Dynamic Hartmann Turbulence System

Using directed energy weapons to counter hypersonic threats promises a high potential for mission success, due to their ability to rapidly track and maintain dwelling power on high-speed, dynamic targets. However, High Energy Laser (HEL) lethality is limited by turbulence-induced beam broadening. Since slant-range calculation of turbulence effects relies on vertical C_n^2 profiles, Areté will develop a novel platform to quantify these vertical turbulence profiles using a drone-mounted optical beacon and a ground-based, actively-tracking Hartmann turbulence sensor. The Areté system will use proven Areté drone-tracking technology to maintain alignment with the beacon and a novel, high-bandwidth wavefront sensor design based on a modification of the typical Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor. This new platform will enable the collection of the vertical C_n^2 profiles needed to assess lethality degradation probabilities in strategic areas of interest and support new HEL systems development.