High Powered Microwaves (HPM): Challenges, Trade-offs and Pursuits

High Powered Microwaves (HPM): Challenges, Trade-offs and Pursuits

Author: Association of Old Crows February 14, 2024 Duration: 34:39

In the episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller is joined by Dr. Andrew Long of Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). Dr. Long has spent more than 16 years designing antennas and RF components for various applications ranging from moonshot research to commercial products, from HF to Q-band. His current tasks and interests at SwRI revolve around design, fabrication, and measurement of exceptionally novel apertures. Ken and Dr. Long discuss the rapidly growing field of High-Powered Microwave (HPM) technology, which serves as a bridge between traditional electronic warfare, especially electronic attack, and directed energy laser technology. What qualifies as HPM? What are the fundamental challenges and trade-offs, and where are current research pursuits taking the combined EW and DE communities.

To learn more about SwRI, visit here. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.


Tune into From the Crows' Nest for a direct line to the complex and critical world of electromagnetic spectrum operations. Produced by the Association of Old Crows, this podcast moves beyond the headlines to explore the real-world implications of EMSO on global security and technology. Each episode features candid conversations with experts, offering nuanced analysis and grounded discussions that connect policy to practice. You’ll hear timely breakdowns of how current events, legislative actions on Capitol Hill, and the annual defense budget shape capabilities and strategy. The dialogue extends to military developments from the United States and allied nations, providing a comprehensive view of the landscape. This series also serves as an audio companion to the broader Old Crow community, offering insights into key events and fostering a deeper understanding of the policy debates that define the field. For anyone engaged in or curious about the intersection of government, defense technology, and the invisible domain of the spectrum, this podcast delivers essential context and perspective straight from the source.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

From the Crows' Nest
Podcast Episodes
Understanding Europe’s new EW Coalition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:28
In this episode of From the Crows' Nest, host Ken Miller welcomes journalist and expert, Dr. Thomas Withington. They cover a range of topics, including a new EW coalition forming in Europe to respond to EMS challenges st…
Women in Warfare: Legacy and Lessons from the Memorial [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:55
In this episode of "From the Crows' Nest," host Ken Miller is joined by Phyllis Wilson, President of the Military Women's Memorial. They explore Phyllis's remarkable 37-year military career, delve into the history and si…
Listener Q&A on Current Events in EW [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:38
In this very special—and slightly chaotic—April Fools’ Day edition of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller discovers just how hard it is to book a guest when everyone thinks it’s a prank. With no high-level military off…
Celebrating the Next Generation of EW Leaders [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:47
Each year, the AOC Educational Foundation honors five exceptional young professionals through its Future 5 program, recognizing individuals who represent the future of the EW field through innovation, leadership, and imp…
Collaboration and Dedication as Keys to Advancing the Mission [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:17
In this episode of From the Crows' Nest, host Ken Miller welcomes long-time colleague, EMSO advocate, and former AOC president, Lisa Frugé-Cirilli. Lisa is the US Department of Defense (DoD) Customer Requirements and Adv…
New Effort Aims to Uplift, Empower Women in EW [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:45
In honor of Women’s History Month, host Ken Miller and guest co-host Hollann Schwartz are joined in this episode of From the Crows’ Nest by E&M Operations Manager and AOC member Christelle Ward. Christelle’s new initiati…
Pushing Past Fear for Effective Leadership [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:50
In this episode of From the Crows' Nest, host Ken Miller welcomes friend and subject matter expert, Laurie Buckhout. Laurie is retired US Army Colonel, small business woman, EW subject matter expert. She also was the fir…
How is AI Changing EW? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:26
Artificial intelligence burst into mainstream awareness less than three years ago with tools like ChatGPT and image generators such as Google Gemini. However, AI — particularly machine learning — has been shaping electro…
Revisiting EMSO Strategy Implementation and Other Stuff [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:30
In this episode of From the Crows' Nest, host Ken Miller welcomes back John Knowles, Editor-in-Chief AOC’s Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED). Ken and John revisit EMSO reforms from recent defense budgets and dis…
How to Foster Private Sector Innovation In EMSO [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:55
In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller sits down with Bryan Clark, senior fellow and director of the Center for Defense Concepts and Technology at the Hudson Institute. Bryan is the author of the newly…