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Division 353: Directed Energy Weapons


Objective

Investigate and mature technologies related to high-power microwave (HPM) and lasers for use in defensive applications against a wide variety of threats in multiple domains.

Operational Challenges

High speed maneuvering threats; low, slow and small (LSS) targets (difficult to detect and target); battle damage assessment (BDA)/measurement of effects; size, weight and power (SWaP) requirements versus availability; electromagnetic interoperability, compatibility and vulnerability.

Research Areas

  • Counter directed energy weapons
  • High-power microwaves
  • Pulsed lasers
  • Continuous wave lasers
  • Lethality
  • Operations and analysis
  • Mission design

Warfighting Payoff

  • Low cost per shot to counter low cost UAS threats
  • Low collateral damage in cluttered, congested environments
  • Deep magazine
  • Counter swarm

National Defense Strategy Key Capabilities Addressed

Missile defense, joint lethality in contested environments, space and cyberspace as warfighting domains

Science and Technology Programs


PROGRAM CONTACT INFORMATION

Name
Mr. Ryan Hoffman
Title
Directed Energy Weapons Division Director; High Power Microwaves Program Officer
Department
Code 353