Huakai Electronics Launches High-Intensity Radiated Field (HIRF) System

On the modern battlefield, the intense electromagnetic environment created by high-power radars, communication transmitters, and other equipment—both on the enemy side and our own—as well as the strong electromagnetic pulse environment generated by high-power microwave weapons, or natural phenomena such as lightning and static electricity—these complex and ever-changing electromagnetic environments, whether intentional or unintentional—pose a serious threat to military equipment, with destructive effects far exceeding those of conventional electronic warfare systems.

Therefore, electromagnetic environment testing and verification of weapon systems throughout their entire life cycle has become an important guarantee in the development of high-tech weapons and equipment.

Establishing a broadband electromagnetic environment generation system that can be used in laboratories (test sites) to simulate the electromagnetic fields produced by various types of radiation sources at different distances, and subjecting the system platform to multi-angle irradiation while assessing and evaluating its performance under diverse electromagnetic conditions, is an experimentally recognized and more realistic and feasible approach internationally.

To meet the diverse requirements of various national systems and platforms, as well as the differing intensities of electromagnetic environments in which they operate, countries around the world have developed a wide range of external radiofrequency electromagnetic environment testing and evaluation systems. These systems are used to conduct electromagnetic environmental effect tests and assessments on military weapon system platforms.

HIRF (High Intensity Radio Field, High-Intensity Radiation Field) refers to an electromagnetic radiation characterized by relatively high radiant energy per unit area. Its intensity is determined jointly by the electric field strength and magnetic field strength of the electromagnetic wave. HIRF is an important component of complex electromagnetic environments and can serve as a source of electromagnetic interference, entering the interior through coupling paths such as doors, windows, antennas, openings, and cable conduits in weapons systems and other equipment, thereby causing radiated or conducted interference to onboard devices. Currently, HIRF testing has become the most mainstream approach for evaluating complex electromagnetic environments and is widely applied in numerous countries and projects.

Major showcase

At the recently concluded 21st EMC/China Electromagnetic Compatibility and Microwave Antenna Exhibition, the High-Intensity Radiated Field (HIRF) system showcased by Nanjing Huakai Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. immediately attracted numerous visitors who stopped to take a closer look and engage in discussions.

The High-Intensity Radiated Field (HIRF) system provided by Nanjing Huakai Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. is capable of conducting realistic and effective testing and evaluation of weapon system platforms—covering their entire operational status and lifecycle—in a high-intensity, complex electromagnetic environment, thereby determining whether they can function normally and meet their designed performance specifications.

Through testing, identify the weak links in the electromagnetic protection of the weapon system platform and implement corresponding electromagnetic protection enhancement measures. This is of profound significance for improving the electromagnetic protection level of the weapon system platform, enhancing its ability to withstand high-intensity and complex electromagnetic environments, and boosting the operational capabilities of the weapon system platform.

Typical case

Applicable Standards

GJB1389A-2005

5.1 Safety Margin: External Radio Frequency

5.3 External Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Environment

5.8.2 Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Fuel

5.8.3 Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance

RTCA/DO-160 G

20.5 Radiation Sensitivity (RS)—Darkroom Method

Application fields

Aerospace field: In the design and certification processes of aircraft and spacecraft, HIRF testing is a critical step. By simulating the electromagnetic environment during flight using an HIRF system, we can verify whether the aircraft’s electronic equipment functions properly and prevent equipment failures caused by electromagnetic interference. For example, critical systems on aircraft—such as the flight control system, communication system, and navigation system—must undergo HIRF testing to ensure their electromagnetic compatibility. If these systems were to fail under conditions of high-intensity electromagnetic radiation, it could lead to flight accidents.

Military equipment field: Electronic equipment in military systems faces increasingly complex and harsh electromagnetic environments. The HIRF system can be used to test the electromagnetic compatibility and anti-interference capabilities of weapon systems, military communication systems, radar systems, and more. For example, during military exercises or real combat scenarios, various electronic warfare devices and communication jamming equipment generate high-intensity electromagnetic radiation. The electronic systems of military equipment must be able to function normally under such conditions, and the HIRF system can simulate these scenarios for testing purposes.