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Directed Energy Weapons: Lethality and Operational Analysis


The goal of the Lethality and Operation Analysis research concentration area is to create and validate a multi-layered modeling and simulation (M&S) framework that analyzes Directed Energy (DE) weapon lethality and operational effectiveness. This framework will represent DE weapon systems, their effects on a range of targets, and their integration into complex naval engagement scenarios. These tools will serve as a foundation for analysis, requirements, and operational planning. This framework will model DE systems, target effects, and integration into naval scenarios, providing a foundation for Naval and Expeditionary concepts, requirements, and planning.


Research Challenges and Opportunities

  • Target Vulnerability Modeling: Build detailed 3D models of threats and simulate how they are damaged or destroyed

  • Engagement Scenario Modeling

  • Beam Propagation Modeling: Model how the laser travels through various atmospheric conditions (fog, rain, humidity)

  • Advanced Physics-Based Modeling of DE Weapon Effects and Target Vulnerability

  • Integration of Kinetic and Non-Kinetic (K/NK) Weapon Effects and Resource Management

  • Sensor Modeling, Automated Engagement Logic, and Battle Damage Assessment (BDA)

  • DE System Models

  • Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) and Validation of Complex System Models

  • Verification, Validation, and Accreditation (VV&A) tools that outline the methodologies, metrics, and data required to establish model credibility at each phase of development

  • Creation of dynamic 3D environments that includes realistic sea states, weather, and terrain that manage position, velocity, and orientation of all Naval and threat entities such as (ships, aircraft, threats, weapons) in an operational scenario

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.


PROGRAM CONTACT INFORMATION

Name
Dr. Quentin Saulter
Title
Directed Energy Lethality & Operations Analysis Program Officer
Department
Code 353