and just plan scary

From my understanding, the electric shield can deflect virtually anything, regardless of its magnetism.

Well its just that after reading the article, and unless I missed a part, it seems they have only tested it against weapons that use copper shaped charges.  And while in theory it should be able to do it for just about anything else, those theories can change quickly in a live fire test.  It would be cool to see everything get thrown at this technology so it can be perfected and deployed as quickly as possible.  

Another thing is they mention power consumption isnt really an issue, but then its operated by a switch.  Why cant it just be on all the time?  Why take the chance that the driver doesnt flip the switch. 

I would assume that the activation of the defense system would require at least some decent power draw from the vehicles' power plant.... Possibly enough to require activation of the system for certain periods of time.

From my understanding, the electric field generated when an incoming round is fired, would create a current in the ammo (as all ammo is conductive metal), causing it to lose kinetic energy, and heat up prior to hitting the armor. You *could* nullify this with non-conductive ammo, but unfortunately, the ballistics of such rounds are not usable in military scenarios. I guess the only way to overcome such a force field would be sheer brute strength, if it really works as advertised. ....

Could you imagine a scenario with dozens of terrorists shooting at a Bradley, only for it to come out of a fight unscathed?

Not directly related, but I came across this project whilst researching at University a few weeks ago. I thought it was an great concept...

Actually I would suspect the voltage is pretty high. So anything used in this fashion would have to have insulative properties similar to what is already employed in the tank.I suspect that most materials of this class aren't suitable for use against the tank and it certainly would be expensive to make and have to come from one of the big military powers.

mrstickball said: I would assume that the activation of the defense system would require at least some decent power draw from the vehicles' power plant.... Possibly enough to require activation of the system for certain periods of time. From my understanding, the electric field generated when an incoming round is fired, would create a current in the ammo (as all ammo is conductive metal), causing it to lose kinetic energy, and heat up prior to hitting the armor. You *could* nullify this with non-conductive ammo, but unfortunately, the ballistics of such rounds are not usable in military scenarios. I guess the only way to overcome such a force field would be sheer brute strength, if it really works as advertised. .... Could you imagine a scenario with dozens of terrorists shooting at a Bradley, only for it to come out of a fight unscathed?

Exactly, the technology is impressive, which is probably why the Pentagon is interested.  More military spending!!!!!   YES!!!    

Vetteman94 said: mrstickball said: I would assume that the activation of the defense system would require at least some decent power draw from the vehicles' power plant.... Possibly enough to require activation of the system for certain periods of time. From my understanding, the electric field generated when an incoming round is fired, would create a current in the ammo (as all ammo is conductive metal), causing it to lose kinetic energy, and heat up prior to hitting the armor. You *could* nullify this with non-conductive ammo, but unfortunately, the ballistics of such rounds are not usable in military scenarios. I guess the only way to overcome such a force field would be sheer brute strength, if it really works as advertised. .... Could you imagine a scenario with dozens of terrorists shooting at a Bradley, only for it to come out of a fight unscathed? Exactly, the technology is impressive, which is probably why the Pentagon is interested.  More military spending!!!!!   YES!!!

To be fair, it may induce less spending. If the shielding works, it would mean that there is a lower likelihood of damage/destruction to combat vehicles, insuring that less money is needing to be spent on new vehicles.

Interesting stuff. There are alternatives to copper-based shaped charge anti-tank rounds that might be loaded into heavy cannons, but I don't think you could find an easy replacement for the RPG as an infantry weapon. Foot soldiers who want to neutralize a tank would need an IED or some other, much more expensive weapon.

I guess so. Its my most likely career choice so i can't wait to use mechs and force fields.