News & Information

Airplanes Vulnerable to Portable EMP Devices

Imagine an item that is powerful enough to take down a jetliner, yet small enough to be carried in a car or even on a person. The portable e-bomb is that powerful.

The e-bomb is a small electromagnetic pulse (EMP) device. When placed on or aimed at an airplane, the e-bomb can use a single microwave radio blast to interfere with electrical components and bring a plane down. Counterterrorism experts believe that terrorist groups could easily build low-tech e-bombs from information and components that are available on the Internet.

The increased use of carbon-fiber reinforced composites in aircraft fuselages makes them more vulnerable to electromagnetic radiation. When compared with metals, composites offer little protection against electromagnetic radiation. However, airlines could possibly reduce their vulnerabilities with extensive shielding of electronic components and cables.

Sources:
Portable 'E-Bombs' Could Take Down Jetliners
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,513295,00.html

DIY 'e-bombs' a threat to airliners
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13639_3-10211830-42.html

How E-Bombs Work
http://science.howstuffworks.com/e-bomb.htm

Prevention Relevance:
Terrorist groups could easily build low-tech e-bombs with little money and knowledge by using information and components that are available on the Internet.

Prevention Techniques:
Threat Recognition: Using metal mesh to shield vulnerable electronic components and cables may help airlines to reduce risks from e-bombs.

Prevention Thought:
Threat Recognition: Do you think terrorist groups already possess e-bombs that could be used against airplanes? Should airlines take more precautions to reduce vulnerability to e-bomb attacks?

IPS Contact Information:
The Institute for Preventive Strategies is a national service of the Center for Rural Development, a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Somerset, Kentucky.

You may contact the Institute by e-mail at: info@preventivestrategies.net

You may correspond with the Institute at:

Institute for Preventive Strategies
2292 South Highway 27, Suite 300
Somerset, KY 42501
Telephone: 1-800-860-6657

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