Less than two months have passed since American scientists demonstrated the first practically usable example of a "microwave gun" for non-lethal destruction of the enemy, as it became known about the Russian analogue of this system. The development of the domestic analogue of the American ADS (Active Denial System) took place in an atmosphere of secrecy and its existence became known only in recent days.
For several years, the 12th Central Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense, located in the city of Sergiev Posad, Moscow Region, was engaged in the creation of a combat generator of microwave radiation. The principle of operation of the new installation is simple and straightforward: the emitting antenna creates a relatively narrow beam of microwave radiation with a width of about 5-10 degrees. Radiation, falling on a person, affects the water in the upper layers of the skin, as a result of which the person begins to experience a strong burning sensation in the "attacked" area of the body. Depending on the distance to the emitter, a person caught in the beam either cannot continue any actions and immediately tries to hide from the effects of the installation, or experiences some discomfort.
Currently, the pilot plant has gone for testing, which will last for several months. During the tests, it is planned to fully work out all aspects of the operation and use of the generator, and at the same time establish the actual characteristics. So, at present, the declared effective range of the "battle" is 250-300 meters. However, from the words of representatives of the 12th Central Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense, the fact may follow that the range of the combat microwave generator may depend on the wishes of the customer. Colonel D. Soskov, deputy head of the department of the Central Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense, claims that in order to ensure an effective irradiation range of up to three hundred meters, the device must have such dimensions that it can be transported by Gazelle cars, Tiger armored cars or similar equipment. Probably, it is possible to create even a manual emitting device with a "pistol" irradiation distance.
According to the developers, the new "microwave cannon" can be useful in various local conflicts, when civilians may be injured when firing at the enemy. Another potential application of the installation concerns unauthorized mass gatherings. In this case, it can be used in tandem with water cannons and other special equipment. In other words, the microwave generator can be used in any conditions where it is required to suppress enemy resistance and prevent human casualties, including in the ranks of the enemy.
Unfortunately, very little is known about the new development of the 12th Central Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense. However, one can already imagine its prospects. First of all, it is worth noting the conceptual features of the project. It is obvious that the microwave generator is a revolutionary new piece of equipment for our country. At the same time, although it is a fairly new and interesting development on a global scale, it is not the first one. So, the first reports about the American ADS appeared almost 15 years ago, and the first copy was demonstrated this winter. At the same time, both systems have the same disadvantages due to their similarity. The main one concerns the "breakdown power" of microwave emitters. The fact is that at a certain relatively short distance from the antenna of the installation, the radiation power decreases to such a level that almost any object can serve as a screen. For example, you can hide behind tight clothing. If you cannot completely close yourself from radiation, then at least you will be able to significantly reduce the effect of microwaves on your skin. Therefore, microwave emitters are practically not applicable in a military environment. The fact is that the body of soldiers of most countries of the world in full "vestments" is almost completely closed. The form and equipment does not cover only the face and hands, and even then, sometimes these body parts are also hidden. In addition, the body can be covered with a bulletproof vest, a vest-unloading, pouches, etc. As a result, it will be very difficult for the beam to break through to the skin of the enemy fighter and cause him at least some inconvenience. Finally, the cross on the use of such an installation in the troops puts the ratio of dimensions and range. It is hardly worth bringing a radiator to the battlefield with a range not exceeding the distance of an automatic shot. Alternatively, you can install all the equipment on an armored chassis, but not everything is good here either: a simple grenade launcher or an ATGM operator will stop the operation of a non-lethal generator, because its firing range is also greater than that of an antenna on an armored chassis.
Since the use of a military microwave emitter against a well-organized and equipped army is associated with a host of almost unavoidable problems, it is possible to irradiate a less serious enemy. They, for example, may be some poorly organized armed formation similar to the rebel units during the war in Libya. However, our country simply does not make sense to create special weapons to combat such an enemy. As practice shows, they can be easily destroyed with existing weapons. All that remains is the dispersal of the rallies. It is noteworthy that the creators of the American ADS, probably in the light of the actions of the Occupy movement, calls their development primarily a means of maintaining order in an urban environment. Probably, the domestic generator is unlikely to fit for something else. But even here, unfortunately for the generator and fortunately for the participants in unauthorized actions, the prospects for the microwave "gun" look rather unclear. Practice clearly demonstrates that the available funds are quite enough for the Russian OMON to suppress unauthorized mass events. Moreover, in many cases even batons and shields are not used, not to mention water cannons or traumatic ammunition.
It turns out that the development of the 12th Central Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense turns out to be useless to anyone? It seems to be, although there is some reason for optimism. The fact is that in many countries it is regularly necessary to suppress riots, including with the use of special equipment. They would need some new technology. From this we can conclude that the domestic military microwave generator has much more export prospects than the chances of being used by the Russian security forces. Of course, in domestic practice there have not yet been cases when any development was sent for export without being adopted by itself. Most likely, sooner or later, the "microwave cannon" will also be adopted, but the Russian security forces will not order a large number. Let's hope that foreign countries will be interested in it, which will not allow the project to close as unnecessary.
Regardless of the prospects for the microwave generator developed at the 12th Central Research Institute of the Moscow Region, this design is of interest. And not only in the quality of any, but a combat system. It should be noted that the development of such equipment must necessarily affect the state of the entire radio-electronic industry of the country. It is no secret that this sector of Russian industry lags far behind foreign competitors, so even a deliberately export project can spur it up well. In addition, the creation of conceptually new weapons systems directly fits into the plans of the Ministry of Defense on "weapons on new principles." Who knows, maybe some of the know-how obtained during the development of the "microwave gun" will soon be applied on the first domestic rail gun or means for reliable interception of unmanned aerial vehicles.
