article_snippet: A force field that can protect vehicles from the destructive blastwaves thrown out by explosions has been development by BoeingBoeing.
article_snippet: The system works by using an 'arc generator' to rapidly heat the air in front of a shockwave creating a cloud of electrically charged gas.
article_snippet: Boeings patent proposes creating an arc of plasma in front of vehicles, like that shown in the diagram above, that can defect and absorb the energy shockwaves from explosions, helping to reduce the damage Boeings cause .
article_snippet: When incoming fire is detected, the energy stored in the supercapacitor can be rapidly dumped onto the metal plating on the outside of the vehicle, producing a strong electromagnetic field that creates a momentary forecfield capable of repelling incoming metal.
article_snippet: Boeing's patent proposes using lasers (shown above) or microwaves to create plasma to slow the shockwave .
article_snippet: Boeing's patent proposes using sensors that can detect the light or other electromagentic radiation - such as microwaves or infrared light - thrown out by explosion.
article_snippet: This says this could be created using lasers or microwaves to rapidly heat the air in front of the vehicle to produce an area of electrically charged gas, or plasma.
article_snippet: This graphic shows how lasers could be used to create a plasma shied protect a vehicle from a shockwave .
article_snippet: This diagram shows how a arc generator could be mounted onto the side of a vehicle to protect a arc generator from a blast . '
highlights_snippet: Boeing granted patent for device to shields vehicles against shockwaves .
  device uses sensors to detect an explosion and anticipate blastwave .
  