Plasma-based weaponry

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Plasma-based weaponry is any group of weapons designed to use high-energy/superheated gas or "plasma" as a projectile. Research in this field of weaponry is in its infancy. There has, however, been notable interest in its development. Current models of plasma weaponry use high-energy electromagnets to control a burst of plasma and propel it forward, as well as maintain its course over distance (see blooming). Currently these weapons are only in the theorizing stage as there is yet to be a reliable source of high-energy plasma that could supply such weapons. New breakthroughs in technology such as high-temperature superconductors and nuclear fusion could greatly accelerate the development of such weapons.

Most theories, however, have not yet been affirmed. Actual prototypes of such weapons will be dependent upon advances in the fields of nuclear fusion, magnetohydrodynamics, and superconductors. Until then, development of these weapons will be limited to the drawing board.

Contents 1 Current research 2 Games 3 See also 4 References 5 External links

[edit] Current research

Boeing has considered furthering the research of plasma weapons and directed energy weapons, or DEW^{[citation needed]}. Boeing Phantom Works has several ideas, one of which is that a plasma weapon aboard a hypersonic aircraft could possibly skim off the plasma that naturally forms around the airframe of a vehicle travelling at Mach eight. They hypothesize that this captured plasma could then be redirected by a focusing system and used as a weapon. There is an apparent interest in plasma for aerospace technologies in the U.S.

While both of these proposals are scientifically feasible, practical applications are beyond our current level of technology. The Russians have claimed to have developed a so-called "bolt-on" plasma generator that is used to actually increase the aerodynamic performance of their research aircraft using plasma to influence the fluid dynamics. This claim has not been proven, however.

A nonleathal weapon designed to use a laser to induce a high energy state in gases via a laser is currently being funded by the United States military.^[1] This weapon utilizes Pulsed Energy Projectiles and is designed to directly stimulate pain receptors. There have been concerns that the technology may be unethically used. ^[2]

[edit] Games

There are some science-fiction games with plasma weapons.

[edit] See also

• Pulsed Energy Projectile, an experimental non-lethal weapon technology that involves emission of a laser pulse that creates a small amount of exploding plasma upon contact with the target
• Plasma torch
• Plasma rifle

[edit] References

1. ^ new scientist: http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn7077
2. ^ new scientist: http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn7077

[edit] External links

• Jane's Defence Weekly article [1]
• Plasma science and technology website [2]
• The Register criticizes US plans to make a plasma weapon [3]