Aero-Optics Research & Development

Stratonics proposes to develop an aero-optics (AO) wind tunnel facility and the methods for evaluation of a range of advanced, high energy laser, compensation technology, required to improve mission effectiveness and greater missile self-defense coverage. The AO facility would provide for the development and evaluation of advanced aero-optical technology, such as, high bandwidth laser wavefront sensors, adaptive "mirrors", near-field laser beacons, and means to mitigate aero-optical turbulence. This AO evaluation capability does not currently exist in any large-scale, ground test facility, which must be suitable for aero-optics research (turbulence level, Reynolds and Mach number). Major wind tunnel facilities will be surveyed before selecting one suitable for conversion into a facility for AO research and development. This effort will provide for the development of novel turret, pod, fairing and cavity designs and means for active flow control to minimize flow field effects, including approaches that utilize electro-optical mechanical hardware, all optical, or hybrid concepts. The AO wind tunnel facility will prove indispensable to defense contractors and other professional's in universities and government laboratories in their efforts to develop advanced compensation technology, and to transition it to flight qualified HEL systems.