(U) Airborne Laser Beam Control Technology

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)

Overview: (U)
(U)  The Beam Control thrust involves the development and transition of advanced optical systems for laser propagation and high resolution imaging applications.

Description: (U)
(U)  In support of Airborne Laser (ABL) beam control technology development, a series of ground field experiments have been completed,
simulating the stressing turbulence conditions and propagation environment expected for the ABL theater missile defense scenario. These
initial experiments used point sources for the adaptive optics and tracking beacons and successfully demonstrated both adaptive optics
compensation and closed-loop tracking performance. These experiments have been repeated with more realistic extended sources
for beacons and with multiple beacon illuminators to mirage scintillation effects on the beacon.

User Impact: (U)
(U) None.

Programmatics: (U)
(U) Concept/Technology.
	(U) IOC: 02/1996 (2QFY1996).

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) None.

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

Related Categories: (U)
(U) Beam Control

Road Map Placements: (U)
(U) TECHNOLOGY- RDT&E.

Lead Office: (U)
(U) Air Force.

Date of Information: (U)
21 November 1997

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)