Implications of Cloud Obscuration on Ground-Based Laser Systems for Strategic Defense

Abstract

The evolution and the current status of the Strategic Defense System Phase II Ground-Based Laser (GBL) System Concept is reviewed in this report. In particular, the impact of clouds on system configuration and site selection is discussed. By using current models of correlated probabilities of cloud-free line of sight and cloud-free arc (CFLOS4D and CFARC) for several ground stations with cloud realizations provided by the Boehm Saw Tooth generator, we have determined the number of ground sites required to achieve various levels of desired system weather availability. We briefly describe potential improvements in the models and discuss the necessity for using the Whole Sky Imager results now being generated to validate these models with empirical data, thereby lending further credibility to GBL System Concepts.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 12, 1990
Accession Number
ADA220492

Entities

People

  • Kathryn M. Parker
  • Michael T. Tavis
  • Scott W. Levinson

Organizations

  • The Aerospace Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Availability
  • Classification
  • Cloud Cover
  • Databases
  • Directed Energy Weapons
  • Free Electron Lasers
  • Free Electrons
  • Ground Based
  • Ground Stations
  • Line Of Sight
  • Site Selection
  • Sites
  • Space Systems
  • Stations
  • Surveillance

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Image Processing and Computer Vision.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy