Novel Directed Energy Options in Ballistic Missile Defense

Ballistic Missle Defense (BMD) systems vary wildly in size and scope and include ground-based interceptor platforms with anti-ballistic missile (ABM) warheads, air-based high-power laser platforms such as the Airborne Laser (ABL), and ship-based systems such as the Aegis BMD system. The problems addressed in this proposal are the traditionally large sizes, number of support systems required, and limited range of HPM systems, all of which have prevented an HPM-based BMD system from being deployed. Applied Physical Electronics, L. C. proposes to team with Texas Tech University to advance the state-of-the-art technology by developing prototypes for two of the most promising geometries in the S-Band. The primary goals of the phase I program will be to: (1) evaluate and possibly improve on the two geometries, and determine the most promising form to be used in a deployed system, (2) develop a plan to improve the performance of both geometries under rep rate conditions, and (3) develop predictive capabilities that can be benchmarked against the experimentally acquired data. Phase II efforts will develop a ruggedized, battery powered version of the source and also investigate phase-locking dual sources in order to create arrays which would increase the effective range of a system.