DE Integration with combat systems is dedicated to the development, integration, and fielding of High-Energy Laser (HEL) and High Power Microwave (HPM) weapons for various military applications, with a strong emphasis on terminal defense against a variety of threats. Key challenges exist in every phase of the Find, Fix, Track, Target, Engage, Assess (F2T2EA) kill chain. Increasing track stability, detection of threats in a cluttered environment, and aimpoint selection are key enablers while delivering DE induced effects.
Serving as a primary enabler of DE weapons for OSW and the Department of the Navy, this initiative delivers innovative, scalable, and affordable technologies and transition programs. Maturing and integrating these directed energy capabilities provides the fleet decisive advantages in terminal defense, force protection, and multi-domain strategic deterrence, ensuring operational superiority and security for naval forces and allied partners against evolving threats.
Research Challenges and Opportunities
Integration of Directed Energy Weapons with platform Combat Systems
Target detection, track and aim point selection utilizing high resolution sensors (EO/IR/MW)
Automation of the Find-Fix-Track-Target-Engage-Assess (F2T2EA) kill webs for Laser Weapon Systems
Real Time Target Battle Damage Assessment during Engagement Kill Chains
Innovative Manufacturing Methods for Directed Energy components
How to Submit
For detailed application and submission information for this research topic, please refer to our broad agency announcement (BAA) No. N0001425SB001.
Contracts: All white papers and full proposals for contracts must be submitted through the ONR Submission Portal; instructions are included in the BAA.
Grants: All white papers for grants must be submitted through the ONR Submission Portal, and full proposals for grants must be submitted through grants.gov; instructions are included in the BAA.