Generalized Phased Array Weapon System Beam Director Development (GPAWS-BDD)

ABSTRACT:Conformal phased array laser weapon system technology is incrementally moving toward technical feasibility.Our Phase 1 Generalized Phased Array Weapon System Beam Director Development (GPAWS-BDD) program completed a detailed optical and mechanical design for a conformal phased array laser weapon system based on requirements developed for the Nutornics High Energy Laser Phased Array System (HELPAS-N) design.In addition we completed environmental temperature/pressure analysis, power handling thermal analysis, and vibration analysis for up to 10 g RMS vibration environments.Through this design process Nutronics identified critical risk areas that limit continued development of a conformal phased array laser weapon system.One of the risk areas is the high power fiber launch assembly.Nutronics, Inc. has developed an innovative design for the fiber launch assembly that provides dynamic compensation capability with a large dynamic range.Nutronics, Inc.s proposed Phase 2 effort focuses on advancing the technical maturity of our fiber launch assembly by completing high power and vibration testing to verify performance predictions developed during the Phase 1 effort.BENEFIT:The proposed effort has numerous potential benefits and commercial applications, including (but not limited to): laser communication, space situational awareness, astronomical ground based imaging, laser radar, laser rangefinding, aircraft self defense (both commercial and military), air-base defense, ship self-defense, and tactical precision strike.