Development of a Thermal Management System for Tactical Airborne High Power Laser Applications

The U.S. Navy is seeking a thermal management solution for the development of an advanced airborne tactical laser. Current aircraft thermal management systems are not capable of dissipating high-heat-flux thermal loads or transporting and rejecting overall thermal loads on the order of those associated with tactical lasers. Beyond overcoming limitations of existing systems, the developmental system must meet strict volume, mass, and reliability requirements associated with aircraft operation. In Phase I, Mainstream experimentally demonstrated an advanced cooling technology that proved to be able to minimize system weight and volume. Additionally, two full-scale thermal management system (TMS) designs were completed. In Phase II, a full-scale TMS will be fabricated according to a design completed in Phase I. The prototype will be experimentally evaluated through numerous rounds of thermal and environmental testing. At the completion of the Phase II effort, Mainstream will deliver a compact, lightweight thermal management system that has proven to be a reliable solution. This ambitious effort will be accomplished by leveraging Mainstream’s extensive experience in thermal controls and the development of robust military-systems.