Advanced Phased Array for Conformal High Energy (APACHE) Weapons Systems

ABSTRACT: To address the Air Force need for a low SWaP, conformal, phased array laser beam director designed for airborne platforms, Optonicus proposes the development of a new Advanced Phased Array for Conformal High Energy (APACHE) weapon systems. The APACHE architecture, based on an a thermalized conformal optical design and novel electronic beam controls that accommodate all necessary acquisition, pointing, and tracking functions, will provide a new system suited for an airborne platform"s unique vibration, thermal, and operational environment. This development will leverage Optonicus"expertise in high power phased array design. In Phase I, Optonicus will demonstrate feasibility through detailed optical design, preliminary mechanical design, and analytical modeling. In Phase II, Optonicus will demonstrate application of APACHE to an airborne platform utilizing extensive thermal and vibrational modeling, detailed mechanical design, and assemble a laboratory prototype. In Phase III, Optonicus will integrate the APACHE into a functional laser phased array system, demonstrate APACHE in the field, and explore commercialization of APACHE technology for free space laser communication and astronomical use. BENEFIT: The Optonicus APACHE system will enable placement of conformal, compact, high energy laser weapons on DoD airborne platforms. The technology has additional military applications for DoD land and sea based platforms and, in a lower power configuration, free space laser communication. Commercial applications include high-power fiber laser welding, cutting, precision hole drilling, and materials processing. Additionally lower-power versions of the system can be used in free-space laser communications, and in civilian astronomical use.