[Zathras]

If Newt Gingrich thinks EMP is a major problem, he needs better advisors.
Generating a large EMP takes a +1MT warhead detonated 100 miles over its target.

First you need a +1MT warhead. Only 4, maybe 5 countries have the technology for 2 stage thermonuclear warheads.

Then you need a launch platform to place a 5000lb warhead 100 miles above the target. Same 4 countries.

After all that, you take out the power grid of something the size of Wisconsin...and the rest of the 49 states are really pissed off.
and know Exactly who launched the missile.

[Star Traveler]

This can happen from natural sources, too.

[Zathras]

It would be much easier and cheaper to detonate a van full of Cobalt 60 in NYC financial district.
Only big problem would be getting it into the city.

[Blueflag]

You are correct about HEMP - high altitude electromagnetic pulse. It generates the three most damaging forms of nuclear-originated EMP.

But SCUD-like platforms can deliver a SREMP -source regional EMP which can disable a metro region like ny to boston. They are essentially direct effect weapons that dont produce the E1 pulse inherent in an exoatmospheric blast that excites the atmosphere and kills a national area line of sight.

Posting from mobile. Excuse thetyppos

[tanknetter]

Going from memory, but there have been some articles about creating a “poor man’s emp weapon” that isn’t a nuke. Will have to look for them later.

There was also a recent thread here about how taking down a small portion of the grid in an initial attack could have a massive cascading impact and take down most, or at least a lot, of the rest of it. Even medium sized disruption that spans into weeks or months will cause an absolute nightmare.

[Georgia Girl 2]

Forget EMP. Its a lot easier to just take down the grid by demolishng enough substations. If you do not have an alternative power system you need to get working on it becausse we will at some point be in the dark for 18 mos to 4 years.

[USFRIENDINVICTORIA]

That's not what the EMP Commission says:

http://empcommission.org/

"What is significant about an EMP attack is that one or a few high-altitude nuclear detonations can produce EMP effects that can potentially disrupt or damage electronic and electrical systems over much of the United States, virtually simultaneously, at a time determined by an adversary."

[taxcontrol]

Or one big solar flare.

[Yosemitest]

"First you need a +1MT warhead. "

You mean one like Bill Clinton assisted China to steal the technology from U.S. and give to Pakistan ?

"Then you need a launch platform to place a 5000lb warhead 100 miles above the target."

Well, how effective would it be if it was flown in a Boeing 777-200 ER and exploded at, oh ... let's say 45,000 feet, Over Washington D.C. ?

What would that do to our Electrical Power Gird, say from New York City, down to Norfolk, Virginia ?

[The Duke]

All quite true ... but a repeat of the “Carrington Event” is probably much more probable, and that *is* something to be ready for (in fact, I think we barely dodged that bullet just a few weeks ago?)

[CodeToad]

Nice. lol. And well put.