Environmental Assessment: For the Testing and Evaluation of Directed Energy System Using Laser Technology, Edwards Air Force Base
Abstract
The U.S. Air Force proposes to test and evaluate low, medium, and high power directed energy (DE) systems using light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (laser) techno logy at Edwards Air Force Base (AFB), California, and within the R-2508 Complex . All targets will be physically located on or above Edwards AFB, ins ide the restricted area R-2515. Up to 100 acres could be designated for target areas; however each individual target area would be limited to 5 acres. The Proposed Action is being developed to support the Air Force goal of meeting future requirements that are considered necessary for the defense of the territorial United States. The Proposed Action will support the testing and integration testing of laser systems on aircraft and other delivery platforms which is considered one of the primary functions of the Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards AFB, California. The Proposed Action would authorize the Air Force Flight Test Center to conduct up to 140 night tests (including chase aircraft) and 24 ground tests beginning in 2006-increasing to up to 394 flight tests (including chase aircraft) and 24 ground tests in 2010-for low, medium, and high power laser systems. Alternative B would limit the test to using surrogate laser systems (very low power), and Alternative C. the No-Action Alternative, would limit the events to those previously authorized under the Airborne Laser (ABL) test program.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA611298
Entities
People
- Geri K. Ige
- Jacqueline C. Eldridge
- James W. Knight
- Judith Charles
- Michelle A. Bates
- Thomas B. Collinson
Organizations
- Tetra Tech