One of the more interesting discoveries by the NRAD scientists involved magnetism. They found that by using special nano-tech robots they could cage an electron in such a way that it acted almost as a monopole. In other words, they could create a uni-directional, or one-way, magnetic field which had never been accomplished before. Unfortunately, at the moment this isn't all that practical a discovery.

One of the scientific teams is currently working on a way to use this as a means of travel. The ground is "seeded" with these special nano-tech robots which create a strong magnetic field in the ground. Special vehicles designed to ride over these fields can then travel over the ground by "levitating" a few feet off the ground. While these vehicles are extremely fast and maneuverable, they are not very useful. The vehicles are limited in range by the size of the seeded field. Also, the magnetized field is relatively short lived: the effect dies out after about two hours.

Regardless of these shortcomings, NRAD is still pursuing this project.

Effect: The Nano-Tech Repulsors create a localized strong magnetic field in the ground.
Delivery System: Same as the NDW: generally by missile.
Range:

Micro-Rocket: 6000 ft (1820 m)
Mini-Missile: 1 mile (1.6 km)
Short Range Missile: 4 miles (6.4 km)
Medium Range Missile: 40 miles (64.3 km)
Long Range Missile: 1200 miles (1928 km)

Cloud Radius

Micro-Rocket: Varies with ROF; between 2 and 25 ft (0.6-7.6 m)
Mini-Missile: 20 ft (6.1 m)
Short Range Missile: 25 ft (7.6 m)
Medium Range Missile: 40 ft (12.2 m)
Long Range Missile: 80 ft (24.4 m)

Duration: The effect only lasts about two hours. After that the magnetic field is too weak to be used.

A second method of deployment has recently been investigated. A large crop-dusting truck was converted to deliver the nanites by spraying the ground in front of the truck. This created a nano-tech repulsor "highway" as the truck drove ahead. It's most useful application would be for supply convoys, where the vehicles following could take advantage of the repulsors.

However, this method is also not without its problems. First, it is an extremely expensive way to transport materials since it would require the use of so many nanites. Also, any vehicle converted to use this system would most likely be unable to operate at all without the repulsor field. Despite these problems, research is continuing.

Effect: The Nano-Tech Repulsors create a localized strong magnetic field in the ground.
Delivery System: A modified crop-dusting truck sprays a 15 meter wide strip as it travels.
Range: The truck can carry enough nanites to cover a 150 km distance
Duration: The effect only lasts about two hours. After that the magnetic field is too weak to be used.

Designed by Chris Curtis (curtis@thepentagon.com).

Additional idea contributed by Silverwing.