Electromagnetic Compatibility in Weapon Systems

The high density of electrical and electronic equipment in modern weapon systems, the extension of performance limits of both the equipment and the weapon systems and growth in complexity and quantity of systems have greatly aggravated the problem of insuring electromagnetic compatibility. Electromagnetic incompatibility can exist as soon as two or more of the most minor elements of the system are placed in a common environment, and the probability of incompatibility increases each time a new element is added. The typical weapon system is so complex, and has such intricate interrelations among its elements and with other systems, that minor electromagnetic incompatibilities can cause major malfunctions or loss of reliability. The weapon system manager and design engineer must establish and enforce detailed controls of electromagnetic compatibi I ity throughout the development program to insure that the weapon system can accomplish its intended mission.