Boeing Gets Patent For Force Field Technology That Protects Vehicles From Nearby Blasts

A popular concept in science fiction, protective force fields, is now a reality. Boeing, the American aviation giant, was just granted a patent for force field.

However, unlike what viewers see in the movies or TV such as Star Wars or Star Trek, which Boeing’s force field technology would protect vehicles from nearby explosion, it does not block bullets, reports Economic Times. Also known as the shockwave attenuation system, it uses one or more sensors to identify the electromagnetic signature of an explosive device.

Extremetech.com explains that light from the explosion would reach the vehicle first before the shockwave, giving the system time to set up a defense. Its arc generator will the use high-intensity laser to agitate and heat air molecules in the space between the vehicle and the explosion site.

The heated air molecules will then introduce an electric arc which moves along the electrically conductive path produced by the laser. Energy directed into an empty space produces laser-induced plasma channel that absorbs and deflects much of the incoming energy from the shockwaves, in effect providing protection to the vehicle.

It could also slow down and divert shrapnel caused by the shockwave. But it would not have substantial effect on a projectile that targets the vehicle directly.

The patent, granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office on March 17, could also be used on ships and buildings. Boeing has not stated if it would build and test the system.

Wall Street Daily reports that for the system to work, Boeing must develop a way to detect incoming shockwaves. Such a system needs to find where the wave comes from and then it would aim and deploy the lasers to create the electric arc.

To contact the writer, email: v.hernandez@ibtimes.com.au