Tactical High Energy Laser Research Articles

STOP model development and analysis of an optical collimation system for a tactical high-energy laser weapon.

To effectively avoid the bottleneck of optical collimation system distortion in the use of tactical high-energy laser weapons (THELWs), this paper proposes and realizes an optical-multiphysics-finite-element coupling analysis method. Combined with dynamic physical parameters, we construct and verify a structure-thermal-optical-performance (STOP) model and accurately restore the multiphysics coupling phenomenon in the THELW lens. Finally, we conclude that the limiting output power of THELW assembled with the doublet lens is 1155.6 W. Then, we draw a series of conclusions from different physical fields and make a comprehensive analysis of the optical collimation system performance. The analysis methods and conclusions described in the paper are of great significance for the R & D of future laser weapons and other optical systems.

Effectiveness Assessment of Tactical Laser Engagement Scenarios in the Lower Atmosphere

This study quantifies the effectiveness of proposed high-energy tactical laser missions, such as the Advanced Tactical Laser Advanced Concept Technical Demonstration and the Electric Laser on a Large Aircraft program, with consideration of simulated engagement scenarios in the lower atmosphere or troposphere, and establishes the need for a high-energy laser tactical decision aid. The simulations can be varied by geographic location and recent/ current atmospheric weather conditions. The atmospheric effects are defined through the Air Force Institute of Technology Center for Directed Energy high-energy laser end-to-end operational simulation model. This model enables the creation of vertical profiles of temperature, pressure, water vapor content, optical turbulence, and atmospheric particulates and hydrometeors as they relate to line-by-line layer extinction coefficient magnitude at wavelengths from the ultraviolet to the radio frequency. The expected propagation performance is assessed at the wavelength of 1:315 m in tactical laser engagement scenarios at a representative midlatitude site. Seasonal and boundary-layer variations (summer and winter) and time-of-day variations for a range of relative humidity percentile conditions are considered to determine optimum efficiency in a specific environment. Each atmospheric particulate/hydrometeor is evaluated based on its wavelength-dependent forward and off-axis scattering characteristics and absorption effects on the propagating environment. In addition to realistic vertical profiles of molecular and aerosol absorption and scattering, correlated optical turbulence profiles in probabilistic (percentile) format are used. The physically correct atmospheric characterizations used in a high-energy laser end-to-end operational simulation demonstrate the usefulness of implementing an engineering performancemodel with current meteorological conditions to a mission plan and optimize potential tactical high-energy laser combat engagements.

United States army tactical high-energy laser program

The tactical high energy laser (THEL) program, conducted from 1996 to 2005, successfully demonstrated the capability of a high-energy laser to counter rockets, artillery, and mortars. The program was a US/Israeli cooperative research and development effort that was designated by the Secretary of Defense as an advanced concept technology demonstration with Presidential interest. The THEL system was designed and built under an SMDC/ARSTART prime contract awarded to TRW (now, Northrop Grumman Corporation), jointly managed by the Israel Ministry of Defence Directorate of Defence Research & Development. We summarize the effort and highlight some of the firsts of the THEL program.