The electromagnetic pulse generated by a high altitude nuclear explosion is one of a
small number of threats that can hold our
society at risk of catastrophic consequences.
The increasingly pervasive use of electronics of
all forms represents the greatest source
of vulnerability to attack by EMP. Electroni
cs are used to control, communicate, com-
pute, store, manage, and implement nearly ever
y aspect of United States (U.S.) civilian
systems. When a nuclear explosion occurs at
high altitude, the EMP signal it produces
will cover the wide geographic region within the line of sight of the detonation.
1
This
broad band, high amplitude EMP, when coupled
into sensitive electronics, has the capa-
bility to produce widespread
and long lasting disruption a
nd damage to the critical
infrastructures that underpin
the fabric of U.S. society
but I would really fear for all of those who are medically dependent on electricity. The NICU babies, heart patients, those dependent on medications to live, those who rely on oxygen, etc.
Originally posted by whywhynot
I can find no credible evidence that NK is capable of miniaturizing a nuclear device sized sufficiently to cause a wide EMP effect that could be placed on a rocket.
Does anyone have a link to in intel that suggests that they can?
Originally posted by Gazrok
Found this great paper while looking this up (no doubt many have been over the past few days).
The paper is long, and a large file, but if you are really into it, you should find it full of information.
www.empcommission.org...
Report of the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack
It's from 2008, so about as recent as you can hope for on a report of this scale.
The transformers that handle electrical power within the transmission system and its
interfaces with the generation and distribution systems are large, expensive, and to a considerable
extent, custom built. The transmission system is far less standardized than the
power plants are, which themselves are somewhat unique from one to another. All production
for these large transformers used in the United States is currently offshore.
Delivery time for these items under benign circumstances is typically one to two years.
There are about 2,000 such transformers rated at or above 345 kV in the United States
with about 1 percent per year being replaced due to failure or by the addition of new
ones. Worldwide production capacity is less than 100 units per year and serves a world
market, one that is growing at a rapid rate in such countries as China and India. Delivery
of a new large transformer ordered today is nearly 3 years, including both manufacturing
and transportation. An event damaging several of these transformers at once means it
may extend the delivery times to well beyond current time frames as production is taxed.
The resulting impact on timing for restoration can be devastating. Lack of high voltage
equipment manufacturing capacity represents a glaring weakness in our survival and
recovery to the extent these transformers are vulnerable. Distribution capability is
roughly in the same condition although current delivery times are much less (i.e., limited
manufacturing capability, although there is domestic production).
A survey of worldwide military and scientif ic literature sponsored by the Commission found widespread knowledge about EMP a nd its potential military utility, including in Taiwan, Israel, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Iran and North Korea.
The Commission met with Russian Generals Vladimir Beolus
And Viktor Slipchenko, who stated:
•
Russia designed an “enhanced EMP” nuclear weapon
•
Russian, Chinese, and Pakistani scientists are working in North
Korea, and could enable that country to develop an EMP weapon
in the near future
•
North Korea, armed with an EMP weapon, would constitute a
grave threat to the world.
Originally posted by Mr Tranny
reply to post by whywhynot
If an attack like that did happen, then priorities would change. Shops that did not have backup generation, WOULD GET BACKUP GENERATION!!!!!!!!!!! They would send in portable generation equipment to get them up and running.
And in a true emergency they would gather the extra help needed from other industries. A large part of the work can be delegated to unskilled individuals. While the existing employs would manage the critical processes, and keep watch over the temporary help.
Originally posted by whywhynot
reply to post by Gazrok
PS We are talking the really large transformers big transformers. And, historically they are produced outside of the US: Here
Originally posted by whywhynot
I can find no credible evidence that NK is capable of miniaturizing a nuclear device sized sufficiently to cause a wide EMP effect that could be placed on a rocket.
Does anyone have a link to in intel that suggests that they can?
