Car Chase Tech That's Really Hot

[Beemer]

James Tatoian, chief executive of Eureka Aerospace in Pasadena, California, is developing a system that uses microwave energy to interfere with microchips inside cars. Once the chip is overloaded with excessive current, the car ceases to function, and will gradually decelerate on its own, he said.

More: http://www.wired.com/news/autotech/0,2554,66473,00.html?tw=rss.TOP

[achilles]

Anyone else see the huge flaw in this?

I used to watch a lot of Real TV and never did I see a chase on an empty road (well maybe once or twice) so unless you can pinpoint where you want the waves to go (and the article said a conical shaped beam something like this ---> :vomit: ) you will hit innocent bystandards cars and that kind of crap leads to lawsuits.

[Kattikawn]

Reminds me of that concept I saw a few months back where the car is programmed to warn you if you're speeding and can actually issue you a speeding ticket and report it to the authorities.

[Beemer]

unless you can pinpoint where you want the waves to go (and the article said a conical shaped beam something like this ---> :vomit: ) you will hit innocent bystandards cars and that kind of crap leads to lawsuits.

I dont know, but from what I gather it works by frying the chip, meaning that it would have to remain focused on the target long enough to overheat it. Cars passing the opposite way would not be affected, and as long as they know how to aim the thing, the energy will be focused on the car they are trying to stop. While other cars may be hit by the microwaves, it shouldnt be enough to damage them.

So, what happens if you have an Arby's wrapper in the floorboard? [smilie=blob8.gif]