Boeing and the Air Force Research Lab earlier this year successfully completed the first flight test of the CHAMP missile, a new high-powered microwave weapon, at the Utah Test and Training Range, according to prime contractor Boeing. “It was as close to the real thing as we could get for this test,” said Keith Coleman, Boeing’s CHAMP program manager in the company’s Sept. 22 release. “This demonstration,” he continued, “sets the stage for a new breed of nonlethal, but highly effective weapon systems.” More tests are scheduled for later this year. CHAMP stands for Counter-electronics High-powered Microwave Advanced Missile Project. The missile is designed to neutralize electronic targets with its HPM payload while minimizing or eliminating the collateral damage that kinetic weapons may cause. Boeing won a three-year, $38 million contract in April 2009 to develop CHAMP under an Office of the Secretary of Defense-sponsored demonstration.
Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, nominee to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Defense Department needs to upgrade its electronic warfare capability and its EW training ranges; just as his predecessor said at his own confirmation hearing.