US Marine Corps Energy Weapon LMADIS Shoots Down Iranian Drone

July 18, 2019, about a month after Iran shot down a U.S. military drone worth $220 million (approximately ¥23.6 billion). US Marines shoot down an Iranian drone. The event marked the heightened tensions in the region surrounding Iran, but even more significant were the weapons used.

Related article: U.S. military drone shot down by Iran, its "flying watchtower" formidable capabilities

An energy weapon that attacks with jamming waves

The LMADIS (Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System), which is unique to the US Marine Corps, is an energy weapon that attacks enemies with radio signals instead of firing shells or lasers. This shot down was the first successful example of LMADIS.

US President Donald Trump later said the drone approached the US Navy's amphibious attack ship USS Boxer to within 1,000 yards and ignored "repeated orders to evacuate." . As the drone continued to approach, the LMADIS mounted on the boxer was activated.

LMADIS is a system consisting of two all-terrain vehicles called "Polaris MRZR". One acts as a command unit, the other is equipped with multiple sensors and jammers.

Here's how it works. Information is first sent from the sensor-equipped unit to another MRZR tablet device, which is responsible for command and control. Based on that information, the operator can track the approaching drone and visually identify it as an enemy aircraft. Then, jamming signals are emitted to cut off communication between the aircraft and its operator.

Wide range attack possible with low output

“There is a rifle-like device called a ‘drone zapper’ on the market that emits radio waves to shoot down drones, and it works in a similar way,” said a special assistant to the chief of naval operations. Bryan Clark, who has a career, says. "It's more powerful than a drone zapper, and it's a device that emits radio waves over a wider range. You can narrow the frequency range and increase the output, or you can expand the frequency range with less power."

By widening the frequency range and using LMADIS, it becomes easier to jam the radio waves used by the target. Just like throwing more arrows at once with a dart makes it easier to hit the target. Electronic information systems and receivers that intercept and measure electromagnetic waves can also identify the frequencies enemy drones use to transmit information to their pilots, allowing them to aim more accurately.