SSL-TM

Abstract

The efforts described in this mission area address the advanced component development and prototype demonstration associated with the Navy's Solid State Laser Technology Maturation (SSL-TM) Innovative Naval Prototypes (INP) Program investments. The SSL-TM program is developing an integrated Laser Weapons System Demonstrator (LWSD). SSL-TM will provide a new capability to the Fleet to address known capability gaps against asymmetric threats (UAS, small boats, and ISR sensors) and will inform future acquisition strategies, system designs, integration architectures, and fielding plans for laser weapon systems. INP and LA-Tech investments represent game changing technologies with the potential to revolutionize operational concepts. They are disruptive in nature as they would dramatically change the way naval forces fight. INPs and LA-Techs push the imagination of our nation's technical talent to deliver transformational warfighting capabilities. Successful demonstrations are intended to present the Department of the Navy with a programmatic challenge as these new capabilities can lead to the obsolescence of existing capabilities and significant decisions as to the path forward for integrating the new technological capabilities into the warfighting systems of the future. ONR manages a continuum of INP and LA-Tech development from BA2 to BA3 to BA4. The goal of these BA4 investments is to further mature development and expend efforts necessary to evaluate integrated technologies, representative modes or prototype systems in high fidelity and realistic operating environments. This BA4 investment includes system specific efforts that help expedite technology transition from the laboratory to operational use. Emphasis is on proving component and subsystem maturity prior to integration in major and complex systems and may involve risk reduction initiatives. Projects in this category involve efforts prior to Milestone B and are referred to as advanced component development activities and include technology demonstrations. It is the goal of these projects to achieve Technology Readiness Levels 6 or 7. Successful experimentation and demonstration highlights the viability of new technological capabilities that could be implemented if an acquisition program were to be established to support further development. The portfolio is periodically refreshed through the selection of new INPs and LA-Tech investments as existing ones are completed.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2021
• Source ID: 2480_0603382N_4_1319_PB_2021

Tags

Readers

• Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.

Technology Areas

• Directed Energy