The Counter Directed Energy Weapons (CDEW) program was initiated in response to the rapid development of high energy lasers (HEL) and high power microwaves (HPM)/high power radio frequency (HPRF) threats being developed by potential foreign adversaries. The CDEW research program expands the understanding of the known sciences through both research and component testing to increase survivability and self-defense capabilities for U.S. Navy platforms. Directed energy weapons technology advancements and proliferation has raised the urgency of developing low-cost CDEW technologies for rapid deployment to Navy units. The CDEW program addresses emerging directed energy threats in an operational, maritime construct containing three layers of defense: DEW detection, DEW effects mitigation and unit protection.
Research Challenges and Opportunities
Development of novel instrumentation for HEL and HPM irradiation detection, characterization, and source geo-location
Development of HEL and HPM mitigation and protection components
Exploration of techniques to synthetically degrade DE propagation, specifically in a maritime setting
Research in HEL and HPM protection methods (e.g. development of metamaterials, nanoscale materials, or nonlinear materials)
Investigation of toughening and protection methods for electronic/optical subsystems; or communication, navigation, and ISR sensor subsystems; or occupant protection.
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.