Patent Publication Number: US-2023152067-A1

Title: Directional High-Energy Radio Frequency Weapon

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 17/503,499, filed on Oct. 18, 2021 and entitled “Directional High-Energy Radio Frequency Weapon,” which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/024,283 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,187,499), filed on Sep. 17, 2020 and entitled “Directional High-Energy Radio Frequency Weapon,” the entireties of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A directed energy weapon (DEW) may direct high-intensity radio waves, a laser, microwaves, and/or particle beams toward at a target. Such targets may include any device with electronic circuitry including, for example, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and/or unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). DEW devices may disrupt or destroy a target by overloading the target&#39;s electronic circuits with excessive energy causing the target to lose data and/or crash. These broad spectrum DEW devices may lack precision and may also disrupt or destroy unintended electronic devices in the surrounding area. Additionally, due to the broad spectrum of energy emitted, using such DEW devices may broadcast a location of the DEW device to hostile forces, putting the DEW device and any operator of the DEW device at risk for counterattack. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features. 
     A high energy radio frequency (HERF) weapon may emit high-energy radio waves at a target using locational and frequency information associated with the target. The HERF weapon may receive the frequency and locational information regarding a UAV or other target from a passive surveillance system. The HERF weapon may send directed radio frequency (RF) energy in the LOB on the specific frequency associated with the target. Directing RF energy toward the target and at a specific frequency may disable and/or destroy the target without affecting nearby devices, thereby mitigating collateral damage. Emitting RF energy at frequencies limited to targets, rather than emitting broad spectrum RF energy, may allow the HERF weapon to avoid detection. 
     These and other features are described in more detail below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Some features are shown by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements. 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram of an example HERF weapon system for detecting a UAV and for disabling and/or destroying the detected UAV. 
         FIG.  2    is a block diagram showing additional details of a sensing system shown as part of the example system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIGS.  3 A,  3 B,  3 C, and  3 D  are block diagrams showing additional details of a HERF weapon and mounting system shown as part of the example system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a block diagram showing additional details of the HERF weapon and mounting system shown as part of the example system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  are a flow chart showing an example method for detecting, gathering information regarding, disabling, and/or destroying a potential target. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, show examples of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the examples shown in the drawings and/or discussed herein are non-exclusive and that there are other examples of how the disclosure may be practiced. 
       FIG.  1    shows an example HERF weapon system  100  in which features described herein may be implemented. The HERF weapon system  100  may be in a fixed location. The HERF weapon system  100 , or portions thereof, may be mobile and may be located, for example, on a land vehicle, an aircraft, or a ship. Additionally, or alternatively, the HERF weapon system  100  (or portions thereof) may be portable and/or carried by a human operator. 
     The HERF weapon system  100  may comprise a sensing system  101  and one or more weapons, such as a HERF weapon  102 . The sensing system  101  may comprise one or more computing device(s) configured to receive and process signals and information regarding a target (e.g., a UAV) and send information regarding the target to a control unit  106  associated with the HERF weapon  102 . A computing device may comprise one or more processors and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, may cause the computing device to perform functions described herein. The sensing system  101  may comprise, for example, the Titan3 defense system available from Citadel Defense Company. 
     The sensing system  101  may be configured to collect intelligence regarding targets, such as a UAV  103 , to assist in assessing the threat level of, and/or elimination of, the target. The UAV  103  may be any type of unmanned aerial vehicle including, for example, an autonomous UAV operated by an onboard computer, a UAV remotely controlled from the ground, a UAV with or without a payload, a multi-rotor UAV, a single rotor UAV, a fixed wing UAV, a fixed wing hybrid UAV, a hobbyist UAV, a commercial UAV, a military UAV, etc. 
     A UAV may be configured to transmit and/or receive communications in one or more frequency bands, such as for example, 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz, unlicensed 900 MHz and UHF bands, 5030-5091 MHz for terrestrial control links, or 10.95-30.0 GHz for satellite control systems. The communication frequency(ies) of a UAV may be constant, may change automatically or may be changed by a control signal. UAVs may be configured to operate as a single unit or as a coordinated group of UAVs (e.g., a swarm). UAVs that operate as a coordinated group may be configured to operate at the same frequency. 
     The sensing system  101  may be co-located with the HERF weapon  102 . For example, the sensing system  101 , the HERF weapon  102 , and/or other components shown in  FIG.  1    (e.g., the control unit  106  and/or the mounting system  107 ) may be contained and/or attached to a common frame or other structure. Also or alternatively, the sensing system  101  may be located remotely from the HERF weapon  102 , the mounting system  107 , and/or the control unit  106 . Although one sensing system  101  and one HERF weapon  102  are shown in  FIG.  1   , a HERF weapon system may comprise multiple sensing systems and/or multiple HERF weapons (and/or multiple control units and/or mounting systems). Components of the HERF weapon system  100  may be powered by batteries and/or by other power sources. 
     The sensing system  101  may comprise and/or be configured to receive signals from an antenna  104 , an electro-optical/infra-red (EO/IR) system  105 , and/or any other sensor devices that may detect the UAV  103 . The antenna  104  may comprise a directional antenna, a multi-directional antenna and/or an omni-directional antenna. Although only one antenna  104  is shown in  FIG.  1   , the sensing system  101  may include any number of antennas. When multiple antennas are employed, the antennas may be located separately or may be co-located as an antenna array. The antenna  104  may be configured to receive and/or emit signals. The antenna  104  may be configured to monitor one or more radio frequencies for signals and send the signals to the sensing system  101 . The frequencies may be monitored continuously or on demand. The frequencies may also be monitored based on input from a user. The EO/IR system  105  may be co-located with the sensing system  101  or may be located apart from the sensing system  101 . The EO/IR system  105  may comprise visual and/or infrared sensors and may comprise one or more cameras, including regular, low-light and/or night vision cameras, thermal imaging sensors, and the like. The EO/IR system  105  may be configured to detect the UAV  103 , and send information about the UAV  103  to the sensing system  101 , including for example, video, images and/or thermal scans of the UAV  103 . The EO/IR system  105  may also be configured to assist in determining locational information regarding the UAV and/or to track any identified targets to assess the threat level associated with the target. The EO/IR system  105  may comprise, for example, a system configured to detect a UAV and/or determine locational information for the UAV using one or more cameras. Examples of such systems are described, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/779,917, titled “Detecting Target Objects in a 3D Space” and filed Feb. 3, 2020, which application is incorporated by reference herein. 
     Based on detecting a signal emitted from the UAV  103 , or detecting the UAV  103  visually, the sensing system  101  may be configured to receive information from the antenna  104 , the EO/IR system  105 , and/or any other sensor devices. The sensing system  101  may be configured to utilize the information regarding the UAV  103  to determine a type of equipment associated with the detected signal and/or one or more frequencies of the signal. The sensing system  101  may also be configured to determine locational information for the UAV  103  using radiolocation, triangulation, trilateration, multilateration, GSM localization, geolocation, and/or other known methods of locating a signal transmitter. Locational information may, for example, comprise coordinates in 3D space, range, direction, angle of arrival (AoA) of a signal from a UAV (e.g., azimuth and elevation angles), line of bearing (LOB) to a UAV (e.g., azimuth and elevation angles), speed of travel, and/or course of travel. 
     The sensing system  101  may be configured to determine a range to the UAV  103  using any known method of range finding. The sensing system  101  may, for example, comprise a laser range finder. The sensing system  101  may also be configured to determine an altitude of the UAV  103 , an azimuth to the UAV  103 , and/or a line of bearing of the UAV  103 . A LOB may have an altitude (e.g., elevation) component and an azimuth component. The sensing system  101 , if not co-located with the HERF weapon  102 , may be configured to account for differences in locations of the sensing system  101  and the HERF weapon  102  and determine a LOB to the UAV  103  from the HERF weapon  102 . 
     The sensing system  101  may be configured to display, via an output device (e.g., display screen) information about the UAV  103  and/or signals from the UAV  103 . The sensing system  101  may also be configured to receive input from a user or operator via an input device (e.g., keyboard, mouse, touchscreen). An operator may be able to select signals of interest for further processing, select video and/or images for further inspection, select signals and/or targets for tracking, and/or select targets for elimination. The operator may be able to control the antenna  104 , EO/IR system  105 , and or other types of sensor devices, to seek additional information regarding a potential target to assist in assessing a threat level of a target. 
     The sensing system  101  may be in communication with the control unit  106  of the HERF weapon  102  and may be configured to automatically send information to the control unit  106  regarding the UAV  103 . That information may comprise frequency information indicating frequencies of signals transmitted from and/or received by the UAV  103 . Also or alternatively, that information may comprise locational information indicating a LOB and/or other locational information for the UAV  103  (e.g., relative the HERF weapon  102 ). An operator may also or alternatively be able to manually direct the sensing system  101  to send information regarding the UAV  103  to the control unit  106 . The control unit  106 , which may be co-located with or remote from the HERF weapon  102 , may comprise a display and/or may be configured to receive input from a user or operator. 
     The HERF weapon  102  may be mounted on, or otherwise connected to, a mounting system  107  that allows the HERF weapon  102  to be moved and aimed at the UAV  103  based on locational information from the sensing system  101 . The mounting system  107  may comprise a base  108 , one or more weapon mount(s)  109 , and/or one or more servo motor(s)  110 . The base  108  may be configured to rotate 360 degrees or less than 360 degrees. The base  108  may comprise one or more gimbals to allow 360 degrees of rotational movement and/or hemispherical movement of the base  108 . The HERF weapon  102  may be pivotally mounted on the weapon mount  109 . The one or more servo motors  110  may configured to control rotation of the base  108  and/or pivoting of the HERF weapon  102  within the weapon mount  109  based on orientation control signals from the control unit  106 . 
     The control unit  106  may be configured to receive and/or process the frequency and locational information for the UAV  103 , received from the sensing system  101 , for use in aiming the HERF weapon  102  at the UAV  103  and/or in controlling frequency of output from the HERF weapon  102 . Based on the received locational information, the control unit  106  may be configured to send orientation control signals to the servo motors  110  that cause the mounting system  107  to orient the HERF weapon  102  toward the UAV  103 . For example, the control unit  106  may use the locational information to determine orientation control signals that will cause the servo motors  110  to orient the HERF weapon  102  so that a beam axis  150 , corresponding to a main beam MB of an antenna  111  of the HERF weapon  102 , is pointed toward or near UAV  103  (e.g., so that the beam axis  150  is aligned with a LOB of the UAV relative to the HERF weapon  102 ). 
     The control unit  106  may be configured to process frequency information, received from the sensing system  100 , and determine a frequency (or range of frequencies) for RF energy to be emitted by the HERF weapon  102 , as the main beam MB, while oriented to toward the UAV  103 . The determined frequency or range of frequencies may, for example, comprise a spectrum bandwidth based on signals output by the UAV  103 . Examples of spectrum bandwidths that may be determined comprise +/−1% of a frequency of signals output by the UAV  103 . The control unit may be further configured to send an emitting control signal, to the HERF weapon  102 , that causes the HERF weapon  102  to output RF energy at the determined frequency or frequency range. 
     The HERF weapon  102  may be configured to receive the emitting control signal from the control unit  106  and to generate, based on that emitting control signal, an RF energy at the frequency (or over the frequency range) indicated by the emitting control signal. The HERF weapon  102  may be further configured to output the generated RF energy via an antenna  111 . The antenna  111  may comprise a directional antenna. The antenna  111  may comprise a parabolic antenna, a helical antenna, a yagi antenna, log-periodic antenna, a horn antenna, a corner reflecting antenna, a phased array antenna, or other type of antenna. The antenna  104  may also be configured to receive signals and act as an antenna (e.g., in conjunction with or instead of the antenna  104 ) for the detection system  101 . 
     To reduce risk of the HERF weapon  102  being located by hostile forces, the antenna  111  may be a directional antenna that concentrates emissions along the beam axis  150  of the main beam MB and that minimizes emissions in other directions. For example, a field of view (FOV) of the main beam MB may be centered on the beam axis  150  and be approximately 20 degrees (e.g., 20 degrees, +/−5 degrees). Within that FOV, the energy output by the HERF weapon  102  may have sufficient power to disable a UAV with an effective range of the HERF weapon  102 . Outside that FOV, the power output of the HERF weapon may fall off substantially. 
     To disable the UAV  103 , the HERF weapon  102  may output RF energy that will, if received by the UAV  103 , result in voltages and/or currents that damage and/or destroy reception and/or other circuitry of the UAV  103 . The power of the RF energy output by the HERF weapon  102  may, for example, be at least 30 decibel-milliwatts (dBm) under operational atmospheric conditions and at a range of 1.0 to 1.5 kilometers from the HERF weapon  302  along the main beam axis  150 . Operational atmospheric conditions may, for example, comprise air temperatures between −50° C. and 50° C. and humidity of up to 100%. Operational atmospheric conditions may also comprise the presence of fog and/or precipitation (rain or snow). 
       FIG.  2    is a block diagram showing additional details of the sensing system  101 . The sensing system  201  may comprise a signal receiver  206 , one or more processor(s)  207 , memory  208 , and one or more I/O controller(s)  209 . The signal receiver  206  may include any of various types of receivers such as, without limitation, RF receivers. The signal receiver  206  may comprise one or more amplifiers (e.g., one or more RF amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, IF amplifiers, AF amplifiers, etc.), tuners, mixers, buffers, oscillators, demodulators, and/or other components. The signal receiver  206  may receive RF signals and process those signals to determine or extract information regarding the signals. The processor(s)  207  may include any of various types of computational devices such as, without limitation, programmable microprocessors. The processor(s)  207  may execute instructions that cause the sensing system  101  to perform one or more operations such as are described herein. The memory  208  may include any of various types of non-transitory machine-readable storage media such as, without limitation, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), FLASH memory, magnetic tape or discs, optical discs, etc. The memory  208  may comprise volatile and/or non-volatile memory. The I/O controller(s)  209  may include hardware and/or software that allow user input devices (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen) to communicate data to processor(s)  207 . The I/O controller(s)  209  may also include hardware and/or software that allow user output devices (e.g., display screens, printers) to output user-understandable information based on data from the processor(s)  207 . The I/O controller(s)  209  may further include hardware and/or software that allow processor(s)  207  to communicate with processors of other computing devices (e.g., the control unit  106 ) via one or more types of wired or wireless networks, such as for example, Ethernet adaptors and Wi-Fi adaptors (e.g., operating in accordance with one or more IEEE 802.11 WLAN standards). 
     The memory  208  may store software that provides instructions to processor(s)  207  that, when executed by processor(s)  207 , cause the sensing system  101  to perform operations such as are described herein. The software may comprise machine-executable instructions and other data, and may include both application software and operating system software. Executable instructions that cause sensing system  101  to perform operations such as are described herein may also or alternatively be stored in other forms, e g., as firmware or as hardware logic in an integrated circuit. 
     The sensing system  101  may be configured to monitor one or more radio frequencies. The frequencies may be monitored continuously or on demand. A user, or operator, of the sensing system may be able to configure the sensing system, or any subpart thereof. The signal receiver  206  may be configured to receive signals from the antenna  104 , the EO/IR system  105 , and/or other types of sensors. The signal receiver  206  may be configured to process and/or convert received signals into usable information. For example, the signal receiver  206  may be configured to filter the incoming signal to determine one or more frequencies associated with signals output by a particular UAV (e.g., the UAV  103 ). The processor  207 ( s ) may be configured to evaluate the signals and/or information from the signal receiver  206  and determine locational information for a target. As discussed above, for example, the processor  207  may be configured to determine locational information for a target using any known methods. 
     The signal receiver  206  and/or processor  207  may also be configured to receive input from the EO/IR system  105 . For example, the EO/IR system  105  may be configured to detect a target visually or by infrared. The EO/IR system  105  may be configured to store video and/or images of the target and send the video and/or images of the target to the sensing system  101  for processing and/or storage. The EO/IR system  205  may also be configured to determine the range, or distance, to the UAV  103 . The range may be determined using any known means, such as laser, radar, sonar, LIDAR, ultrasonic, optical, GPS, and the like. The range may also be determined by a rangefinder (not shown) which may be separate from the EO/IR system  205  that may be configured to send the range data to the EO/IR system  205  and/or to the sensing system  101 . The I/O controller  209  may be configured to interface with the signal receiver  206 , the EO/IR system  105 , the rangefinder, and/or other sensors to track the UAV  103 . 
     The sensing system  101  may be configured to display information about a target (e.g., a UAV such as the UAV  103 ). The displayed information may comprise one or more of frequency information regarding signals transmitted from or received by the target, video and/or other images, and/or locational information. An operator may determine, based on the displayed information, a threat level for a target. Additionally or alternatively, the sensing system  101  may receive operator input that indicates and/or selects signals of interest that should be further evaluated. An operator may be able to control the antenna  104 , EO/IR system  105 , and or other types of sensor devices, to seek additional information regarding a potential target to assist in assessing a threat level of a target. For example, the operator may be able to change the direction of the antenna  104 , or focus the direction or range of the other sensors. The operator may further be able to control storage of the data in memory  208 . 
     An operator may be able to designate one or more perimeters around the sensing system  101  and/or HERF weapon  102  that may result in different actions taken by the weapon system  101 . A first predetermined distance may indicate an area over which all signals are closely monitored. A second, smaller predetermined distance may indicate an area over which all targets are considered threats and should be eliminated. For example, the EO/IR system  105  may be configured to identify potential targets within a first distance, e.g., within 2 km, from a vehicle and then track the identified target to determine the whether the identified target is a threat. If the target moves within a second distance, e.g., within 1 km, from the vehicle, the EO/IR system  105  may determine that the identified target is a threat. The sensing system  201  may also be configured to combine locational information with information from a map using augmented or virtual reality technology to provide a visual representation of the target on the map and output the map to the operator. 
     If a target is determined to be a threat, the sensing system  101  may be configured to communicate information to the control unit  106  and/or otherwise perform actions to prepare the HERF weapon  102  for firing. The communicated information may comprise frequency information and/or locational information for the target. The frequency information may comprise one or more frequencies associated with the UAV  103 . The locational information may comprise any locational information associated with the location direction of the UAV  103 , including, for example, altitude, elevation, azimuth, AoA, LOB and/or other data related to the location or direction of the UAV  103  relative to the sensing system  101  and/or relative to the HERF weapon  102 . 
     After communicating information to the control unit  106 , the sensing system  101  may continue to monitor the UAV  103  to confirm whether the UAV  103  has been disabled or destroyed (e.g., after the HERF weapon  102  is fired). The sensing system  101  may confirm destruction visually or by monitoring the frequencies associated with the UAV  103 . If the sensing system  101  continues to detect the UAV  103 , the sensing system  101  may communicate updated frequency and/or locational information about the UAV  103  to the control unit  106  and/or otherwise take action to facilitate firing (e.g., additional firing) of the HERF weapon  102  to disable or destroy the UAV  103 . 
     The sensing system  101  may be configured to store the information associated with the UAV  103  in memory  208 . The sensing system  101  may also be configured to store the time and/or date the UAV  103  was detected along with the information associated with the UAV  103 . The sensing system  101  may be configured to store an indication as to whether the UAV  103  was disabled or destroyed. The sensing system  101  may also, or alternatively, be in communication with a network storage device and may be configured to send the information associated with the UAV  103  to the network storage device for storage. 
       FIGS.  3 A- 3 D  are block diagrams showing different views and additional details of the HERF weapon  102  and the mounting system  107 .  FIG.  3 A  is a side view of the HERF weapon  102 . The HERF weapon  102  may be pivotally mounted on the weapon mount(s)  109  and tiltable through a range of elevation angles. The weapon mount(s)  109  may be of any shape and/or style that allows the HERF weapon  102  tilt (e.g., about horizontal axes). The weapon mount(s)  109  may be connected directly, or indirectly, to the base  108 . The base  108  may be operatively connected to the motor  110  and may be configured to rotate (e.g., about a vertical axis). The motor  110  may be configured to receive orientation control signals from the control unit  106  and, based on those received signals, rotate, or pan, the base  108 . Panning and tilting allow orientation of the HERF weapon to aim the beam axis  150  at the UAV  103  by, for example, aligning the beam axis  150  with a LOB to the UAV  103 . 
       FIG.  3 B  is a rear view of the HERF weapon  102  and the mounting system  107  and shows a motor  310   b  configured to control tilt of the HERF weapon  302 . The motor  310   b  may be configured to receive control signals from the control unit  106  and, based on those received signals, tilt the HERF weapon  102  up and down.  FIG.  3 C  a side view of the HERF weapon  102  and the mounting system  107  from a side opposite to that shown in  FIG.  3 A . In  FIG.  3 C , a tilted position of the HERF weapon  102  is shown by a dashed line.  FIG.  3 D  is a top view of the HERF weapon  102  and the mounting system  107 . In  FIG.  3 D , a panned position of the HERF weapon  102  is shown by a dashed line. The HERF weapon  102  may be simultaneously panned and tilted to aim at the UAV  103 . 
       FIG.  4    is a block diagram showing additional details of the control unit  106  and the HERF weapon  102 . The control unit  106  may comprise one or more I/O controller(s)  412 , one or more processor(s)  413 , memory  414 , and a trigger security system  415 . The memory  414  may comprise hardware components similar to those described for the memory  208  and may be store software that provides instructions to processor(s)  413  that, when executed by processor(s)  413 , cause the control unit  106  to perform operations such as are described herein. The software may comprise machine-executable instructions and/or other data, and may include both application software and operating system software. Executable instructions that cause the control unit  106  to perform operations such as are described herein may also or alternatively be stored in other forms, e g., as firmware or as hardware logic in an integrated circuit. 
     The I/O controller(s)  412  may comprise hardware components similar to those described for the I/O controller(s)  209  and may be configured to communicate with and/or receive signals from the sensing system  101  and pass the communication/signals to the processor(s)  413 . The I/O controller(s)  412  may use a two-way wired, wireless, or optical link to communicate signals and/or control information. The I/O controllers(s)  412  may also be configured to receive operator input via an input device (e.g., keypad, keyboard, mouse, touchscreen). The processor(s)  413  may comprise hardware components similar to those described for the processor(s)  207  and may be configured to execute instructions (e.g., stored in the memory  414 ) that cause that control unit  106  to carry out operations such as those described herein. The processor(s) may also be configured to generate and/or cause display information to the operator regarding the target on a display device (not shown). 
     The processor(s)  413  may be configured to receive signals from the sensing system  101  via the I/O controller(s)  412  and to generate control signals to orient the HERF weapon  102  (e.g., in preparation for firing). The signals received from the sensing system  101  may comprise locational information for the UAV  103 , such as, for example, the LOB from the HERF weapon  102  to the UAV  103  and/or the range to the UAV  103 . Based on the locational information, the processor  413  may be configured to determine mechanical adjustments (e.g., pan and tilt) to the mounting system  107  to aim the HERF weapon  102  at the UAV  103 . The processor(s)  413  may be further configured to generate and send one or more orientation control signals to the mounting system  107  to orient the HERF weapon  102  based on the determined mechanical adjustments. The signals received from the sensing system  101  may also comprise frequency information for the UAV  103 . Based on the frequency information, the processor  413  may be configured to generate and send one or more emitting control signals, to the HERF weapon  102 , that causes the HERF weapon  102  to emit an RF signal at a frequency associated with the UAV  103 . The processor(s)  413  may be configured to store the frequency and/or locational information regarding the UAV  103  in the memory  414  for storage. Such frequency and/or locational information may be stored until the target has been destroyed, or may be maintained in memory the  414  (e.g., for creating a log of the targets and/or emissions of the HERF weapon  402 ). 
     The trigger security system  415  may be configured to prevent unauthorized use of the HERF weapon  102 . For example, the trigger security system  415  may comprise an input device (e.g., a keypad, keyboard, key switch, mouse, touchscreen, fingerprint or other biometric reader, etc.) for entering or confirming identification or authorization credentials (e.g., physical key, password, ID number, fingerprint etc.). Information entered into the trigger security system may be stored in the memory  414 . The trigger security system  415  may prevent unauthorized access to the HERF weapon  102  and/or may maintain a record of who authorized the HERF weapon  102  to be fired. 
     The HERF weapon  102  may comprise, in addition to the antenna  111 , a signal generator  416 , a frequency converter  417 , a gain control  418 , and/or one or more amplifier(s)  419 . The signal generator  416  may comprise an RF source and may be configured to receive signals from the control unit  106 . The signal generator may be configured to generate a pulse of energy at an output power level based on the received signal(s). The output power level may be a default, or predetermined, output power level or may be determined based on the range of the UAV  103  from the HERF weapon  102 . The signal generator  416  may also be configured to generate signals at a range of frequencies. The signal generator  416  may further be configured to send the generated signal(s) to the frequency converter  417 . The frequency converter may comprise a transmit/receive RF head and may be configured to receive the generated signal(s) and may convert the frequency of the signal(s) up or down based on the frequency information received from the control unit  106 . Additionally, or alternatively, the HERF weapon  402  may receive a signal from the UAV  103  via the antenna  111 . The signal generator  416  may further comprise a phase-locked loop and may be configured to match of the frequency of the received signal from the UAV  103 . 
     The gain control  418  may be configured to adjust or maintain the power of the output signal. The gain control  418  may adjust the power based on the range to the target and/or the perceived threat level of the target. For example, if the UAV  103  is identified as a low risk threat, the power of the RF signal output from the HERF weapon  102  may be adjusted to cause a positive voltage gain, or increased voltage, in the UAV  103  to disrupt or disable the UAV  103  without destroying it. If the UAV  103  is identified as high risk, the power of the RF signal output from the HERF weapon  102  may be adjusted to cause a positive current gain, or increased amperage, in the UAV to damage electronic traces in the UAV  103  circuitry, and thereby destroy the UAV  103 . 
     The amplifier(s)  419  may comprise any of a variety of commercially available RF amplifiers. The amplifier  419  may be configured to increase the power of the output signal based on the gain control  418 . The amplifier  419  may be located within, or separate from, the signal generator  416 . 
     The antenna  111  may be configurable, for example, by adjusting an antenna aperture. A narrow physical and/or effective aperture provides a more focused emitted signal to more effectively eliminate a signal target. Additionally, or alternatively, drone swarms may operate on the same frequency. By widening the aperture, the swarm may be targeted as a whole. 
     The HERF weapon  102  may be configured to emit RF output via the antenna  111  automatically after set up is complete or based on the operator activating a trigger or entering a trigger command to the HERF weapon and/or to the control unit  106 . The HERF weapon  102  may be configured to emit a RF signal pulse, multiple pulses, or a continuous RF signal (e.g., until a kill is confirmed). By emitting a signal at or near the operating frequency of the UAV  103 , the HERF weapon  102  signature may be masked from discovery by hostile forces. Because the frequency of the emitted signal matches the frequency already in use by the UAV  103 , the operator of the UAV  103  may not recognize the signal emitted from the HERF weapon  102  as being different from signals emitted by the UAV  103 . 
       FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  are a flow chart showing an example method for detecting, gathering information regarding, disabling, and/or destroying a potential target (e.g., the UAV  103  and/or other targets or potential targets). As explained below, some steps of the example method may be performed by the sensing system  101  and other steps of the method may be performed by the control unit  106  and/or the HERF weapon  102 . The method of  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  may be subdivided and/or performed as separate methods. One, some, or all of the steps shown in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  may also, or alternatively, be performed by one or more other elements in the system of  FIG.  1   . For example, the sensing system  101  and the control unit  106  could be combined into a single computing device. The steps shown in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  and/or one or more other steps may be performed based on execution, by one or more processors of one or more computing devices, of instructions that are stored in a computer-readable medium, such as a non-transitory computer-readable memory. The steps shown in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  need not all be performed in the order described or shown, and/or some steps may be omitted and/or otherwise changed. Additional steps may be added. 
     In step  502 , the sensing system  101  may monitor signals received from one or more input devices, such as one or more antennas (e.g., antenna  104 ) and/or one or more EO/IR systems (e.g., EO/IR system  105 ), to scan for potential targets. In step  504 , the sensing system  101  may detect a target, such as the UAV  103 . If a target is not detected, the sensing system  101  may continue to scan for potential targets. If the UAV  103  is detected, the sensing system  101  may, in step  506 , analyze the information from the input devices and determine one or more frequencies on which the UAV  103  is operating. In step  508 , the sensing system  101  may determine locational information for the UAV  103 . For example, the sensing system  101  may use data from the one or more input devices to determine locational information associated with the UAV  103  using triangulation, radio location, and/or other methods of locating a signal transmitter. As part of step  508 , the sensing system  101  may determine the elevation and/or azimuth of the UAV  103 , and/or the sensing system  101  may further be configured to determine a range to the UAV  103 . As part of step  508 , the sensing system may determine (e.g., based on multiple positions over time) a course of travel and/or speed of the UAV  103 . In step  510 , the sensing system  101  may (e.g., if the sensing system  101  and the HERF weapon  102  are not co-located) convert locational information regarding the UAV (e.g., location, range, AoA, LOB, course, and/or speed) of the UAV  103  relative to the sensing system  101  to locational information (e.g., location, range, AoA, LOB, course, and/or speed) of the UAV  103  relative to the HERF weapon  102 . The conversion of step  510  may, for example, be based on position data (e.g., global positioning system (GPS) coordinates) associated with the sensing system  101  and on position data associated with the HERF weapon  102 . 
     In step  512 , the sensing system  101  may send, to the control unit  106  of the HERF weapon  102 , the frequency information from step  506  and the converted locational information from step  510 . The control unit  106  may receive that information in step  514 . In step  516 , the control unit  106  may determine (e.g., based on the locational information) if the UAV  103  is within range (e.g., 1 km, 1.5 km, or other value). If the UAV  103  is not in range, the control unit  106  may in step  518  communicate the out-of-range condition to the sensing system  101  and cause steps  506 - 514  to be repeated. If the UAV  103  is in range, the control unit  106  may, in step  520  ( FIG.  5 B ), send a control signal to the mounting system  107  to adjust the mounting system  107  and orient (e.g., aim) the HERF weapon  107 . The control signal sent in step  520  may be based on the converted locational information received in step  514 . The control signal sent in step  520  may comprise a series of control signals that causes the mounting system  107  to continuously move so as to track the UAV  103  (e.g., by keeping the UAV  103  within the FOV of the HERF weapon  102  as the UAV moves relative to the HERF weapon  102 ). In step  522 , the control unit  106  may send a control signal, to the HERF weapon  102 , that configures the signal generator  416 , the frequency converter  417 , the gain control  418 , and/or other components of the HERF weapon  102  to generate a signal that matches the operating frequency of the UAV  103 . The control signal sent in step  522  may be based on the frequency information received in step  514 . In step  524 , the HERF weapon  102  may receive a trigger input. The trigger input may be manual at the HERF weapon  102  (e.g., a traditional firearm trigger, toggle switch, button, etc.) or at the control unit  106  (e.g., pushing a button, input through a control screen, etc.). In step  526 , the trigger security system may confirm that an authorization input (e.g., a password, a physical key, etc.) allowing firing of the HERF weapon  102  was previously received (e.g., when activating the HERF weapon  102  and/or when disengaging a safety switch). If the authorization input is not confirmed, the process may end without the HERF weapon  102  being fired. If the authorization input is confirmed, the HERF weapon  102  may in step  528  emit one or more RF pulses at the power and frequency(ies) configured based on the control signals of step  522 , and while the HERF weapon  102  is in the orientation resulting from the control signals of step  520 . In step  530 , the control unit  106  may determine, or may receive a signal from the sensing system  101  indicating, whether the UAV  103  was disabled or destroyed (e.g., a signal indicating whether or not the UAV  103  is still operating). If the UAV  103  was not disabled or destroyed, the control unit  106  may in step  532  communicate with the sensing system  101  to request an update of frequency information for the UAV  103  and/or of locational information regarding the UAV  103 . The communication of step  532  may cause the sensing system  101  to repeat steps  506 - 512 . If the UAV  103  is determined in step  530  to have been disabled or destroyed, the process may end. 
     As indicated above, one or more of the steps in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  may be performed in another order, performed by a different device, otherwise modified, or omitted. For example, in one embodiment, the sensing system  101  may not need to convert locational information determined by the sensing system  101  (e.g., in step  508 ) into locational information relative to a position of the HERF weapon  102 . As indicated above, the HERF weapon  102  and the sensing system  101  may be co-located, and locational information determined by the sensing system  101  may thus not require conversion. As another example, step  510  may instead be performed by the control unit  106  based on the locational information determined in step  508 , based on position data (e.g., GPS coordinates) for the sensing system  101 , and based on position data for the HERF weapon  102 . 
     The foregoing has been presented for purposes of example. The foregoing is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit features to the precise form disclosed. The examples discussed herein were chosen and described in order to explain principles and the nature of various examples and their practical application to enable one skilled in the art to use these and other implementations with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The scope of this disclosure encompasses, but is not limited to, any and all combinations, sub-combinations, and permutations of structure, operations, and/or other features described herein and in the accompanying drawing figures.