High-Power Microwave Technologies for Maritime Applications

This Request for Information (RFI) is part of an effort by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to determine the availability and technical readiness of non-lethal directed energy technologies. The USCG is interested in effectors that use high-power microwaves (HPM) to incapacitate electronic systems in the maritime environment.

For the purpose of this RFI, “non-lethal” encompasses two key aspects: (1) minimally-destructive to equipment: capable of stopping a target of interest (TOI) with minimal or no damage to the vessel or it’s machinery, and (2) harmless to living organisms: causes no harm to any persons or marine animals in the area of effect of the effector. The “maritime environment” refers to installation locations that include, but are not limited to, fixed sites such as piers, on the move (OTM) cutters, and OTM small boats.

The unique challenges of the maritime environment may require packaging to protect against shock, vibration, sea spray, and airborne particulates, including smoke and fuel exhaust. Primary TOIs for this RFI include, but are not limited to, personal watercraft (PWC) such as Jet Skis, outboard engines, and uncrewed systems, to include uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and uncrewed surface vessels (USV).

Information is specifically requested regarding physical dimensions of the effector: its weight, power requirements, cooling requirements, and rough order of magnitude for cost of acquisition and installation. Responses should also include frequency, bandwidth, waveform, output power, area of effect, and range information. Software load to include target profiles and targeting methods should be included as available.