Directed Energy Prototype Development
Abstract
MD98, Directed Energy Prototype Development, develops, integrates, and tests the technologies required to demonstrate the complete acquisition, tracking and lethality engagement sequence of a high energy laser system for boost-phase missile defense. The missile defense laser demonstrator combines tracking technology developed under the Discrimination Sensor Technology program element with laser technology developed under the Weapons Technology program element and industry concepts for a cost-effective demonstrator. The demonstrator integrates the lasers, detectors, beam control system, processors, power supplies and thermal management systems into a high altitude airborne platform for missile defense laser applications. The MDA will test the laser platform under realistic conditions in conjunction with on-going BMDS tests. Depending on the specific industry concept selected, the demonstrator will consist of a 100 watt-class low power surrogate high energy laser, a kw-class tracking laser, and a 10 kilowatt to 150 kilowatt mission laser. A key risk area to cost effective boost phase kill is acquisition, tracking and beam stability at long stand-off ranges. The demonstrator will incrementally verify acquisition and tracking, surrogate high energy laser pointing and stability accuracy, then mission laser effectiveness at extended ranges. This approach informs a missile defense laser concept of operations under realistic BMDS scenarios. The Directed Energy Prototype Development project provides the necessary technology, test data, and operations familiarity to successfully transition to a higher power directed energy weapon capable of destroying a boosting missile before it can deploy countermeasures. In FY 2017, MDA will begin the design of a missile defense laser demonstrator based on the technology proposed in five Industry defined concepts competitively awarded in FY 2015 under the Weapons Technology program element, 0603178C. The FY 2017 $23.919 million request funds dual contractors completing systems engineering, component trade studies and aircraft modification designs required for a missile defense laser demonstrator through a Preliminary Design Review in FY 2017. The MDA will then make a selection between these two contractors and complete a Critical Design Review in FY 2018 and BMDS flight tests in FY 2021. The technology, individually and jointly developed and tested by the MDA, the Air Force and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency under the Weapons Technology program element, underpins multiple missile defense laser demonstrator Industry concepts. This missile defense laser demonstrator provides additional collaborative development and test opportunities to investigate laser beam pointing, stability and jitter effects under various altitude and flight conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2017
- Source ID
- MD98_0604115C_4_0400_PB_2017
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