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THOR

THOR is a U.S. Air Force directed energy weapon designed to disable or destroy multiple drones simultaneously using high-power microwaves. It creates an invisible barrier of energy to protect bases and assets from drone attacks.

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

The Tactical High-power Operational Responder (THOR) is a directed energy weapon system developed by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) specifically for Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) missions, utilizing high-power microwave (HPM) technology to neutralize drone swarms and provide wide-area defense.

BACKGROUND

The Tactical High-power Operational Responder (THOR) is a high-power microwave directed energy weapon developed by the United States Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

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SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • Tactical High-power Operational Responder
  • HPM C-UAS system
  • Drone swarm killer
  • Microwave drone defense
  • Directed energy counter-drone

USAGE NOTE

THOR is primarily used for base and asset defense against emerging drone threats and drone swarm attacks.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to THOR.

  • Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)

    The primary U.S. Air Force scientific research organization responsible for developing and testing advanced aerospace technologies, including the THOR (Tactical High-Power Operational Responder) directed energy weapon.

  • RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon Technologies)

    A major defense contractor that developed the THOR directed energy system, among other advanced military technologies, for the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory.

  • Lockheed Martin

    A global aerospace and defense company deeply involved in the research, development, and production of directed energy weapon systems, including high-energy lasers for air and missile defense.

  • Northrop Grumman

    A leading global aerospace and defense technology company that develops a wide range of advanced systems, including directed energy weapons and related technologies for military applications.

  • Boeing

    An aerospace leader with a significant presence in defense, including the development of advanced directed energy systems such as high-energy lasers for various military platforms.

  • General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS)

    A company specializing in advanced technology solutions for defense and commercial applications, including electromagnetic launch systems, pulse power, and directed energy weapons.

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