E3 Testing of Directed Energy Systems: A Challenging Future

Efforts to put lasers and other Directed Energy Weapons DEW in the hands of warfighters continue. Concepts in development, for High Energy Laser HEL or High Power Microwave HPM in the future may include Airborne Tactical Laser and Airborne Active Denial System. Network-Centric Operations NCO expand as systems are linked and tested. Directed Energy Weapons will be integrated on Net-ready platforms. Compatibility testing and susceptibility to electromagnetic radiation is required. Standards, such as MIL-STD-464 and MIL-STD-237D, are being revised to include HPM levels and frequencies for E3 tests. In the past, HEL and RF testing has been conducted in separate laboratories by separate communities. But now, facilities for E3 testing will have to change. Testing of networked DEW systems must be supported on ranges and in anechoic facilities typically used for E3 testing. Preparation is needed. Some new capabilities must be developed. This presentation discusses what needs to be done to upgrade existing E3 facilities to include DEW test capabilities. Included is a brief discussion of current efforts toward providing such a DEW test capability. Recommendations that are based upon past experience are discussed.