SSL-TM

Abstract

Solid State Laser Technology Maturation (SSL TM) is a multi-year effort in various stages of research and development within the Navy's Innovative Naval Prototypes (INP) Program. SSL-TM will develop a maritime laser weapons system prototype and test it on a representative test platform for a naval surface combatant, and conduct the required laser weapon system engineering, design, integration and testing necessary to have a testable, experimental prototype. This system will be capable of supporting missions such as defense against small boat and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) swarms and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) disruption and defeat. The project will conduct at-sea testing on the full laser weapon system demonstrator (i.e., prototype) from a representative test platform for a naval surface combatant. INP 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. Due to high technical risk, INPs typically have long duration but have no more than three years between decision points. INPs do not develop hardware for service use, rather they prove technological and production feasibility, and show naval utility and acquisition potential. The Office of Naval Research (ONR) demonstrates INPs in relevant environments. Successful experimentation and demonstrations present the Department of the Navy with disruptive capabilities that may lead to the obsolescence of existing capabilities and acquisition programs. The Department of the Navy would have to make significant acquisition decisions to integrate the new technological capabilities into naval warfighting systems. INPs are selected by a process that involves senior leadership in the Department of the Navy. Information security concerns preclude fully detailed descriptions of project efforts, research activities, and technology development plans. Specific information on each project and activity will be provided separately to the Congressional oversight committees.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2021
Source ID
2480_0603801N_3_1319_PB_2021

Tags

Readers

  • Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.
  • Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy
  • Directed Energy

Related Documents