HIGH ENERGY LASER TECHNOLOGY DEMO
Abstract
This project matures and demonstrates advanced technologies for future force High Energy Laser (HEL) weapons technology. The major effort under this project is the development of a mobile 100 kilowatt (kW) class Solid State High Energy Laser Technology Demonstrator (HEL TD) that is traceable to the form, fit, and function requirements of the future force. At weapon system power levels of around 100 kW, Solid State Laser (SSL) technology has the potential to engage and defeat rockets, artillery and mortars (RAM), surface mines, anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), sensors, and optics. HELs are expected to complement conventional offensive and defensive weapons at a lower cost-per-shot than current systems and without the need to strategically, operationally, or tactically stockpile ordnance. The HEL TD effort utilizes a modular building block approach with open systems architecture to ensure growth and interoperability. This modular approach ensures opportunity for technology insertions for maturation of laser, beam control, sensor/radar, integration of power and thermal management subsystems, as well as Battle Management Command, Control, and Computers (BMC3). Work in this project is related to, and fully coordinated with, efforts in PE 0602307A (Advanced Weapons Technology), PE 0602890F (High Energy Laser Research), PE 0603924F (HEL Advanced Technology Program), PE 0603005A (Combat Vehicle and Automotive Advanced Technology), PE 0603924D8Z (High Energy Laser Advanced Technology Program), PE 0602120A (Sensors and Electronic Survivability), and PE 0605605A (DOD High Energy Laser Systems Test Facility), The cited work is consistent with the Department of Defense Research and Engineering Strategic Plan, the Army Modernization Strategy, and the Army Science and Technology Master Plan. Work is performed by the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command Technical Center, Huntsville, AL.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2012
- Source ID
- L96_0603004A_3_2040_PB_2012
Related Documents
- Root: Weapons and Munitions Advanced Technology
- Child Accomplishment: High Energy Laser Technology Demonstrator (HEL TD)