Directed Energy Research
Abstract
The MDA mission is to develop a robust system to defend the United States against ballistic missile attacks at all ranges, in all phases of flight. Using Directed Energy weapons to negate a ballistic missile in boost phase, before a threat missile can deploy countermeasures, will revolutionize missile defense by dramatically reducing the role of interceptors. In FY 2010, the Airborne Laser program proved it is possible to acquire, track and destroy a boosting missile, addressing many aspects of the boost phase kill, but also underscoring the complexity and challenges of fielding such a weapon system. The experience gained from that successful first foray into directed energy system illuminates a new path that integrates a highly efficient, compact electric laser into a high altitude, low-Mach Unmanned Aerial Vehicle capable of flying in the stratosphere. Flying at low speed in relatively calm air at 60,000 feet significantly reduces the need for the complex beam pointing and atmospheric jitter compensation systems that were challenges for the Airborne Laser program. The key to realizing this future high altitude, unmanned directed energy system is the laser. The Directed Energy Research project funds the laboratory development of two high energy laser technologies, the DPAL with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and FCL with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory (MIT/LL). Both laser technologies have considerable promise for scaling to very high average power while simultaneously achieving high system electrical-to-optical efficiencies, exceeding 40 percent, and very low system weight and volume. The MDA strategy is to reduce technical risk through dual path laboratory development and transition the laboratory development to industry in FY 2018 for high altitude unmanned platform integration and test.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2019
- Source ID
- MD69_0603178C_3_0400_PB_2019
Related Documents
- Root: Weapons Technology
- Child Accomplishment: Directed Energy Research