Directed Energy Research
Abstract
The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is conducting research into the transmission and control of Directed Energy (DE) largely above the atmosphere for non-intercept missile defense applications and ultimately boost phase intercepts. The agency works in collaboration with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the High Energy Laser Joint Technology Office in a systems engineering based strategy for the research, development, test and evaluation of high energy laser technologies. To transition to the next generation high power directed energy platform, MDA is exploring two promising laser technologies. These candidate laser systems offer a path to high efficiency, electrically-driven, compact, light-weight high energy lasers for multiple Missile Defense applications including discrimination and boost phase defense. MDA is pursuing Diode Pumped Alkali Laser System (DPALS) and fiber combining laser technologies based on their efficiency and scaling potential. A 200 kilowatt class flight qualifiable laser prototype will be built and tested based on the selected technology for non-intercept Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) enhancement. In parallel with laser development, a surrogate high altitude, long endurance (HALE) platform will be instrumented to collect high altitude flight environment data starting in FY 2012. A concept development contract to demonstrate the mission utility of a 200 kilowatt class laser integrated into a high altitude, low mach platform will follow and culminate in successful in-flight Command/Control, Ballistic Missile Defense System (C2BMDS) enhancement demonstrations. The successful completion of these demonstrations will establish the technical foundation for revolutionary technology. The Airborne Laser Test Bed (ALTB) demonstrated a directed energy weapon`s ability to destroy a boosting missile and provided valuable science and technology (S&T) data for the Nations DE knowledge base. The limited funding available for FY 2012 required that MDA stop ALTB S&T data collection. Flight tests were stopped and the aircraft is being prepared for storage and final disposition. This program element funds ALTB disposition. The Directed Energy Research contributions to support Combatant Commanders` priorities include: Engage and re-engage a threat to include Short Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM), Medium Range Ballistic Missiles (MRBM), Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBM), Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM), and address new and evolving Ballistic Missile discrimination threats. MD40 consists of Program-Wide Support (PWS) non-headquarters management costs in support of MDA functions and activities across the entire Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS).
Document Details
- Document Type
- R2 Budgetary Justification
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2013
- Source ID
- 0603901C_3_0400_PB_2013
- Change Summary Explanation
- FY 2011 increase of $25.000M reflects a congressional increase (Department of Defense and Full Year Continuing Appropriation Act, FY 2011 (Public Law 112-10)) and also SBIR/STTR transfer of $1.940M and internal reprogrammings of $5.192 for Department of Defense priorities. FY 2012 decrease of $46.386M reflects a congressional directed reduction (Consolidated Appropriation Act of FY 2012 (Public Law 112-74)) of $46.329 and a congressional general reduction of $.057. FY 2013 decrease of $45.009M reflects a realignment of Department of Defense priorities.
- Service Agency Name
- Missile Defense Agency
Entities
Organizations
- Missile Defense Agency
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