The main objective of the tests was to determine the effectiveness of the prototype engine stopper Radio Frequency (RF) source, in order to stop vehicles under simulated chase scenarios. Related objectives were to obtain antenna beam mapping information and determine the RF environment inside the automobiles, in order to determine compliance with Permissible Exposure Levels (PELs). The Electromagnetic Weapon System (EMWS) developed from the testing overcomes range to power proportionality problems associated with current electromagnetic engine-stopping systems. The successful results of the test show that although the EMWS can be used effectively to stop automobiles, it must be refined in order to be effective with a much larger automobile sample size. RF source upgrades, prototype development, and demonstrations would be conducted in future efforts if funding is provided. The EMWS version used for the demonstration tests is a brassboard system. It consists of multiple pulse amplifiers routed individually to their respective antenna elements. The system is capable of generating 2,4 KW, 30 msec pulse width, and 8 KHz Pulse Repetition Frequency. The fields are launched via an antenna composed of 24 elements with a total gain of 23 dB. The system is remote controlled and is powered from two deep-cycle lead acid batteries. For the demonstration tests, the entire system was securely mounted on a flatbed Ford F360 pick-up for chase operation. 2 figures
Effects Research Test Report for the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Engine Stopper Program
NCJ Number
236755
Date Published
January 2010
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This report describes the data acquisition, processing, analysis, and results of the Radio Frequency field tests performed from April 22 to April 29, 2009, at the Mobility Assessment Test and Integration Center (MATIC) facility on the Laguna Pueblo Indian Reservation in Laguna, NM.
Abstract
Date Published: January 1, 2010