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DIRECTED ENERGY
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY
2011 Directed Energy Systems Symposium Short Courses |
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28 March 2011 |
Monterey, California | |
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These short courses were offered in conjunction with the Directed Energy
Systems Symposium, held 28 March - 1 April 2011 in Monterey, California. Continuing
Education Unit (CEU) credits were awarded for completion of these DEPS short courses.
Course 1. An Intuitive Introduction to the Physics of Directed Energy
Classification: Unclassified, Limited Distribution C
Instructors:
- Dave Kiel
- Frank Peterkin
Duration: Full-day course, starts at 0800
CEUs awarded: 0.7
Course Description: High Power Lasers (HEL) and High Power Microwaves (HPM) weapons show promise to greatly
improve the US military’s ability to fight, offering speed of light engagement, deep magazines, and ability to
"dial-an-effect". This one day short course will cover the language used and basic physics of the technology of
DE weapons by approaching the topics with intuitive explanations and minimal use of complex mathematics.
Topics to be covered include:
- The basic nature of light and RF radio waves
- HEL lethality analysis
- HEL Propagation in a real atmosphere and its effect on weaponization
- Lasers, how they work, and laser weaponization issues
- A HEL example to tie it all together
- HPM Effects
- HPM propagation
- HPM sources
- HPM weapon program examples to tie the concepts together
Intended Audience: The course is designed for people new to the field who need to quickly develop an
understanding of the key topics in order to be successful technical managers of DE projects. It should help
them speak the language, enable them to ask the hard questions, and accurately translate expectations between
the non-technical warfighter, the acquisition community, and the scientists and engineers doing the work.
However, anyone who is new to the field and just wants an insightful look at the technology of DE weapons
will also benefit. Those with a technical background will gain the most from the course content, but since
many of the principles are explained with basic concepts, non-technical majors should achieve significant insight as well.
Instructor Biographies: Capt. David Kiel entered the Navy in 1982 and served on various ships as a Surface
Warfare Officer. After his initial sea tours, he attended the Naval Post Graduate School and received his M.S. in Physics
specializing in Optics and Laser Physics. After graduation he transferred out of the Surface Warfare community and became
an Engineering Duty Officer specializing in weapons development and acquisition. Subsequently he served at the Naval
Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division doing research in High Power Microwaves, managed Electronic Warfare development
programs in PEO IWS, and is currently the Program Manager for the Surface Navy Directed Energy and Electric Weapons
program office where he is leading the efforts of the Surface Navy to develop and possibly field a High Energy Laser
and Rail Gun in the Navy.
Dr. Frank E. Peterkin received a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with support
from a National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship. He subsequently held a post-doctoral position at Old Dominion
University from 1992-1995. His R&D interests encompassed a number of topics, including pulsed power, thermal and
non-thermal plasma generation, Marx generators, high-voltage power supplies, pulsed bioelectrics, and micro-discharges.
Since 1995 he has been with the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren VA (NSWCDD), working primarily on Directed Energy
projects and programs. In 2009 he was named the Director of the NSWCDD Directed Energy Warfare Office. In that capacity
he has oversight of numerous projects advancing the development of High Power Microwave, Counter-IED, and High Energy
Laser technologies for Naval weapon systems and applications. Dr. Peterkin has published more than 50 papers in refereed
journals and conference proceedings, holds five patents, and actively serves on the organizing committees of multiple
technical conferences.
Course 2. Systems Engineering for DE Systems
Classification: Unclassified, Public Release
Instructor: Bill Decker
Duration: Half-day course, starts at 0800
CEUs awarded: 0.35
Course Description:
This course is designed to provide a better understanding the DoD Systems Engineering Process
and align DE programs to it, to increase their likelihood of fielding
to the Warfighter. At the end of the course, attendees will be better able to direct their programs
such that they are consistent with the DoD SE processes and can integrate smoothly with existing and
future DoD weapons systems. The course will cover the DoD Systems Engineering Process throughout the
Lifecycle. Topics include:
- SE and Requirements/User Interaction
- Systems Architecture and its application to DE Systems
- Systems Engineering in the Technology Demonstration Phase
- Government Role (S&T and Acquisition Staffs)
- Contractor Role
- For Systems and Sub-systems
- SE at the Preliminary Design Review/Milestone B
- SE at the Critical Design Review
- Testing and SE
- Sustainment and SE
Intended Audience: Program managers and engineers involved in the development
of directed energy technology and/or directed energy systems. No specific technical expertise is
required as a pre-requisite, just a general understanding of DE systems.
Instructor Biography: Mr. Decker’s 38 year career includes active duty, industry,
university and now DAU experience. He received a BS in Engineering from Cornell University and
a MS in Physics from the Naval Postgraduate School and performed additional graduate work at the
University of Arizona Optical Sciences Center. Mr. Decker’s Army 20 year Army career included
assignments as Test Officer for Electro-Optics Test; Assistant Professor of Physics at the US
Military Academy and Research and Development Coordinator at the Army’s Night Vision and
Electro-Optics Center. After retirement from the Army, he spent three years with ITT Night
Vision as the Manager of Advanced Technology Programs and eleven years with Brashear, a
Division of L-3 Communications where he was a program manager, product line manager and
business developer, extensively involved in DE programs.
Course 3. HPM Applications for Radar and Air Defense
Classification: Unclassified, Public Release
Instructor: Steve Hall, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division
Duration: Half-day course, starts at 0800
CEUs awarded: 0.35
Course Description: This course discusses foreign air defense systems including the missiles
and the radars used for early warning, target tracking, target acquisition, height finding and missile
guidance. It also discusses ultra short pulse HPM based radars used for counter stealth and reduced
detectability by anti-radiation missiles, proposed HPM air defense systems such as the Ranets-E, and
contrasts them with conventional systems of this type. It concludes with a discussion of direction
finding techniques used by anti-radiation missiles to prosecute air defense installations. Topics include:
- Components of air defense systems
- Types of radars
- Foreign surface to air missiles (SAMs)
- Close in weapons systems (CIWS)
- Foreign air defense radars
- HPM based radars
- HPM replacements for CIWS and SAMs
- Suppression of enemy air defense
- Anti-radiation missile techniques
Intended Audience: The course is appropriate for anyone who wants to understand something about
radars, air defense, and high power microwave (HPM) applications for both. The course assumes some science
or engineering background at the bachelor's level, but not necessarily in microwaves or electromagnetics.
Instructor Biography:Mr. Hall is currently in his 22nd year working for the Naval Air Warfare
Center Weapons Division at China Lake, CA. He formerly directed the largest proximity fuze and RCS measurement
laboratory in the United States, the Missile Engagement Simulation Arena, and has been the head of laboratories
for the Anti Radiation Missile program office at China Lake for the past 11 years. He has previously taught
courses on air defense and suppression of enemy air defense and has made several presentations at previous DEPS
symposia regarding analysis of HPM systems.
Course 4. Laser Protection for Electro-Optic Sensors
Classification: Secret
Instructors:
- Mitch Haeri, Raytheon
- James Theodore, Air Force Research Laboratory
Duration: Half-day course, starts at 0800
CEUs awarded: 0.35
Course Description: As laser countermeasures proliferate around the world, aircrews and electro-optic
sensors are at risk of being engaged with little to no warning. A laser countermeasure can adversely affect
targeting and navigation functions by jamming or 'spoofing' the sensor through laser illumination (transient
performance degradation) or by damaging the sensor through more intense laser illumination (permanent
performance degradation). The laser can also be used to detect and track an otherwise covert electro-optic
target by sensing retro-reflections off the target optics.
For this short course, an overview of both laser eye and electro-optic sensor (EO) effects, and the
development status of laser protection technologies and techniques will be presented. The laser effects will
be demonstrated and explained by presenting short video clips from operationally significant field tests that
illustrate the effectiveness and impacts of laser countermeasures against EO sensors. The history and current
status of laser eye and sensor protection technology development efforts will also be presented. Laser
protection technologies and techniques that will be covered include design changes to the optics and detector,
insertion of nonlinear optical limiters/switches, dielectric based protection filters, and advanced agile
filters. Finally, an overview of system design trades, operational tactics associated with laser countermeasures,
and impact on EO sensor performance will be presented.
In summary, this short course will be a comprehensive laser protection tutorial and technology development
overview for individuals interested in the field of directed energy weapons from a countermeasure and
counter-countermeasure perspective. Topics include:
- Brief overview of sensor/eye laser countermeasures
- Laser effects video - EO eye and sensor susceptibilities to laser countermeasures
- Detection (optical augmentation)
- Jamming
- Damage
- Eye protection technology and techniques
- Sensor protection technology and techniques
- History of laser protection
- EO sensor design for laser protection
- Tactics for laser protection
- Impact on sensor performance
- Summary and government/industry contacts
Intended Audience: Sensor engineers and manufacturers, laser countermeasure designers, DoD user
command or program office representatives, laser threat intelligence officers, and individuals interested in
the field of directed energy weapons from a countermeasure and counter countermeasure perspective. An
undergraduate degree in science and engineering is recommended but no prior experience in the fields of
directed energy weapons, countermeasures, or counter-countermeasures is needed.
Instructor Biographies: Dr. Mitch Haeri joined Raytheon in 1985 where he began developing electro-optical
counter countermeasure technology for the Army and Air Force. He has subsequently hardened multiple sensors
against the EO threat and developed several key laser hardening technologies. Dr. Haeri is currently the
manager of the EOCCM group at Raytheon. He has given numerous short courses and seminars in the field. Dr.
Haeri also chairs the MSS/Passive Sensors/IR Hardening Session. Dr. Haeri has 4 patents and 82 publications
on the topic.
Mr. James Theodore joined the Survivability Materials Branch of Air Force Research Laboratory in 1987 and
has over twenty years experience as a program manager developing electro-optic materials technology for Air
Force sensor systems. He has led the development strategy and managed technology development programs across
a wide range of laser protection materials technologies including agile filters, rugate protection filters,
and hardening solutions for Air Force airborne targeting systems. He has given many technical presentations
and chaired conference sessions on both laser eye and electro-optic sensor countermeasure effects and the
development of laser protection technologies. He is currently the program manager for the Fixed Filter
Protection Program which is developing and transitioning protection filters for space ISR systems.
Course 5. Understanding Laser Effects from a Systems Engineering Perspective
Classification: Secret
Instructors:
- Javon Evanoff
- Robert Roybal
Duration: Half-day course, starts at 0800
CEUs awarded: 0.35
Course Description: Developing requirements or understanding the performance of a High Energy Laser
(HEL) system requires knowledge of laser effects on the targets of interest. This course will explain the
important parameter relationships between laser beams and target effects or reoccurring interest to HEL
system designers and provide an overview of laser-effects research findings over the past 30 years.
Specific examples from experimental test programs of laser effects on materials and targets will be
presented, along with an introduction to countermeasures and their effectiveness. Topics to be covered
include:
- Motivation - the importance of quantifying laser effects
- History of Laser-Effects Research - a review of the major laser-effects research activities over the past 30 years
- Understanding lethality requirements - relating laser beam parameters to desired target effects and mission impact
- A review of common laser - material interactions and response data
- A review of laser - target interactions and response
- Countermeasures - impact of common countermeasures and their effectiveness
Intended Audience: This course will benefit modeling and simulation analysts or system engineers responsible
for evaluating or designing HEL systems. Managers seeking to better understand how to balance their portfolio between
hardware development and laser-effects studies will also benefit through an increased understanding of how laser-effect
phenomenology effects hardware development decisions.
Instructor Biographies:
Mr. Evanoff is a program manager with over 20 years experience in laser weapon-effects research.
His knowledge covers numerous analytical and experimental aspects of vulnerability, survivability and
lethality research. He has made significant contributions to numerous HEL programs including the
Airborne Laser, HEL Joint Technology Office Lethality Technical Area Working Group, Multifunction
Electro-Optics for Defense of US Aircraft, Space-Based Laser, Ground-Based Laser Technology and
Lethality & Target Hardening programs.
Robert Roybal is the Laser Effects Research Branch Acting Chief for the Directed Energy Laser Division. The Laser Effects Research Branch is the AFRL leader in high energy laser vulnerability testing and laser material interaction modeling, providing target vulnerability criteria and requirements to laser platform developers. The primary mission of the Branch is to establish laser weapon lethality, target vulnerability, and effects for the future battlespace. Robert began his career with the AF Research Laboratory formally the AF Weapons Laboratory located at Kirtland AFB in December 1983. During his career, he served as a Research Engineer, as a Section Chief for the Tactical Targets Lethality Section, as Deputy Branch Chief for the Laser Effect Research Branch, and presently as Acting Branch Chief of the Laser Effects Research Branch. He received B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Mexico in 1983, 1994, respectively. Additionally, he is a senior member of the HEL JTO Lethality Technical Area Working Group and Conference Chair for the Directed Energy Professional Society’s Annual Lethality Conference. His technical areas of interest include the following: high energy laser interaction with materials; laser ablation; laser coupling; structural response to HEL in air flow; In his current position as the Laser Effects Research Branch Acting Chief, he supervises 52 civilians, military, and contractors.
Course 6. HEL in Extended Air Defense Simulation
Classification: Unclassified, Limited Distribution C
Instructors:
- Kevin Crumlish, SMDC/ARSTRAT
- Mike Thomason, Teledyne Brown Engineering
Duration: Half-day course, starts at 1300
CEUs awarded: 0.35
Course Description: The Extended Air Defense Simulation (EADSIM) is utilized throughout the DOD for
engagement and mission level analyses, wargaming and exercises, and training. The engagement modeling capabilities
within EADSIM encompass a wide gamut of technologies, including HEL and HPM, providing a solid backdrop for evaluating
the overall battlefield effectiveness of specific technologies. This short course will provide an overview of EADSIM
and its application, an overview of HEL modeling within EADSIM, recently released HEL enhancements and future direction,
and demonstration of a few selected notional scenarios and tool outputs, for example self defense usage against an
air-to-air missile, as well as Defended Area and/or Launch Area Denied plots.
Intended Audience: This course is intended for engineers and scientists that conduct or will be conducting
effectiveness analyses that are either focused on HEL weapons or include HEL weapons as an element of the analysis.
The course will provide salient information for decision makers relative to the overall capabilities of EADSIM for
these tasks. This short course will contain elements relevant to those unfamiliar to EADSIM, as well as those with
years of experience with EADSIM.
Instructor Biographies: Mr. Kevin Crumlish is the Program Manager for the Extended Air Defense Simulation,
a constructive simulation for theater air, space and missile warfare. EADSIM is configuration managed and controlled
by the U.S. Army Space & Missile Defense Command / Army Strategic Forces Command, Future Warfare Center in support
to the Missile Defense Agency. Mr. Crumlish has served as EADSIM program manager since 2009 and as the Future Warfare
Center Models and Simulations Division Chief since 2010. Mr. Crumlish is a member of the DE M&S TAWG supporting the
DE Joint Technology Office and supports DE M&S activities within SMDC/ARSTRAT. Mr. Crumlish has a BA from Duke University
and an MBA from The University of Memphis.
Mike Thomason works for Teledyne Brown Engineering where he is the Chief Engineer on EADSIM. He has 25 years of
experience in weapon systems effectiveness analyses, wargaming and exercises, and training. This experience includes
both conduct of these activities and the tool development to support these activities. He has worked with the EADSIM
program for the past 22 years. During this tenure, he has led the activities that have incorporated the HEL and HPM
capabilities into the simulation. Mr. Thomason has a BS EE from Tennessee Technological University.
Course 7. Joint RF Effects Model
Classification: Unclassified, Limited Distribution C
Instructors:
- Charles Davis, Air Force Research Laboratory
- Timothy Clarke, Air Force Research Laboratory
Duration: Half-day course, starts at 1300
CEUs awarded: 0.35
Course Description: This course has two objectives. The first objective is to provide an overview
of the High Power Microwave (HPM) engagement and target effects modeling problem with an emphasis on the
Joint RF Effects Model (JREM) modeling tool. The second objective is to run JREM simulations and interpret
the outputs. JREM is the merging of two modeling tools, the Army Research Laboratory’s (ARL) Directed Radio
Frequency Energy Assessment Model (DREAM) and the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) Radio-Frequency
Propagation and Target Effects Code (RF-PROTEC). The merging of the two codes combines the predictive
electronic effects modeling of DREAM with the empirical electronic target effects modeling of RF-PROTEC.
The engagement problem is divided into the propagation of HPM pulses, an estimation of the effects on target
subsystems, and the aggregation of subsystem effects to determine the effect on one or more distributed
target systems. JREM can perform tradeoff studies to optimize HPM system lethality, sensitivity analyses
to determine the key elements of an HPM engagement scenario, and predictions for field tests and experiments.
It can also be used to provide the link between a physics level of understanding of HPM, and the target system
lethality data required to determine its effectiveness in Warfighter missions. The RF-PROTEC portion of JREM
calculates the fields at a point in the target through the use of ray-tracing techniques based on Geometric
Optics and the Uniform Theory of Diffraction (GO/UTD). In addition, statistical and semi-empirical models
can optionally be used to extend the standard GO/UTD methods to include indoor path loss models to handle
scattering and shadowing caused by objects not explicitly modeled. The DREAM portion of JREM is essentially
a special purpose susceptibility calculator that makes use of a RF power level to determine how it degrades
the performance of an electronic system and computes the probability of failure of a system’s electronics
based on minimal detail about the target structure, function and composition. Course topics include:
- Overview of RF Effects Models and Simulations
- Overview of the DREAM Effects Code
- Overview of the JREM Target and Effects Code
- Introduction to Modeling and Simulating an HPM Scenario using JREM
- Hands-on session (at least five computers with JREM will be provided)
Intended Audience: The course is intended for anyone who wants to learn the basic of modeling the
HPM engagement problem. It is meant for an individual with a background in science or engineering and/or in
technical program management.
Instructor Biographies: Charles E. Davis is an electronics engineer at the Air Force Research
Laboratory (AFRL) at Kirtland AFB (Albuquerque, NM) in AFRL’s Directed Energy Directorate. He has worked
in the area of High Power Microwaves (HPM) for over twenty years in the areas of experimentation, testing,
and primarily in the various areas of modeling and simulation. He has a Masters in Electrical Engineering
from the University of New Mexico.
Dr. Timothy Clarke is a senior scientist at the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) Directed Energy
Directorate, where he works in the area of RF effects as well as various aspects of modeling and simulation.
He has worked in this field since 2001, and has given several previous DEPS HPM short courses. He has a Bachelor
of Arts in Mathematics and a PhD in Applied Mathematics, both from Cambridge University.
Course 8. Predictive Avoidance
Classification: Unclassified, Limited Distribution C
Instructors:
- LeAnn Brasure, Schafer Corporation
- Heather Lehmann, Laser Clearing House
- Chad Cogburn, Satellite Assessment Center - Metatech
- Mark Campbell, AFRL/RDTE
- Richard Damron, HEL Joint Technology Office
Duration: Half-day course, starts at 1300
CEUs awarded: 0.35
Course Description: This course provides a general overview of the Predictive Avoidance process
for non-illumination of satellites as mandated by DODI 3100.11. Predictive Avoidance (PA) controls the fire
times available to an HEL system based on the laser’s system and target parameters and the location of satellites
which could be potentially harmed by the laser. Currently the PA process requires input from the laser owner
and the Satellite Assessment Center (SatAC) to the Laser Clearing House (LCH). The LCH inputs data on laser and
test parameters and data on satellite susceptibility into their validated software to determine times of potential
risk to the satellites. The most common PA process is called "Centralized" PA with all the fire/no-fire calculations
done by the LCH and fed to the laser platform prior to testing. There have been laser test programs which have used
a "Hybrid" system where some calculations are done by the LCH and some are done by the laser platform. The HEL Joint
Technology Office (HEL JTO) is currently working to expand opportunities for the laser platform to do many, if not all,
of the required calculations real time - representing a move towards "Decentralized" PA. In addition they are also
working with the FAA to integrate airspace deconfliction (AD) into the fire control process.
Because the overall PA process requires interaction between key organizations, the course will be taught by experts
in each of the areas. Topics to be covered include:
- LCH: PA policy; overview; challenges; future improvements
- SatAC: PA History; SatAC support to LCH, laser owners and satellite owners
- Laser User: Information required; timing of communication; who to communicate with
- HEL JTO: Vision - decentralized PA and AD; roadmap; IPT
Intended Audience: This course is intended for those involved with a laser program nearing an outdoor test
phase. The discussion should help identify needed contacts as well as champion early communication with the LCH.
Instructor Biographies: LeAnn Brasure works for Schafer Corporation supporting the HEL JTO as part of
their technical team. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a BS in Physics. After completing four
years of ROTC she was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force. She obtained a Masters in nuclear
physics through the Air Force Institute of Technology and retired from the Air Force after 24 years of active duty
service. Her last assignment was at AFRL as the Solid State Laser Branch Chief. As a part of the JTO she helps
monitor current technology development programs as well as helping out with the JTO’s Predictive Avoidance and
Airspace Deconfliction effort.
LT Heather Lehmann was accepted into the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate
(NuPOC) Program in February 2001 and graduated from Luther College with a BA in Math and Physics in May 2003.
She received her commission in December 2003 and reported to USS IWO JIMA in January 2004 where she served as the
2nd Division Officer and the Electronics Readiness Officer. In August 2008, LT Lehmann reported to JFCC SPACE/J95 at
Vandenberg AFB as Deputy Chief of the Directed Energy Branch. During this tour, she spent most of her time dedicated
to carrying out the Laser Clearinghouse (LCH) mission. In December 2010, LT Lehmann transitioned into the Navy
Reserves and supports JFCC SPACE/J5. In the fall of 2010, LT Lehmann came back to JFCC SPACE/J95 as Deputy DE
Plans mainly responsible for carrying out the Laser Clearinghouse mission.
Chad Cogburn works for Metatech Corporation (prime contractor to the Satellite Assessment Center) as an
engineer and has been supporting the LCH since 2006. Chad is responsible for providing the satellite susceptibility
data to the LCH for deconfliction calculations as well as normalizing laser parameters for use in the LCH software.
Mr. Cogburn is the task order manager for the LCH operations at Metatech and coordinates the efforts of several
engineers and scientists for satellite research and Predictive Avoidance solutions.
Dr. Mark M. Campbell is a Senior Research Physicist at the Satellite Assessment Center (SatAC) in the Directed
Energy directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Kirtland AFB, NM, where he has been involved in
Space Situational Awareness (SSA), Modeling and Simulations (M&S) and analysis of satellite materials properties
for about fourteen years. He has thirty years of career experience in the areas of magnetically confined plasmas,
ion accelerators, materials phase transitions and thermal transport, equation-of-state modeling using hydrodynamic
codes, properties of chemical and solid state lasers, microwave sources and effects simulation, and space platform
survivability to various natural and man-made threats. He is a member of AIAA, AOC, DEPS, IEEE and Sigma Pi Sigma.
He holds a Masters in Physics and a PhD in Nuclear Engineering, both from the University of Illinois.
Richard Damron graduated from the University of Arizona with a BS in Aerospace Engineering and from Embry Riddle
Aeronautical University with an MS in Aeronautical Science. Upon graduation from the University of Arizona, Mr.
Damron received his commissioning as a 2nd Lt in the United States Air Force. His first duty station was Kirtland
AFB, NM were he worked as a satellite vulnerability analyst for the Satellite Assessment Center. From there he
became the executive officer for the Technical Applications Division for the Air Force Research Laboratory. It
was in this position that he began interacting with the High Energy Laser Joint Technology Office and ultimately
became their executive officer. Mr. Damron now serves as a program manager and is the current lead for the HEL
JTO’s Predictive Avoidance and Airspace Deconfliction effort.
Course 9. High Energy Laser Warfighter Familiarization
Classification: Secret
Instructors:
- Col Robert M. Newton, USAF, Retired
- Col Dan A. Isbell, USAF, Retired
- Ross Dudley, USAF, Retired, AEgis Technologies Group
Duration: Half-day course, starts at 1300
CEUs awarded: 0.35
Course Description: Throughout history, warfare has been marked by both evolutionary and revolutionary leaps
in capabilities. Sometimes, these leaps are the result in changes in tactics, techniques, and procedures. At other
times, it is a change in technology that enables these leaps through a combination of matching new tactics, techniques,
and procedures to a new technological invention. On occasion, there are technological breakthroughs so significant that
they have the power to change the very nature of warfare and provide not just an evolution in capabilities but a true
revolution in new capabilities. Perhaps nowhere is this more apparent than in the field of directed energy.
This course will provide an up-to-date look at the state of our ability to produce and wield laser weapon systems,
as well as employment considerations to fully exploit their potential contribution to the fight, including:
- Agile, speed-of-light engagement
- Ultra-precision targeting and effects
- Minimized collateral effects (Urban environments, CAS)
- Engage previously "no strike" targets
- Scalable effects (non-lethal through lethal)
- Sensing, ISR, tagging, psyops, mission kill, total kill
- Potentially covert (silent, non-visible), clandestine
- No unexploded ordnance left on battlefield
- Superb combat ID, immediate BDA
- Deep magazine, with recharge capability
- Detect, track, kill optical systems
- Self defense (CRAM, SAMs, A-A missiles)
- Multiple target engagements, rapid retargeting
While many of these effects can be achieved separately by conventional means, most cannot be achieved at a distance, at
the speed of light, or via a single, integrated system. Advances in high energy laser technologies provide the opportunity
to achieve a truly revolutionary, integrated, "dial-a-yield" weapon system capability that can achieve these desired effects
both at a distance, and at the speed of light. If we can achieve a mutual understanding of not only the underlying
technologies, but also the system of systems aspect of laser weapon systems, we can assist in evolving laser weapon systems
from science fiction into science fact while providing a quantum leap of warfighting capability advantages. It is the goal
of this High Energy Laser Warfighter Familiarization short course to help catalyze that process of gaining a mutual understanding
of the current art of the possible as a starting point to shaping achievable requirements for the revolutionary laser weapon systems
of the future.
Intended Audience:All disciplines, including warfighters, technologists, contractors, acquisition
corps, and force planners could benefit from this capability/mission perspective of high energy laser weapon
systems.
Instructor Biographies: Robert Newton brings a broad range of expertise and experience to the
defense and technology sectors with his over 3 years of corporate performance and 26 years of service in
the US Air Force with flight experience in over 50 types of aircraft. His perspective comes from a solid
technical education that includes a Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University and a Master’s
degree from Georgia Institute of Technology in Aerospace Engineering. During his Air Force career he also
completed flight school, USAF Test Pilot School, acquisition program management school and the professional
military service schools. Bob spent most of his military flying career in various models of the F-16, and
also has F-22 program management experience and command experience, He has commanded flying units and is a
veteran of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, and was Vice Commander of the Air National
Guard/Air Force Reserve Command Test Center (AATC).
Dan Isbell brings a broad range of expertise and experience to the defense and technology industry
with his 26 years of service in the US Air Force with flight experience in over 60 types of aircraft.
His insight comes from an educational background that includes a Master’s degree in National Resource
Strategy from the National Defense University, a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Troy
State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Institute of
Technology. During his Air Force career he also completed flight school, USAF Test Pilot School, Senior
Acquisition Manager’s course, Industrial College of the Armed Forces and the professional military service
schools. Dan spent most of his military career in various models of the F-111 and F-16, and also has both
F-16 and F-22 program management experience and command experience, His was also Chief of the Weapon Systems
Sector of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), which included both kinetic energy and directed energy
weapons technologies.
Ross Dudley brings a diverse background in modeling, simulation, and test experience with three years
of corporate performance and 20 years of service in the US Air Force. His education includes Bachelor of
Science in Human Factors Engineering from USAFA and an MA in Computer Resource Management from Webster
University. Ross has military experience that includes human factors evaluations of near-production cockpit
designs of the F-16, range testing of the B-2 and CV-22 for survivability and countermeasure assessment,
and Air Operations Center development, operational testing, and support of exercises, such as Blue Flag,
Ulchi Focus Lens, and Union Flash.
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