Directed Energy Research
Abstract
MDA is partnering with the Federally Funded Research and Development Centers and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to explore advanced laser technologies such as the Diode Pumped Alkali Laser System (DPALS) and fiber laser beam combining systems, and will monitor other emerging laser technologies for investment and development. During FY 2012 and 2013, MDA will demonstrate the efficiency, producibility and scaling potential of candidate laser architectures. Based on successful knowledge point completion and high energy lethality analysis, MDA will select the best candidate laser and develop a 200 kilowatt class laser payload for integration and test on a high altitude, low mach platform. To characterize the high altitude, low mach flight environment a surrogate directed energy platform will be instrumented to provide vibration and jitter data. MDA will transition the Airborne Laser Test Bed (ALTB) aircraft for permanent storage in FY 2012. Flight tests to characterize lethality, high energy laser beam propagation and to anchor system models for both Air Force and Missile Defense applications stopped in November 2011. The Agency will transition to the next generation Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Laser technology, while maintaining the critical skills required for the next generation directed energy platform development. Closeout tasks include: final collation and archiving of ALTB information and data, aircraft and property disposition and Birk Flight Test Center facility restoration at Edwards Air Force Base.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2013
- Source ID
- MD69_0603901C_3_0400_PB_2013
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