Boeing and the Air Force Research Lab earlier this year successfully completed the first flight test of the CHAMP missile, a new high-powered microwave weapon, at the Utah Test and Training Range, according to prime contractor Boeing. “It was as close to the real thing as we could get for this test,” said Keith Coleman, Boeing’s CHAMP program manager in the company’s Sept. 22 release. “This demonstration,” he continued, “sets the stage for a new breed of nonlethal, but highly effective weapon systems.” More tests are scheduled for later this year. CHAMP stands for Counter-electronics High-powered Microwave Advanced Missile Project. The missile is designed to neutralize electronic targets with its HPM payload while minimizing or eliminating the collateral damage that kinetic weapons may cause. Boeing won a three-year, $38 million contract in April 2009 to develop CHAMP under an Office of the Secretary of Defense-sponsored demonstration.
General Atomics, the maker of one of the Air Force’s first Collaborative Combat Aircraft, has ambitious plans for its family of semi-autonomous drones beyond the FQ-42, including a flying-wing aircraft capable of carrying out both reconnaissance and strike missions. Meanwhile, the Air Force Research Laboratory announced a new program to…