ASH: Advanced Simulation of Hypersonics

One of the Missile Defense AgencyÆs (MDA) most difficult problems to solve is the interception of maneuverable hypersonic missiles. Their incredible speed and high maneuverability make interception using traditional kinetic weapons difficult at best. Recent developments in laser technology have made directed energy (DE) weapon systems a viable alternative for missile elimination. A laserÆs light-speed propagation combined with high-precision tracking makes it possible to reliably intercept hypersonic missiles. However, there are remaining challenges, such as designing highly-dependable tracking systems and determining the laser intensity needed to disable a hypersonic missile before it completes its mission. As a result, there are currently unknown requirements for a laser system that would be capable of eliminating the hypersonic threat. Laser power, spot size, and aim points need to be constrained. Stellar Science proposes the Advanced Simulation of Hypersonics (ASH), which will adapt adapt the End-to-End Modeler (ETEM) and the Varied Interface & Phenomenology Engineering Relationship Suite (VIPERS) to address MDAÆs need for a fast-running simulation tool for DE interaction with maneuverable hypersonic missiles. ETEM is a flexible framework for laser engagement simulation that brings together the capabilities of a wide library of existing scientific codes, as well as extensive models of its own. ETEM supports vital capabilities, such as radiometrically-accurate scene generation, tracking, thermal models, beam combination, beam propagation (with turbulence and thermal blooming), and adaptive optics. VIPERS is a Stellar Science-developed tool for machine learning (ML) that provides a common interface for many different types of ML algorithms and can easily be extended to include more algorithms. The goal of VIPERS is to allow a user to test many different ML models on the same data set, allowing them to determine which model works the best for their specific data needs. In Phase I, we will create representative engagement scenarios between hypersonic missiles and a laser weapon system as well as a surrogate model for probability-of-kill. We will investigate the missing physics in ETEM specific to hypersonic weapons, make plans for integrating specific codes into ETEM during Phase II, and determine the most important parts of the simulation for which to use ML. Further, with the addition of models specific to hypersonic weapons in Phase II, such as for ablative shielding, ETEM and VIPERS will provide truly state-of-the-art modeling of all aspects of laser weapon interactions with hypersonic targets. Approved for Public Release | 24-MDA-11906 (16 Sep 24)