Atmospheric Considerations in Engagement-Level Simulations of Tactical High-Energy Laser Systems

Abstract

The atmosphere can have a tremendous impact on tactical high-energy laser (HEL) systems. The variable nature of the atmosphere can produce highly variable performance. System designers need accurate environmental models to optimize the design of these systems. This paper reviews the atmospheric impact of various atmospheric phenomena on laser performance and the measurement and modeling efforts of the Air Force Research Laboratory. Two of these phenomena, optical turbulence and cloud obscuration, have been included in an engagement-level model, DEEST (Directed Energy Environmental Simulation Tool), to determine the optical performance of a tactical laser system. DEEST is described, and various aspects of the model are discussed for the benefit of those who will be modeling tactical HEL systems.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2005
Accession Number
ADA439447

Entities

People

  • G. Fairley
  • G. P. Seeley
  • G. Y. Jumper
  • J. R. Roadcap
  • S. C. Adair

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Boundary Layer
  • Directed Energy Weapons
  • Graphical User Interface
  • Grids
  • High Energy
  • High Energy Lasers
  • Laser Weapons
  • Lasers
  • Measurement
  • Military Research
  • Refractive Index
  • Simulations
  • Tactical High-Energy Lasers
  • Turbulence
  • Weapon Systems

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Atmospheric Remote Sensing.
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Team-Based Human-Centered Cognitive Task Decision Making and Information Performance.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy