High Energy Laser Counter ASCM Project (HELCAP)
Abstract
High Energy Laser Counter ASCM Project (HELCAP): Defeating Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles (ASCMs) with a laser weapon system presents several technical challenges. The High Energy Laser Counter ASCM Project HELCAP will assess, develop, experiment, and demonstrate the various laser weapon system technologies and methods of implementation required to defeat ASCMs. HELCAP will leverage the knowledge gained in the Navy Laser Family of Systems (NLFoS) efforts that include: - Alternative Laser Sources for higher powers, also known as the Ruggedized High Energy Laser (RHEL) activities; - Solid State Laser Tech Maturation activities that provides initial key enabling technical solutions in high power lasers and beam control, and will provide opportunities for single ship operational and sustainment learning; - Surface Navy Laser Weapon System Increment 1 (SNLWS Inc. 1) project that provides the initial combat system integration and installation knowledge for Aegis platforms, and multi-ship battle force operations knowledge; - Optical Dazzling Interdictor Navy (ODIN) that provides Counter-ISR technical and fleet operational knowledge. This leveraged knowledge and new HELCAP technical solutions to the C-ASCM problem will enable a fully informed decision to rapidly field an integrated, fleet ready, HEL Weapon. HELCAP activities being conducted in this project include technology assessments, laser lethality investigations, and advanced beam control. This project passes technology to follow on HELCAP activities being conducted under Program Element (PE) 0603925N Directed Energy and Electric Weapon Systems. 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.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2021
- Source ID
- 2731_0603801N_3_1319_PB_2021
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