Accession Number:

AD1031057

Title:

Experimental Design of a UCAV-Based High-Energy Laser Weapon

Descriptive Note:

Technical Report

Corporate Author:

NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA MONTEREY United States

Personal Author(s):

• Lionis,Antonios

Report Date:

2016-12-01

Pagination or Media Count:

133.0

Abstract:

The deployment of a High Energy Laser HEL weapon in an airborne platform is a challenging task due to size, weight, and power SWaP constraints. Recent technology innovations, however, promise that such HEL development may be a reality in the near future. This study models an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle UCAV armed with a HEL weapon and simulates the laser beams atmospheric propagation. The Design of Experiments DOE methodology is then applied to determine the significance of the UCAV-HEL design parameters and their effect on the lethality of the weapon. The weight and energy requirements of two design alternatives are estimated, and the HEL output power is tabulated in relation to the UCAV endurance. Additional simulation shows the effects that platform jitter and beam quality have on the weapon lethality.

Descriptors:

• directed energy weapons
• HIGH ENERGY LASERS
• unmanned aerial vehicles
• laser applications

Subject Categories:

• Directed Energy Weapons
• Lasers and Masers

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE