Boeing Plasma Shield Force Field

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AI Overview:

Boeing patented a "plasma shield" system designed to protect vehicles and buildings from explosion shockwaves, not physical debris, by using lasers and electricity to rapidly heat and ionize air into a dense plasma barrier that deflects the blast's force, acting like sci-fi shields to reduce damage. While still theoretical and facing challenges like immense energy needs and potential blinding effects, the concept aims to create a temporary, protective energy field to absorb or deflect the powerful pressure waves from explosions, notes Engadget and ScienceAlert.
How It Works (Based on Patent)

1. Detection: Sensors detect an incoming explosion.
2. Ionization: An arc generator uses lasers, electricity, or microwaves to ionize a region of air between the blast and the target.
3. Plasma Formation: This creates a superheated, dense plasma shield.
4. Shockwave Attenuation: The plasma barrier reflects, refracts, and absorbs the shockwave's energy, reducing its impact.

Key Features & Limitations

• Target: Primarily for shockwave attenuation, not stopping shrapnel or projectiles.
• Applications: Could protect military vehicles, ships, buildings, or even aircraft.
• Challenges: High energy requirements, brief duration, and potential temporary blindness for occupants.
• Status: A patented concept, with no confirmed timeline for development.

In essence, Boeing is exploring a real-world application of plasma physics to mimic sci-fi force fields for defense against explosive blasts, though significant hurdles remain, say CTPost and SOFREP