Department of Defense High Power Laser Program Guidance
Abstract
The DoD investment of nominally $200 million per year is focused on four high power laser (HPL) concepts: Space-Based Laser (SBL), a Ballistic Missile Defense Organization effort that addresses boost-phase intercept for Theater Missile Defense and National Missile Defense, Airborne Laser (ABL), an Air Force effort that addresses boost-phase intercept for Theater Missile Defense, Ground-Based Laser (GBL), an Air Force effort addressing space control, and Anti-Ship Missile Defense (ASMD), a Navy effort addressing ship-based defense. Each organization is also supporting technology development with the goal of achieving less expensive, brighter, and lighter high power laser systems. These activities represent the building blocks of the DoD program to exploit the compelling characteristics of the high power laser. Even though DoD's HPL program are focused and moderately strong, additional emphasis in a few technical areas could help reduce risk in these programs. In addition, a number of options are available for continuing to use the High-Energy Laser System Test Facility (HELSTF) at White Sands Missile Range. This report provides a brief overview and guidance for the five efforts which comprise the DoD HPL program (SBL, ABL, GBL, ASMD, HELSTF). Laser, S&T Program, Directed Energy Weapon, HELSTF, TMD
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 06, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA282915
Entities
People
- Clifford H. Muller