The Laser Division of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Directed Energy Council issued a request for proposals on the laser pointer self-protection system of tactical combat aircraft on the Federal Business Opportunity website, soliciting research proposals for laser improvement projects in the next-generation compact environment, with the purpose of integrating current and Defensive laser weapons on future fighter jets.
The US government expects the self-protection high-energy laser demonstrator technology demonstration work to be divided into two stages. The first stage includes low-power testing and performance demonstration of the beam control subsystem and other transonic laser support subsystems during transonic flight, as well as data collection of aerodynamic effects under supersonic flight conditions to determine the effectiveness of the laser on the target.
The request for proposals stated that the goal is to design, manufacture, and deliver reliable and robust high-power lasers (with excellent beam quality and compact design) through the necessary R&D activities, and integrate them into aerodynamic integrated structures. During the flight test, it was used to demonstrate the second stage of the defense research of the advanced technology of the self-protection high-energy laser demonstrator. ”
At this stage, the Laser Division of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Directed Energy Council is seeking innovative R&D programs aimed at promoting the development of the most advanced laser technology, verifying the performance of compact and durable high-power lasers, and performing transonic and possibly supersonic flight of fighter jets. When facing the geometric characteristics of all potential incoming threats, evaluate the combat effectiveness of the laser.
The research and development work includes the development, design, manufacturing and documentation of a new type of green laser pointer subsystem to meet the size and quality constraints of the aerodynamic integrated structure requirements of the self-protected high-energy laser demonstrator. The laser will be installed on a pod that meets the requirements of supersonic flight, and the pod will be developed in accordance with the laser pod development contract.
The US government expects the self-protection high-energy laser demonstrator technology demonstration work to be divided into two stages. The first stage includes low-power testing and performance demonstration of the beam control subsystem and other transonic laser support subsystems during transonic flight, as well as data collection of aerodynamic effects under supersonic flight conditions to determine the effectiveness of the laser on the target.