Directed Energy Technology
Abstract
This program covers research in Directed Energy (DE) technologies, primarily High Energy Lasers (HEL); including devices, subcomponents, and novel materials; optical beam control; laser system integration; target laser lethality/vulnerability assessments; ground-based optical Space Domain Awareness (SDA); and high power microwaves (HPM). Laser research includes moderate to high power laser devices that are applicable to a wide range of applications, optical technologies to propagate laser beams through the atmosphere, and integration of these technologies into demonstration packages. Space Domain Awareness research uses the Starfire Optical Range (SOR) and the Maui Space Surveillance System (MSSS) to develop and implement technologies that identify visual characteristics such as status and health of orbiting space objects. High power microwaves research examines technologies for applications such as counter-electronics and non-lethal weapons. This program conducts research into other novel Directed Energy applications; conducts Directed Energy vulnerability/lethality assessments; develops protection technologies versus Directed Energy; conducts research into other advanced non-conventional/innovative weapons; develops and uses tools to compare solutions to determine the most effective and efficient Directed Energy technologies to meet Air Force needs; coordinates efforts through the Department of Defense Science and Technology Executive Committee process to harmonize efforts and eliminate duplication. In FY 2022, a portion of PE 0602605F, the optical space domain awareness and satellite vulnerability efforts of PE 0602605F, Directed Energy Technology, Project 624866, Lasers & Imaging Technology, was transferred to Appropriation 3620, Research, Development, Test & Evaluation, Space Force, PE 1206601SF, Space Technology, Project 624866, Lasers & Imaging Technology from Appropriation 3600, Budget Activity 2 due to the creation of a new Appropriation for Space Force. In addition, the funds associated with High Energy Laser Technologies and Directed Energy Assessments were moved from PE 0602605F, Project 624866, to PE 0602605F, Project 625173. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver science & technology capabilities. The use of program funds in this PE would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0601102F, 0602102F, 0602201F, 0602202F, 0602203F, 0602204F, 0602602F, 0602788F, 1206601SF, and 0602298F. Funds in this PE may be used to investigate specified technology advancements in air, space and/or cyber domains. This program is in Budget Activity 2, Applied Research because this budget activity includes studies, investigations, and non-system specific technology efforts directed toward general military needs with a view toward developing and evaluating the feasibility and practicality of proposed solutions and determining their parameters.
Document Details
- Document Type
- R2 Budgetary Justification
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2022
- Source ID
- 0602605F_2_3600_PB_2022
- Change Summary Explanation
- Air Force activities supporting Directed Energy Science and Technology FY 2022 decreased compared to FY 2021 by 8.506 Million. The overall decrease is due to: 1) increased emphasis in Laser and Imaging Technology and 2) planned activities transferred to the United States Space Force Program Element 1206601SF.
- Service Agency Name
- Air Force
Entities
Organizations
- United States Air Force
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