REDCAT HPM Test Bed
Abstract
Remote Electromagnetic Disruption of Critical Advanced Threats (REDCAT) will demonstrate High Power Microwave (HPM) integration onto Naval platforms for air defense missions. The objective of the REDCAT rapid prototyping effort is to demonstrate that the REDCAT system is able to detect, track, engage, defeat and assess advanced threats to the ship in a maritime environment. This HPM payload capability will supplement and conserve the ships kinetic defensive weapons. In addition to advancing the HPM source and antenna technologies, this program will also enhance sensor systems well as common weapon console with ongoing laser programs. REDCAT will also develop novel Radio Frequency (RF) waveforms to improve HPM effectiveness. When combined with other non-kinetic capabilities and integrated with the ship's command and control (C2), REDCAT will provide a low cost-per-shot, deep magazine capability for significantly expanding the self-defense capabilities of US Navy platforms. Rapid engagement of targets for large threat raid defeat is a major feature of the system. The system will demonstrate full kill chain integration from find to assess. The payoffs for the REDCAT program include integrated non-kinetic air defense systems to improve the layered defense, optimized use of defensive kinetic weapons and improved sensor and control systems. This effort will also develop and HPM test bed and perform capability demonstrations to fill gaps in effects and mission modeling of HPM weapons. This includes providing specific measurable data to inform the Terminal Defense NIF gap assessment & closure plans. The goal of the government-developed HPM test bed is to: - Evaluate existing REDCAT prototype hardware for performance and suitability evaluation - Develop detailed effects understanding of HPM lethality capability and thresholds - Inform HPM system requirements and a ship deployable HPM system design
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2024
- Source ID
- b9d61990a84d3aa82305887f064e6d65