EMP as a weapon?

[gateman2007]

We have the technology to send a directional EMP pulse, right? Why can't we use that to knock out other race's ships? I know that it may not affect certain technologies, but surely it's an idea to be considered. As I understand it, the pulse wouldn't affect the sending ship, but it would instantly knock out the systems of the recieving ship. Would it get past the shield?

Also, the Wraith could use it to knock out the Earth ships. It wouldn't affect their ships (I think) because they're organic.

[Sonicdahedgie]

An EM Pulse is not directed, it is used as a radial attack, for one. I do not believe it is possible to use it like a laser weapon.

Secondly, and EM pulse affects ALL electronic systems. This means you would have to turn of all electronic systems before firing it. This includes shields.


Now, it is possible to shield electronic systems from an EM Pulse, but the process is costly, and would require making a bigger ship to make room for the material shielding the systems. Other systems may not even be a ble to be shielded.

Basically, shutting down your shields would be required for the use of a EM Pulse. And I think it can be agreed upon that that is a bad idea.

[striker7770]

and in the first season, they explained that the ancient technology is resiliant to emp.

[Ltcolshepjumper]

and in the first season, they explained that the ancient technology is resiliant to emp.

What about the Ancients' EMP in Childhood's End? It disabled Ancient technology. MAybe it was more powerful.

[gateman2007]

The EMP in the season 6 episode "Redemption" (forget whether it was part 1 or 2) was directional. I don't mean "we" as in the real world humans, I mean in the series; just like how "we" have the technology to open a hyperspace window.

The Ancient's EMP also knocked out wraith tech. Surely the Ancients could have either sent a directional EMP, or shielded their ships from them. I wonder why they didn't use it to knock out wraith ships when they were attacking Atlantis... or at any other time for that matter. If they set off a small one in orbit, it would have knocked out the ships without affecting the city.

[jhkplaya888]

its much easier to make a emp missile then fire it and when it gets close it starts emitting a field of emp disabling there ship

[2ndgenerationalteran]

An EMP would affect the sending ship if the technology is not "immune". To come to think of it only low level tech would be affected so all of our enemies should be immune. But even to try would leave us completely dead in space for a significant ammount of time. Even in Redemption they shut down the electronics while the used the EMP.