DEW Protective Applique

SBIR Phase I proposal to demonstrate the feasibility of creating a field installable Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) protective applique using automotive film wrap materials that are modified with retroreflective additives to provide High Energy Laser (HEL) protection.  Commercial thermoplastic films are modified with laser protective additives to create multi-layer/ multi-spectral protective barriers that reflect and/or cancel laser light.  Commercial peel-and-stick adhesive films used for aircraft coatings provide a robust, environmentally stable substrate that can be modified with liquid and solid additives to provide DEW protection.  User friendly field installation via pre-cut film kits for each platform allow rapid installation and removal without damaging the host structure.  Damaged areas of film barriers can be cut, removed, and patched in the field.  Film barriers can be stacked to increase protection in key areas or for increased threats.  Multilayer film appliques can be surface printed for visual and IR signature management.  Conductive additives provide EMI and High-Power Microwave (HPM) protection.  Engineering trade studies support additive selection and barrier configuration to arrive at a low-cost DEW protection system.  Optical transmittance and reflectance testing demonstrate laser protection concepts.