Novel Thermal Energy Storage Concept for High Energy Laser Weapon Systems

Laser weapon systems enable unique warfighting capability on modern and next generation fighters but come with substantial thermal management challenges. Thermal loads characterized by high power, low duty cycles cannot be efficiently regulated using existing power and thermal management solutions. In addition, fighters are already thermally limited due to decreased fuel sink available from higher efficiency engines combined with limited interfaces to ambient for survivability. Novel solutions that minimize impacts on air vehicle performance and survivability are therefore needed to address the dynamic loads associated with future laser weapon systems.   The primary objective of the Phase I will be the design of a novel thermal energy storage concept for future laser weapon systems. A baseline comprised of a state-of-the-art laser weapon cooling system will be established with key metrics extracted from Air Force prescribed design objectives. The proposed concept will be designed, analyzed, and optimized within the baseline framework to ensure design enhancements enabled by the proposed technology are appropriately quantified. The results of the Phase I will provide justification for transition into a Phase II wherein prototype construction will be completed, and results verified through hardware demonstration.