to 400 km.

Work on the study of the possibility of creating X-ray lasers does not stop.

As of the beginning of the 21st century, tactical laser weapons were considered the most developed, ensuring the defeat of optoelectronic means and human organs of vision.

Accelerator (beam) weapon - this weapon is based on the use of narrow beams of charged or neutral particles generated by various types of accelerators, both ground-based and space-based.

The defeat of various objects and a person is determined by radiation (ionizing) and thermomechanical effects. Beam tools can destroy the shells of aircraft hulls, hit ballistic missiles and space objects by disabling on-board electronic equipment. It is assumed that with the help of a powerful flow of electrons, it is possible to detonate ammunition with explosives, melt the nuclear charges of the warheads of the ammunition.

Work on accelerating weapons based on charged particle (electron) beams is being carried out in the interests of creating air defense systems for ships, as well as for mobile tactical land installations.

Infrasonic weapons are one of the types of ONFP based on the use of directed radiation of powerful infrasonic vibrations.

Prototypes of such weapons already exist and have been repeatedly considered as a possible subject for testing.

According to studies conducted in some countries, infrasonic vibrations can affect the central nervous system and digestive organs, causing paralysis, vomiting and spasms, leading to general malaise and pain in the internal organs, and at higher levels at frequencies of a few hertz - to dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness, and sometimes to blindness and even death.

Prototypes of infrasonic weapons have already been used in Yugoslavia. The so-called "acoustic bomb" produced sound vibrations of very low frequency.

RF weapons

In recent years, research has intensified biological action electromagnetic radiation. The main place in research is given to the impact on people of electromagnetic radiation in the radio frequency range from extremely low (^ = 3-30 Hz) to ultra-high (^ = 3-30 GHz).

Exposure to the brain of radio waves in the frequency range of 0.3-3 GHz (decimeter waves) at an intensity of up to 2 MW / cm2 causes a feeling of whistling, buzzing, buzzing, clicking, disappearing with appropriate shielding. It has also been established that powerful electromagnetic radiation can cause severe burns and blinding.

A geophysical weapon is a weapon whose lethal effect is based on military use. natural phenomena and processes caused by artificial means. Depending on the environment in which these processes occur, it is divided into atmospheric, lithospheric, hydrospheric, biospheric and ozone.

Atmospheric (weather) weapons are the most studied type of geophysical weapons today. In relation to atmospheric weapons, its damaging factors are various kinds of atmospheric processes and the weather and climatic conditions associated with them, on which life can depend, both in individual regions and on the entire planet.

Conducting experiments by a number of researchers showed that in some seismically hazardous regions of the Earth, using ground or underground nuclear explosions of relatively low power, earthquakes can be initiated, which can lead to catastrophic consequences.

Hydrospheric weapons are based on the use of the energy of the hydrosphere for military purposes. The hydrosphere is a discontinuous water shell of the Earth, located between the atmosphere and the solid earth's crust (lithosphere). It is a collection of oceans, seas and surface waters.

The use of the energy of the hydrosphere for military purposes is possible when hydro resources (oceans, seas, rivers, lakes) and hydraulic structures are affected not only by nuclear explosions, but also by large charges of conventional explosives. The damaging factors of hydrospheric weapons will be strong waves and flooding.

Artificially caused soil erosion, death of vegetation, irreparable damage to flora and fauna due to the use of various kinds of chemicals, incendiary weapons can lead to a catastrophic change in the biosphere and, as a result, mass destruction of people.

Ozone weapons are based on the use of ultraviolet radiation energy emitted by the Sun. Shielding ozone

the layer extends at an altitude of 10 to 50 km with a maximum concentration at an altitude of 20-25 km and a sharp decrease up and down.

Partial destruction of the ozone layer over the territory of the enemy, the artificial creation of temporary "windows" in the protective ozone layer can lead to damage to the population, animals and flora in the planned area of the globe due to the impact of high doses of hard UV radiation and other radiation of cosmic origin.

Thus, an analysis of recent studies in the field of geophysical impact on the environment indicates the likelihood of the appearance in the 21st century of fundamentally new approaches to the technology of creating certain types of geophysical weapons.

Gene weapons

Scientific and technical achievements in the field of biotechnology in recent years have made it possible to enter a new direction in the development of this science, called evolutionary molecular ("gene") engineering. It is based on the technology of reproduction in laboratory conditions of the processes of adaptive evolution of genetic material.

A special type of genetic weapon is the so-called ethnic weapon - a weapon with a selective genetic factor. It is designed to defeat primarily certain ethnic and racial groups of the population.

Annihilation weapons are one of the possible, but so far hypothetical types of ONPP, the action of which is based on the process of annihilation (interconversion) of particles with the release a large number energy.

Kinetic weapons

Western experts in their plans to re-equip the armed forces with the aim of increasing their power, mobility and expanding combat capabilities, among the researched weapons systems based on new physical principles, attach great importance to the creation of means of armed struggle based on electrodynamic mass accelerators or electric guns, the main attractive feature of which is the achievement of hypersonic destruction speeds, including without the use of special combat units.

Non-lethal weapon.

Non-lethal (non-lethal) weapons are understood as means of influencing people and equipment, created on the basis of chemical, biological, physical and other principles that make the enemy incompetent for a certain time.

Non-lethal weapons developed in NATO countries include the following types.

Acoustic weapons are small-sized powerful generators operating in the infrasonic and sonic frequency ranges. Designed to defeat people, including those in shelters and equipment.

Electromagnetic weapons - generators of electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range, designed to destroy mainly electrical equipment.

Blinding weapons - sources of coherent and incoherent optical radiation to disable optoelectronic equipment and damage the organs of vision.

Chemicals - aerosol formulations of psychotropic drugs, various foaming, adhesive and quick-hardening compounds, active chemical agents, inhibitors and activators of oxidation reactions that can disrupt the molecular structure of metal alloys, ammunition components and rubber products.

Biological agents - microorganisms modified using genetic engineering methods that have specific properties to disrupt the structure of metal alloys, ammunition components and rubber products, to turn fuels and lubricants into a jelly-like mass.

Means of informational psychological impact on the individual and organized teams.

Separate samples of non-lethal weapons were used in armed conflicts in Somalia, Haiti, and Iraq.

Means of information warfare

under the term " information war» means a set of measures aimed at preventing unauthorized use, damage or destruction of elements of one’s own information infrastructure (AI), as well as the use, violation of the integrity or destruction of enemy AI elements in order to ensure information superiority in peacetime, as well as at various stages of preparation and maintenance military operations.

In NATO countries, issues of further development and principles for the use of non-lethal weapons are widely discussed. This is due to the significant expansion of the participation of the armed forces of the countries of the bloc in various kinds of regional conflicts and peacekeeping operations. Faced with irregular armed formations conducting combat operations in unconventional ways, the units either fail to cope with their tasks or suffer unreasonably large losses.

#weapon #armament #defense

The latest military technologies have been exciting the minds of people interested in military topics for a long time. Most of the news stories come from across the ocean, talking about successful tests of either combat lasers, or electromagnetic bombs that destroy any electronics, or hypersonic weapons capable of striking anywhere in the world with non-nuclear ammunition, or "rail" guns. When they talk about the successes of the Americans in the field of creating the latest military systems, they almost always emphasize the thesis about how far the “pale-faced brothers” have gone from us in the field of advanced technologies, and if they mention domestic successes, then with indispensable regret about the missed or lost Soviet potential .

Well, let's see how far behind we are and what we can boast of. Here one should take into account the limited information about the most advanced developments and their entry into the troops. It is due to the traditional for us "vulture" of these topics. However, even from open and declassified sources, a fairly complete picture can be drawn up.

First, about laser weapons. In the Soviet Union, it was developed according to the type of placement on the ground, in the air, on surface ships and in space. The purpose of the complexes was also different.

Not so long ago, the self-propelled laser complex 1K17 "Compression" was declassified (a sample is even exhibited at the Military Technical Museum). The task of the complex was to counter optoelectronic systems for monitoring and controlling weapons. That is, it was intended to "burn out" any optics with guidance on its glare.

By the way, in the field of detection of optics based on the principle of retroreflection, we have long been ahead of foreign developments. Such systems are regularly included in the LMS of armored vehicles and helicopters. To detect sniper and reconnaissance optics, as well as ATGM control optics, the Prizrak-M, PAPV, Luch-1M, MIF-350, Sanya MSOOR, etc. products are mass-produced. counter suppression (flare) has also been implemented, some simply serve for counter-sniper combat and reconnaissance.

But back to Compression. Work on it was really curtailed in the 90s, in connection with which a lot of tears were shed in the press about how mediocre we “profaned” the Soviet legacy. The installation of such systems on American equipment, including light ones, is invariably cited as an example. At the same time, it is forgotten that, for example, the installation of the AN / VLO -7 system on the BRM M3 "Bradley" was abandoned due to its bulkiness and high cost. And for the same reasons, the Compression program was curtailed: a hefty tracked vehicle had a cosmic cost, which limited its mass character. But to say that the groundwork for this technique has disappeared is somewhat premature. The main developer of the system, NPO Astrophysics, quite openly posts data on the “complex for the remote destruction of explosive devices and demining”, “a laser beam control system for detecting, tracking and influencing several targets ... including space ones”. And the data on government contracts show that the company carried out a number of works in the period from 2002 to 2006, including on high-power lasers and long-range laser radars.

Well, and more about laser suppression equipment already entering the troops. The complex of electronic warfare and protection of the Infauna units includes, in addition to traditional means of radio reconnaissance and radio suppression, optoelectronic reconnaissance and suppression systems that allow you to effectively deal not only with radio-controlled mine-explosive devices, but also with attack weapons using optical guidance (for example, ATGMs) or optical means of reconnaissance. It also provides suppression of enemy communications. It operates as part of battalion-level electronic warfare units. Four complexes were received by the Svir Airborne Forces and units of the Airborne Forces of the Southern Military District, the crews are being trained at the interspecific training center for training specialists and electronic warfare units of the Russian Armed Forces.

If we talk about combat lasers placed on aircraft, then the priority should again be given to us.

In 2008, the Americans loudly rejoiced at the successful tests under the ABL (Airborne laser) program. A 1-3-megawatt combat laser was installed on board a military Boeing 747-400 and, during tests, successfully "heated" the target with its partial destruction. Previously, the Americans tested the NKC-135A, but the power of the installation was limited to 0.4-0.5 MW, the mass and volume of the working fluid and hydrocarbon fuel stored on board limited the operating time of the laser to 20-30 seconds, and the range did not exceed 5 km.

While we have been flying a megawatt laser since the beginning of the 80s (the A-60 complex aboard the Il-76MD), little is known about the progress of the tests, but the “work” was carried out both on ground targets and stratospheric balloons, and on air targets La-17. It is known that the first of three test boards burned down in 1989. On the other two, tests are being carried out according to modified programs jointly by the Almaz-Antey State Design Bureau and the TANTK named after G. M. Beriev. Representatives of Almaz-Antey (in particular, Alexander IGNATIEV) talked about a new model of an airborne laser complex "to counter in the infrared region of the spectrum the reconnaissance means of a possible enemy on land, at sea, in the air and in space."

That is, unlike the Americans, missile defense is not initially a priority. This should be recognized as the right approach, since the physical destruction of a target with a laser is a more difficult task, the solution of which is strongly influenced by the state of the atmosphere and the parameters of the target itself, moreover, it initially requires a large installation power; to raise a sufficiently powerful laser into the air is more difficult than to create it on the ground or install it on a ship. Disabling the equipment does not require such pointing accuracy, which is needed to destroy the target, possibly with a laser of lower power and does not require long-term and accurate focusing on the object, allowing you to solve the problem in the scanning mode. And if the domestic program continues, then the ABL program was closed by the Americans due to its high cost and low practical applicability - the B747-400F went to the cemetery in February of this year.

Deploying combat lasers at sea also has its complications. Here, weather and atmospheric disturbances are much more pronounced than at high altitude.

Despite this, in the 1980s, we tested a combat laser on board the Dikson experimental ship (it is often called "Admiral Gorshkov's hyperboloid"). The Akvilon shipborne laser complex was supposed to hit coastal targets. However, during tests in the summer of 1980, it turned out that most of the beam energy was “eaten” by evaporation of moisture from the sea surface, which is why the efficiency was only 5 percent. And, despite the fact that the laser managed to heat the coastal target at a distance of about 4 km, the program was curtailed, considering it more promising to work with sea-based beam weapons. Here, with the help of accelerators of charged or neutral particles (electrons, protons, neutral hydrogen atoms), a stream is formed, which is then focused into a narrow beam. Having a high energy, such a beam is capable of radiation (ionizing) and thermomechanical effects to destroy the shells of aircraft and ballistic missiles, initiate X-rays, disable on-board electronic equipment, damage the molecular structure of the human body, besides, the influence of atmospheric factors on it is minimal.

It is known that the Radio Engineering Institute named after academician A.L. Mints (RTI), MRTI, and a number of other institutions have been dealing with beam weapons since the 60s. Very little is known about what exactly is being done in this area - which suggests that the direction remains promising. Indirect confirmation of their success is the work carried out by the Americans on the study of special reflective coatings for anti-ship missiles, as well as fragmentary reports on the testing of weapons "based on new physical principles" at naval facilities. Also, this wording appears in some statements by representatives of the Russian state, Serdyukov, for example, even spoke about the inclusion of such studies in the state arms program for 2011-2012. But the wording itself is not new - back in 1976, a department was created at the 4th Main Directorate of the Moscow Region "to control the development of weapons and equipment based on new physical principles" (ONFP), so it should be considered that research areas and programs have only been resumed or gained perspective due to changes in political priorities. But until open information is released to the press, it is pointless to talk about specific samples.

We have been developing ground-based laser systems since 1975, when a number of systems were tested. At the same time, intensive work was carried out to develop tracking of space targets and ballistic missiles. Field tests were carried out at object 2505 ("Terra" - the work of NPO "Astrophysics") in relation to anti-missile and anti-satellite defense and object 2506 ("Omega" - the work of NPO Almaz) in relation to air defense. Both are at the Sary-Shagan training ground in the Kazakh SSR. The choice of the place was determined by the climatic feature - there was a clear sky over the landfill for most of the year. And as you know, the effectiveness of laser systems is strongly influenced by atmospheric phenomena.

Work on the anti-satellite and anti-missile program was headed by Nobel Prize winner in physics Nikolai Gennadievich Basov. In 1994, he assessed its results as follows: “Well, we have firmly established that no one can shoot down a BR warhead with a laser beam, and we have greatly advanced lasers ...”.

The effectiveness of installations in influencing space objects can be illustrated by interesting case. Marshal Soviet Union D.F. Ustinov suggested using a laser complex to accompany the American shuttle. And on October 10, 1984, during the 13th flight of the Challenger, when its turns in orbit passed over the Balkhash region, the experiment took place. The 5N26 / LE-1 laser radar measured the parameters of the target when operating in the detection mode with a minimum radiation power. The altitude of the ship's orbit was 365 km, the slant detection and tracking range was 400-800 km. Communication on the shuttle suddenly turned off, equipment malfunctioned and the astronauts felt unwell. When the Americans began to figure out what had happened, they realized that the crew had been subjected to some kind of artificial influence from the USSR. An official protest was made. In the future, the laser installation and radio-technical complexes, which have a high energy potential, were not used to accompany the shuttles.

In the 90s, all work at the landfills was curtailed, the equipment was taken to the territory of Russia, and some of the facilities were blown up. However, the experience gained as a result of the program was not lost. From the beginning of the 2000s, the commissioning of new complexes began: "Window" - Mount Sanglok (Nurek in Tajikistan), and "Window-S" - Mount Lysaya (Spasko-Dalnee in Far East). As well as the complexes "Krona" in the North Caucasus and "Krona-N" - also in the Far East. The functions of the complexes sound like purely peaceful - "control and measuring optoelectronic complexes for tracking space objects." The fact that the tracking is carried out by laser systems, which are a further development of the Terra program, does not at all speak of their combat mission. And since 2009, there has been a modernization of the complexes and the construction of additional installations, which should increase their capabilities.

Work on "Omega" was also successful. After testing stationary installations, the 74T6 mobile complex was created at NPO Almaz. He successfully worked on RUM-2B targets in flight. However, restrictions on atmospheric conditions of use also applied here. Here is what Pyotr Vasilyevich Zarubin, who oversaw the work on the line of the Ministry of Defense, said about the test results: “... and what can be said about Omega, I will answer that today there are no doubts of a scientific and technical nature that such a target as an aircraft can be hit ground-based laser beam of sufficient power (energy). But this is true only in the absence of clouds ... ". In general, this was the reason for curtailing the program.

However, even here it cannot be said that experience was lost without development. NPO Almaz (now the Almaz-Antey concern) supplied several MLTK-50 mobile complexes for Gazprom. In fact, this is a 74T6 product, only without an aiming system for air targets. Gazprom's "hyperboloid" is, in general, a purely peaceful machine designed for emergency cutting of metal structures and reinforced concrete at a great distance (well, if, for example, it blazes on a drilling platform). However, here's what's interesting. The photographs of the English-language press release presented at MAKS-2003 showed how Gazprom's hyperboloid shoots down a small airplane! At the same time, the complex was presented precisely by a defense enterprise, and not by the Troitsk Institute for Innovative and Thermonuclear Research (TRINITI), whose list of purely peaceful products inspires respect.

The original task for Soviet combat space systems was to fight American military spacecraft. The first Soviet maneuvering satellites ("Polyot-1" and "Polyot-2") were tested back in 1963 and 1964. Orbital intercepts took place on 11/01/1968 (the Kosmos-252 target satellite was destroyed) and 12/03/1971 (the Kosmos-462 target satellite was destroyed).

The Americans also tested anti-satellite systems, but lagged noticeably behind in this area. This led to the signing in 1972 between the USSR and the USA of an agreement on the limitation of strategic weapons and anti-missile defense systems, which also limited anti-satellite systems. Concerning Soviet program testing was curtailed ... But not quite.

As part of the Salyut manned program (military stations of the Almaz series were also launched under this name), we launched a number of manned stations into orbit above the bar limited by the agreement. Taking into account that during the design of "Diamonds" in the United States, work was carried out on the creation of various kinds of space interceptors, measures were taken at the station to protect against such spacecraft. The Salyut-3 station (Almaz-2) was also equipped with a 23-mm automatic cannon designed by the Nudelman design bureau for firing in a vacuum (Shield-1 system). In January 1975, she even shot. Salyut-5 has already received the Shield-2 system, with two space-to-space missiles. In the future, it was planned to test on the basis of long-term orbital station a variant with both laser (the Skif program) and missile weapons (the Cascade program). The laser system was planned to be used to blind American satellites, the missile system to destroy them.

Work on Skif progressed with delays, but maneuvering satellites to combat military spacecraft were tested quite successfully. So, during the “Shield-82” exercises, nicknamed in the West “The Seven Hour Nuclear War”, in addition to launching ballistic missiles and interceptor missiles (the warheads of two UR-100 ICBMs were successfully intercepted by two A-350R interceptor missiles), launches of space interceptors were also practiced. . The exercises made an indelible impression on the US military leadership. They became one of the reasons why R. Reagan launched the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) program on March 23, 1983.

But the laser part of the program stalled and was revised many times. But despite the statement Secretary General The Central Committee of the CPSU Yu. V. Andropov on the unilateral termination of tests of missile defense systems, work continued. Refusing to use manned vehicles as a carrier, the designers took the path of using automatic ones. A draft of the 17F19 Skif apparatus was prepared for testing various combat systems, for example, the 1K11 Stiletto product (the predecessor of the 1K17 Compression ground complex), which was an infrared laser. The first was to be the Polus satellite (Skif-DM), a demonstration model.

Contrary to popular belief that the Pole had a combat laser or only an aiming system for a group of targets launched into orbit by the device itself, all this was dismantled before launch for political reasons. But when you read the memoirs of people involved in the creation of the device with a list of the remaining experiments, you involuntarily begin to wonder if a laser was needed at all. In a series of three geophysical experiments (GF-1/1, GF-1/2 and GF-1/3), it was planned to obtain the generation of artificial gravity waves of the upper atmosphere (GF-1/1), the creation of an artificial "dynamo effect" in the earth ionosphere (GF-1/2) and the creation of large-scale ion formations in iono- and plasmaspheres (GF-1/3)!

However, the Pion-K sighting system with a laser-electron telescope and a group of targets was actually tested in 1985 on the Cosmos-1686 apparatus (the fourth sample of the TKS transport-functional ship docked with the Salyut-7 station) and was planned as standard on the Spektr module of the Mir station. The sighting system worked on objects on the Earth (experiment "Surface"), on the surface of the ocean ("Zebra"), on flying objects in the atmosphere ("Shell"), as well as on corner reflectors fired from the side of the vehicle. The actual defeat of these objects was not carried out, since the combat systems were to be tested in the course of subsequent experiments already on the basis of a new platform. The sighting system was supposed to become universal for laser, missile and other combat systems. And if this program were implemented, the Soviet Union would receive a powerful tool for monitoring both the earth's surface and near-Earth space. But ... the program was buried a little earlier than the Soviet Union. This happened not without the participation of the last Secretary-General. But first things first.

"Pole" ("Skif-DM") was supposed to be launched into orbit in the first launch of the heavy launch vehicle "Energy", which later became the "horse of Buran", and was fixed in the same way as "Buran" on the outer side (the device was not small). On February 3, 1987, it was docked with a launch vehicle. However, the start command had to wait three and a half months (for 100 days of standing on the UKSS, the device had to endure the most extreme climatic conditions - temperatures from -27 to + 30ºC, blizzards, sleet, rain, fog and dust storms). But the timing of the launch did not depend on technology or weather conditions, but on higher authorities. Fearing to compromise the peacekeeping statements of the country's leadership, the State Commission constantly reviewed the program of scientific research in orbit and, as a result, canceled it all. We decided only to launch the Skif-DM into orbit, and a month later bring it into the atmosphere over a desert area Pacific Ocean. Part of the equipment began to be dismantled directly on a site not equipped for this, at a height of 11 m above the launch pad, next to a fully fueled vehicle.

On May 11, 1987, Gorbachev himself flew to the cosmodrome. Here is what Major General Anatoly Pavlovich Zavalishin, who conducted the tour of the distinguished guest, writes about this visit:

“... I did not resist and immediately continued the report. He explained the purpose and actual shortcomings of the IS satellite (silo-based interceptor satellite - A.G.), while not forgetting to report Lady Thatcher's fear-dislike for this old satellite. Then he turned to a single satellite of the “Outfit” system and characterized the first mock-up of a satellite for missile defense, the idea of which was proposed at one time by V.N. Chelomey, and the development in given time carried out by D.A. Polukhin. Gorbachev was interested in the layout of the active countermeasures satellite. Seeing this, I immediately applied for permission to test the chosen principle, recalling that the US had already conducted ASAT experiments with the destruction of its spent satellites. He promised that we would come up with any legend and arrange the experiment in such a way that “a mosquito will not undermine the nose.” But Gorbachev advised to conduct all tests and verification of the principle of targeting and control not in space, but in the direction of the center of the Earth (the allegorical name of the funeral procedure - A.G.). I could not agree with such a turn, entered into a debate, reminding the Secretary General that politics is politics, but you need to have a weapon that is at least as good as the existing models of equipment of a potential enemy. He reminded me of the Second World War and the initial attitude towards the Katyushas, but Gorbachev launched into confusing wordy explanations, the result of which was a polite but firm refusal. The guests present and the command did not interfere in the conversation and did not express their opinion and attitude to this issue.

The military department understood that the Energiya-Buran system was very expensive to perform its protective functions and, moreover, vulnerable. Therefore, it supported the project of D.A. Polukhin and authorized the creation of several experimental installations of the Outfit type. The essence of the project: in order to solve the strategic task (protecting the Soviet Union from a sudden massive nuclear strike), the designer proposed the option of creating a space echelon of the country's anti-missile defense based on interceptor missiles (combat missiles installed in silo launchers, with combat space heads, i.e. with space attack satellites that hit a target located on the Earth, in the air, in near-Earth orbit or de-orbiting to the Earth). A deployed anti-missile defense could successfully protect the Earth from meteorites and large fragments of any stars, planets, etc. …

The General Secretary of the Central Committee of the CPSU was very pleased with what he saw and heard. The visit-conversation time with the guests exceeded the stipulated time twice. In conclusion, M.S. Gorbachev lamented: “It’s a pity that I didn’t know all this before Reykjavik!”

Gorbachev inspected the Skif-DM, which was ready for launch. By that time, it was already called the “carrier rocket with the Polyus payload model”. showed it chief designer Boris Ivanovich Gubanov:

“... No one told the testers that the Secretary General would come. But when the checks turned into a senseless repetition and a waste of equipment and service equipment, we were hinted at the reason “ creative work". The so-called two-day readiness is, in fact, the beginning of refueling the rocket with components, starting with cooling down tanks, tanks and lines ...

... After getting off the bus, greeted those meeting, Gorbachev said, addressing me: “The Politburo will not allow you to launch this rocket ...” Dumbfounded by this, I did not clarify or try to understand the reason for such a decision he had formed. The statement on behalf of the supreme body was apparently discussed in advance ...

... The last thesis of Gorbachev answered us all questions regarding our future. It became clear what awaits “Energy”… The times of N.S. That is why the decision of the Politburo to launch Energia was needed...

Speaking at the Palace on May 13, Gorbachev said:

“... Our course towards peaceful space is not a sign of weakness. It is an expression of the peaceful foreign policy of the Soviet Union. We offer the international community cooperation in the exploration of peaceful outer space. We oppose the arms race, including in space... Our interests here coincide with the interests of the American people, and with the interests of other peoples of the world...”

However, permission to start was given in between times, during lunch. Already on May 15 (until the Secretary General changed his mind) the rocket was launched. The launch and separation of the apparatus went smoothly, but the exhausted satellite's stabilization engines could not stop the rotation, and, without gaining the required orbital speed, it fell into the waters of the Pacific Ocean. This ended the program. One can only guess how the implementation of the program of influence on physical properties shells of the Earth and the program of combat space systems on the balance of power in the Cold War. Based on the above examples, one should note the natural consequence of the Americans' peace initiatives at the moments of their technological backwardness.

To complete the picture, we should dwell a little on other military space programs. The Outfit satellite mentioned by Zavalishin was part of a large-scale program to create a universal “attack satellite” capable of hitting both ground targets and those maneuvering in the atmosphere and in near-Earth orbit. The development took place at the Khrunichev Center. Despite the loss of interest on the part of the state, it continued in the 1990s - as always, "on its own initiative." The next mention refers to 2002, when during a visit to the Center, Putin was shown the results of the work. As a result, the Ministry of Defense was instructed to "deal with the Outfit: is there a need, and if so, what funds will be required for this." The results of the assessment are naturally unknown, but later similar programs are mentioned in connection with the use of Angara launch vehicles from the Plesetsk cosmodrome. And in 2009, when Popovkin announced the development of anti-satellite weapons in Russia, it was said that “the groundwork for the Naryad-VN and Naryad-VR rocket and space systems based on interceptor missiles (combat missiles, installed in mine launchers, with combat space heads, i.e. with space attack satellites)”. Probably, the work is financed among several programs for missile defense and the development of the Military Space Forces.