Atmospheric Characterization for Directed Energy Applications

MZA partnered with the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) propose the development of an integrated satellite-derived numerical weather prediction (NWP) modeling and optical sensor measurements technique to provide comprehensive atmospheric characterization for modeling of directed energy (DE) weapon performance. We will build on an existing technique for temperature and wind modeling using satellite atmospheric sounder data and apply advanced processing to obtain optical turbulence strength, Cn2. We will also develop path-weighted turbulence measurement techniques using existing sensors on DE aircraft platforms. These two sources of data will be brought together into a single characterization of an atmospheric volume, allowing errors in the NWP-derived turbulence strength to be compensated by the on-board optical measurements. The resulting atmospheric characterization in altitude and over a geographic region will be used with AFIT"s LEEDR code and MDA"s SHaRE/SCALE system performance modeling codes to prototype an atmospheric decision assistance tool. The processing methods will be developed during Phase I Base period and the prototype tool software will be developed during the Phase I Option period. Dr. Matthew Whiteley will be Principal Investigator for MZA and Dr. Steve Fiorino will be the Meteorology/NWP Expert for AFIT.