Progress in DIRECTED ENERGY WEAPONS Part I: High Energy …

Volume 4, Number 1

Spring 2003

Contents

Progress in DE WeaponsPart 1 1

News 7

FYI 8

Director’s Corner 9

WSTIACCourses: Directed Energy 11 Weaponeering 12Sensors/Seekers 13Precision Weapons 14

Calendar of Events 15

WSTIAC is a DoD Information AnalysisCenter Sponsored by the Defense

Technical Information Center

WEAPON SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY INFORMAT ION ANALYS IS CENTER

WST IAC

P r o g r e s s i n P r o g r e s s i n D I R E C T E D E N E R G Y W E A P O N SD I R E C T E D E N E R G Y W E A P O N SP a r t I : H i g h E n e r g y L a s e r s P a r t I : H i g h E n e r g y L a s e r s

by Mark ScottWSTIAC

Introduction

The potential for directing intense sources of radiant energy against threat targetshas intrigued many military and defense industry minds for at least as long as pho-ton torpedoes have blazed across our television and movie screens (probablylonger - didn't Captain Marvel and Buck Rogers have ray guns?). Over the pastseveral years, some of these science fictional concepts have materialized into fea-sibility demonstrations of directed energy weapons. In this issue, the WSTIACnewsletter begins a series of articles on the progress that has been realized over thepast decade in making the weaponization of directed energy a reality - and thechallenges that still lie ahead. The current article will address high energy laser(HEL) weapons. Subsequent articles will address radio frequency-high powermicrowave (RF-HPM) weapons, particle beams and other sources of directed ener-gy for weapon applications.

HEL Background

In the early 1980's, the massive Mid-Infrared Advanced Chemical Laser (MIRACL)was installed in the High Energy Laser Systems Test Facility (HELSTF) at White SandsMissile Range, New Mexico. MIRACL was the third in a series of Deuterium-Fluoride (DF) chemical gas lasers that evolved during the 1970's. The output ofthese devices grew from initial values of tens of kilowatts (kW) of continuous wave(CW) power, through hundreds of kW, finally culminating in megawatts (MW) withthe MIRACL laser.

Used in conjunction with a Navy-developed pointer tracker, one of the early gen-eration DF Lasers was used to shoot down anti-tank guided missiles in the firstdemonstrations of high energy lasers as tactical weapons (circa 1978). On 9February 1996, the MIRACL laser, in conjunction with the Sea Lite Beam Director,shot down a short range artillery rocket in the successful culmination of the NautilusProject. Nautilus was a joint US-Israeli demonstration of the feasibility of using HELto engage and destroy threat artillery rockets in flight.[Ref. 1].

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Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL)

With proof of principle in hand, the US Army Space and MissileDefense Command (SMDC) and the Israeli Ministry of Defence(IMoD) pursued joint development of the Tactical High EnergyLaser (THEL) as an Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration(ACTD) starting in 1996. THEL is a stationary ground-based laserspecifically designed to engage threat artillery rockets and pro-jectiles. THEL is made up of three principal subsystems: (1) theLaser Subsystem (LS); (2) the Pointer Tracker Subsystem (PTS); and(3) the Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence(C3I) Subsystem which includes a fire control radar (see Figure 1).[Ref.2].

Figure 1. THEL ACTD System ComponentsNorthrop Grumman Corporation 2000. All Rights Reserved. Republished by kind permission of Northrop Grumman Corporation.

THEL Laser Subsystem (LS)

The THEL LS is the latest in the lineage of high power DF chemi-cal gas lasers. The lasing action of these devices is initiated withhigh pressure combustion of ethylene, C2H4, in an oxidizer richmixture of nitrogen trifluoride, NF3 (see Figure 2). This reactiongenerates free fluorine atoms (F) which are injected into the lasercavity along with deuterium molecules (D2). Deuterium (D or

1H2) is a stable isotope of hydrogen with an atomic weight of 2.The D2 molecules react with the free F atoms to create DF mole-cules. The energy population inversion in the resulting lasing

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Fire control radar - Partof C3I Subsystem.

Pointer TrackerSubsystem

DF Laser Subsystem.

3

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C2H4 (gas)

Heat

Fluorine-RichCombustor By-products + F

D2 (gas)

Laser CavityMirrors

Laser GainRegion (DF*)

Exhaust toPressure Recovery

SupersonicMixing Nozzle

Laser BeamMid-IR Wavelength

Figure 2. Generic Deuterium Fluoride (DF) Chemical Laser.

medium is a by-product of the chemical reaction, which forms theDF molecules in an excited state (DF*). When stimulated in thelaser cavity by an unstable resonator, the excited DF moleculesdecay to a lower energy state and emit a photon in the process.The frequency of the emitted photon is proportional to the dropin energy state of the DF molecules (see Figure 3).

Increasing Energy (E)

DF* molecule in high energy - excited state

DF molecule decayed to lower energy base state

Mid-IR photon emitted:wavelength = λfrequency = f

E2

E1

DF* → DF + photon

Figure 3. Emitted Photon Frequency/Wavelength

The Laser Optical Assembly (LOA) collects the photons generat-ed in the laser cavity and collimates them into a monochromatic,coherent, continuous wave (CW, i.e., not pulsed) laser beam witha wavelength in the mid-infrared (IR) portion of the electromag-netic spectrum. The gases that create the DF medium flowthrough the laser cavity during lasing and the by-products of the

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The SAT is a high resolution short-wave infrared tracker with anarrow field-of-view. The SAT accepts targets handed over fromthe OAT and assumes the target tracking function. The SAT alsoperforms the critical aim point selection and laser aiming func-tions of target engagement. The SAT continues to track the tar-get in the presence of the high energy laser beam via tempo-ral/spectral filtering techniques. The PTSC accepts commandsfrom the SAT, OAT, and C3I subsystems to point the BDA at thetarget.The optics of the PTS, and the laser optical assembly as well,employ very low absorption (VLA) optical coatings which dramat-ically reduce absorption of laser radiation and concomitant heat-ing of the optical elements. This eliminates the need for activecooling of the optics. THEL is the first high energy laser that doesnot employ any water-cooled mirrors - a significant simplificationin the overall laser weapon design. [Ref. 2].

C3I Subsystem and Target Engagement SequenceThe C3I subsystem controls all THEL system operations. It man-ages complete multiple target engagements including the follow-ing functions: target search, detection, classification, track-while-scan, and handover, via its own embedded organic fire controlradar (FCR); optical target acquisition and tracking by the PTS;lethal laser illumination of targets via the DF laser subsystem; andkill assessment via the PTS sensor suite to support critical retar-geting timelines required for multiple target-salvo engagements.This list of THEL control functions also describes the sequence ofoperational target engagement functions (see Figure 4).

chemical reactions are vented to the atmosphere continuously.DF lasers are still among the simplest and most efficient of thehigh power lasers developed to date. They have small electricalpower requirements, with the energy population inversion beingsupplied by the chemical reactions of NF3 and C2H4. They alsodemonstrate small cooling requirements, with most waste heatbeing vented out of the laser cavity along with the expendedchemical reactants used to generate the lasing medium. Thismeans that DF lasers are capable of tens to hundreds of secondsof CW illuminaion (subject to chemical fuel availability) withoutexcessive heat accumulation in the laser cavity. [Ref. 2].

THEL Pointer Tracker System (PTS)The THEL PTS design is based on the Navy Pointer Tracker (NPT)which was the first such beam directing system to be integratedwith a DF laser in the mid 1970's. The PTS is made up of fivesubassemblies: the Beam Director Assembly (BDA), the BeamAlignment and Stabilization Assembly (BASA), the Off-Axis Tracker(OAT), the Shared Aperture Tracker (SAT), and the PTS Controller(PTSC).The BDA accepts the beam generated by the DF laser, performsbeam focusing functions, and slews to follow threat targets. TheBDA employs a three gimbal pointing assembly, enabling acqui-sition and track of targets at any azimuth/elevation angles, forhemispheric engagement capability. The BASA performs align-ment and stabilization functions on the focused laser beam. TheOAT is a low resolution infrared tracker with a wide field-of-view.The OAT performs initial acquisition of targets handed overfrom the fire control radar component of the C3I subsystem.

THEL FCR

MRLMultiple Rocket Launcher

(1) Target detectionclassification track by FCR

(2) Handover acquisitiontrack by OAT

(3) SAT track

(4) Begin lasing

(5) Target destroyed

DefendedArea

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Figure 4. THEL Target Engagement Sequence.

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from chemical/gas lasers to solid state lasers is likely to berequired for such a high mobility laser weapon. Advancementsin solid state laser output power (to around 100 kW) will berequired in the intervening years to realize this vision. [Ref. 2].

ZeusA prototype HEL weapon system that currently employs a solidstate laser is an anti-mine system called "Zeus." Solid state lasersemploy crystalline lasing media (such as ruby, doped silicateglass, phosphate glass, neodymium glass, doped garnet, etc.)instead of reactive gases. This results in a laser system with lesstoxic and hazardous materials and that is also less bulky.Unfortunately, today's solid state lasers are also less powerful thanavailable chemical gas lasers.The Zeus system employs a 500W solid state laser mounted on aHMMWV. This laser is used to illuminate surface deployed minesand unexploded ordnance, heating outer casings until the en-closed explosives combust. The current prototype of Zeus has a250m effective range in performing its mine-clearing mission.Zeus will greatly reduce the time and hazard associated with combat engineers approaching live ordnance to neutralize it. [Ref 3].The output power of solid state lasers is on the rise. The averagepower output of Lawrence Livermore's solid-state-heat-capacitylaser (SSHCL) is 10kW and the objective of follow-on generationsystems is to achieve 100kW outputs. This higher output levelwould be sufficient to accomplish a variety of missions up to andincluding the THEL-type of anti-artillery function. [Ref 4].

Airborne Laser (ABL)Perhaps the most exotic of currently planned HEL weapons is theAir Force's prototype YAL-1A ABL. The ABL system is a massivehigh power chemical oxygen-iodine laser (COIL) system, and ahost of supporting subsystems, built into a Boeing 747 airframe(see Figure 5). ABL's mission was originally theater defenseagainst intermediate-range ballistic missiles such as Scuds. TheMissile Defense Agency recently broadened this mission toinclude ICBM defense as well. The effective range of this weaponshould be on the order of hundreds of miles. The program hasa goal to demonstrate a missile intercept by 2005.The COIL laser reacts hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and chlorinegas (Cl2) to produce oxygen molecules in an excited state - sin-glet delta oxygen or O2(1∆). The O2(1∆) gas is injected into thelaser cavity along with iodine gas (I2). The excited oxygen mole-cules transfer energy to the iodine which pumps the laser intoenergy population inversion. The excited iodine atoms emit pho-tons (1.3 micron wavelength) when they relax to their baselineenergy state. COIL lasers have demonstrated hundreds of kWaverage power outputs. The shorter wavelength of the COILlaser permits smaller diameter optics for long range focusing ofthe beam and also incurs lower atmospheric attenuation effects.An engagement sequence for ABL would likely begin with cueingfrom a recon satellite of threat missile launch coordinates(autonomous threat detection is also possible). Scanning infraredsensors onboard ABL then detect and coarse track the hot exhaustof the threat missile. Threat range is next measured by a CO2laser. An illuminator laser performs the fine tracking functionwhile another illuminator is used for atmospheric compensationvia deformable mirrors that correct the outgoing beam for opti-cal turbulence. Finally, the high power of the COIL laser isfocused into a small spot on the selected target aimpoint. A

The optical target acquisition function mentioned above is actu-ally a two-step process: the OAT (off axis tracker) of the PTS ini-tially acquires the target in its wide field-of-view (FOV) based ona target state vector generated by the C3I/FCR. The OAT track-ing function centers the target in its FOV such that the target alsoappears in the narrow FOV of the SAT (Shared Aperture Tracker- shares common aperture optics with the DF HEL). The SAT thenacquires the target and assumes the tracking function from theOAT. The SAT then maintains the high energy laser beam on theselected aimpoint until intense heating of the target causes itswarhead to explode.

THEL ACTD Test ResultsThe THEL ACTD shot down its first artillery rocket-type target on6 June 2000. Since then, many successful rocket intercepts havebeen accomplished against single targets and against pairs ofrockets fired in volleys. THEL operated as an autonomous systemin these tests with no external aiding in the target engagementprocess. One "surprise attack" test was included in the test series,where the THEL operators (commander and gunner) did not havea priori knowledge of the timing or spatial aspect of the rocket fir-ing.THEL shot down an artillery round on 2 November 2002 in thefirst example of a successful projectile intercept by any air/missiledefense weapon system. This test against an artillery shell wasfollowed up on 9 December 2002 with the sequential in-flightdestruction of a mixed volley composed of a 152mm artilleryround and a 122mm rocket. THEL had shot down a total of 28rockets and 5 artillery shells by the close of CY02. [Ref. 2].

Quo Vadis?The THEL ACTD system has been out in the desert at WSMR forabout three years now, providing reliability/maintainability data,as well as performance data, for an operational HEL DE weaponfeasibility demonstrator system. The next logical step in advanc-ing THEL toward a tactical militarized configuration are size andweight reductions to enhance the system's mobility and trans-portability. Accordingly, the US Army has proposed a six-year,$500M program in its FY04 budget for a Mobile THEL (MTHEL).MTHEL will derive mobility by being mounted on a 10 ton truckinstead of being implemented in stationary, emplaced modules.In addition to being more mobile and transportable, MTHEL willaddress a larger threat set that goes beyond artillery rockets andprojectiles to include mortars, air-to-ground munitions, cruisemissiles, UAVs, and short-range ballistic missiles. To minimizedevelopment time, the US and Israel have decided to largelyexploit the technologies established by the THEL ACTD.Accordingly, MTHEL will employ a DF laser that takes advantageof recent technology advances, doubling the fuel efficiency whilesimultaneously reducing laser cavity volume by a factor of onethird.Some of the key challenges to effective implementation of MTHELare: efficient processing of targets in large, high density raids;integrating soldier operators into the system; doctrine/tactics fora DE weapon system; and establishment/maintenance of fineaimpoint tracking designation. The program goal is to build aMTHEL prototype in time for test demonstrations in 2007-2008,with IOC to follow in 2010-2011. After MTHEL, an even moremobile HEL weapon will be sought, sized to fit on a high mobili-ty vehicle. Such a DE weapon would be designed to move withforces and have a goal of shooting on the move. A transition

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WSTIAC Newsletter Spring 2003

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Figure 5. YAL-1A ABL on Boeing 747. © 2002 Boeing. All rights reserved

few seconds of dwell time is sufficient to breach fuel and oxidizertanks causing threat missiles to explode. ABL will be able to carryenough chemicals to support about 20 such target illumina-tions.The lethality of the COIL laser beam has been demonstrat-ed in static ground tests. The major obstacles yet to be sur-mounted by the ABL program lie in three main areas.The first obstacle is the structural dynamics of the airborne plat-form. The optics path needs to be rigid to maintain the qualityof the laser beam, but the body of the airframe is flexible toabsorb the turbulence experienced in atmospheric flight. Thisproblem has been addressed through the use of multi-axisdampers that isolate optics components from aircraft vibration.The second obstacle is atmospheric effects. One such effect isattenuation of the laser beam along the propagation path due tomoisture in the atmosphere including humidity, clouds, fog, andprecipitation. Another atmospheric effect is air turbulence forwhich ABLs adaptive optics may only partially compensate. [Ref.5].The third, and most serious problem facing ABL is the weight of

the system in comparison to the carrying capacity of the Boeing747 aircraft. Despite extensive use of titanium and new plas-tic/composite materials, ABL faces a growing weight problem.With less than half of the COIL laser components assembled, thesystem already exceeds the weight constraints of the airframe.Further weight reductions are being sought as well as increasedefficiency in laser and optics components to address this serioustechnical challenge. [Ref. 6].

ConclusionFeasibility demonstrations have shown tremendous progress inthe weaponization of high energy lasers in recent years. Despiteexcellent power output characteristics, the weight and bulk oftoday's generation of chemical gas lasers represents a constraintto some missile defense roles. If advances in lighter solid statelaser technology can produce an order of magnitude increase inpower output in the coming years, then highly mobile laserweapons will become practical for a wide variety of tactical andstrategic applications. ♦

References1. Schwartz, Wilson, Avidor, “Tactical High Energy Laser,” SPIE Proceedings on Laser Beam Control Technologies, Vol 4632, 21 Jan2002.2. Schwartz, Nugent, Card, Wilson, Avidor, Behar, “Tactical High Energy Laser,” Submitted to Journal of Directed Energy, Feb 2003.3. Sirak, “US Army Tests Anti-Mine Laser,” Janes Defense Weekly, 4 Sept 2002.4. Parker, “Bright Future for Compact Tactical Laser Weapons,” S&TR, April 2002.5. Farmer, “Dawn of the Airborne Laser,” Popular Science, March 2003.6. Ratnam and Kaufman, “Pentagon Works to Solve ABL’s Weight Gain,” Defense News, 3 March 2003.

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Think small (cont)reformer, all within a compact package no larger than a dime.When ready for final deployment, the military envisions many use-ful applications for this emerging miniaturized energy-generatingtechnology. According to Terry Doherty, director of PNNL'sDepartment of Defense programs, soldiers could power person-al, lightweight cooling systems while wearing protective suits andgear, prolonging their own comfort and efficiency during a recon-naissance."Vital personal communications devices could function forextended periods without the added weight of bulky, inefficientbatteries," Doherty said. He added that miniature sensors pow-ered by the same technology could be scattered before advanc-ing troops to monitor ground vibrations or detect dangerous toxicagents and relay this information electronically to soldiers. Thistechnology broadens the possibilities for using self-sustainingitems such as mobile devices in remote or difficult-to-access loca-tions.While methanol has proved to be the most effective fuel source,other liquid fuels such as butane, jet fuel - also known as JP-8 -or even diesel may be used. And, because the hydrogen powersource is only produced as needed, there is no need to store orcarry the volatile gas, reducing risk and creating a lighter load.Testing has revealed that performance from the reformer and fuelcell prototype is impressive. "This system can produce an equiva-lent power (20 mW) to batteries, but at one-third the weight,"Jones said. Similar micro fuel cell systems with greater power out-put (50 W) currently under development are providing powerequal to that of batteries weighing 10 times as much. Researcherssuggest that with additional system efficiencies and improve-ments, even greater performance may be achievable.Development will now focus on creating a deployable system suit-able for military use or industrial application.PNNL researchers have found that huge processing plants, tradi-tionally used to produce chemicals and other products, can bescaled down exponentially. "What can be achieved on a largescale," Jones said, "can be achieved at a microscale."Business inquiries on PNNL research and technologies should bedirected to 1-888-375-PNNL or e-mail: [email protected]. Forfurther information on the catalytic fuel processing reactor systemand other PNNL-created microscale research, go to:http://www.pnl.gov/microcats/fullmenu/minfuelcells.html.

Think small when powering today's electronic soldier

RICHLAND, Wash. - On the battlefield, having a reliable sourceof power to operate the many advanced electronic devices a sol-dier car ries is essential. But today's heavy and cumbersome bat-teries fall short in satisfying the military's needs. In search of botha lightweight and reliable alternative, the Department of Energy'sPacific Northwest National Laboratory has developed the smallestpower system yet, all wrapped up in a micro-sized package.PNNL researchers, with funding from the Defense AdvancedResearch Projects Agency, have developed the world's smallestcatalytic fuel processing reactor system to provide a low-wattpower source for hand-held wireless equipment, sensors andother small but essential devices required by today's troops.The petite power system - about the size of a cigarette lighter -converts liquid fuel to electricity via a microscale fuel processorcoupled with a microscale fuel cell developed by Case WesternReserve University in Ohio. An integral part of the system isPNNL's revolutionary fuel reformer, about the size of a pencileraser, which enables the system to convert fuel and water intohydrogen-rich gas. The fuel cell then generates electricity by con-verting hydrogen and oxygen from the air into electrical powerand clean water."Our miniaturized fuel processor incorporates several chemicalprocesses and operations in one device," said Evan Jones, PNNLprincipal investigator. The fuel processor system contains twovaporizers, a heat exchanger, a catalytic combustor and a steam

PLANNING A CONFERENCE OR SEMINAR?WSTIAC can assist with technical support:

iCall for papersiAnnouncementsiLocal arrangementsiAuthor kits/paper selectioniRegistrationiSecurity, meals, transportiExhibits, receptionsiProceedings

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2003 Course Schedule

INTRODUCTION TOSENSORS

and SEEKERSWEAPONEERINGDIRECTED ENERGY

WEAPONSSMART/PRECISION

WEAPONS

24-26 June3-5 September4-6 November

23-25 September24 July9 October

11 December

17-19 June5-7 August

21-23 October 2-4 December

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CAPSTONE DEMO A KNOX SUCCESS

FORT KNOX, Ky. (April 11, 2003) Calling it the "graduationevent" in a series of demonstrations held during the course of thecurrent phase of the Future Combat Systems program, The Army,the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and the LeadSystems Integrator announced March 28 the successful comple-tion of the program's Capstone Demonstration.The Capstone Demonstration, which was conducted at Fort Knox,Ky., and Fort Belvoir, Va., is a culmination and wrap-up of sevenprevious demonstrations held during the FCS Concept andTechnology Development phase. The demonstration was intended, in part, to illustrate the FCSprogram concepts and to demonstrate the program's readinessfor transition to the System Development and Demonstrationphase."The demonstrations have been instrumental in eliminating uncer-tainty and reducing risk; they have given us valuable insights intothe enhanced capabilities of an FCS-equipped force," said Col.William Johnson, the program manager, for the Objective Force."It's been a tough and demanding year, but the Army/DARPA/LSIteam should be proud of their tremendous accomplishments.""I was especially pleased with the feedback from the soldiers atFort Knox taking part in the simulations," said Jerry McElwee, thevice president and FCS LSI program manager. "They providedmany frank and positive comments on the simulated FCS capa-bilities added to their ability to accomplish assigned missions.More importantly, they helped us identify those capabilities andareas that require more attention."The Capstone Demonstration consisted of a series of multi-mediapresentations, interwoven with a warfighting simulation of a Unitof Action that showed the overall capabilities of the FCS Systemof Systems-how it is organized, the technologies behind it, how itis deployed, and how it is sustained.The simulation portion of the demonstration was executed at theUnit of Action Mounted Battle Laboratory at Fort Knox, Ky., with alive video feed to the portal at Fort Belvoir.FCS, the Army's transformation program, is a networked "familyof systems" that uses advanced communications and technologiesto link the soldier with mannedand unmanned air and groundplatforms and sensors. This highly agile and lethal force will pro-vide the tactical formations required to fulfill the Army's vision foran Objective Force.The Lead Systems Integrator, working in partnership with the Armyand DARPA, has total systems performance responsibility for theFCS program. The integrator manages the identification, selec-tion and procurement of major systems and subsystems. The LSIalso works with the Army to develop the operational, systems, andtechnical architectures, which provide links to the Objective Forceas well as Joint, Interagency and Multinational organizations.DARPA currently manages the FCS Concept and TechnologyDevelopment phase of the program. Following entry into theSystem Development and Demonstration phase, the U.S. ArmyProgram Executive Officer for Ground Combat Systems will takeresponsibility for systems integration, production, fielding, andsustainment.The FCS first unit equipped will be fielded in 2008,and the initial operational capability for the first FCS equippedUnit of Action will be in 2010. Army News Service ♦

FYI. . . .2003 NDIA ProceedingsFull-text proceedings of conferences sponsored by the NationalDefense Industrial Association are available athttp://www.dtic.mil/ndia/.i2003 Tactical Wheeled Vehicles Conference, 26-28 Jan 2003 i47th Annual Fuze Conference, 8-10 April 2003 i38th Annual Gun, Ammunition, and Missiles Symposium,

24-27 March 2003 i2003 Interoperability & Systems Integration Conference,

April 2003 i2003 Science & Engineering Technology Conference,

4-6 March 2003 i2003 International Test & Evaluation Summitt & Exhibition,

24-27 February 2003 i19th Annual National Logistics Conference & Exhibition,

3-6 March 2003 i2003 Insensitive Munitions & Energetic Materials Symposium

10-13 March 2003 i2003 Munitions Executive Summit, "Reshaping the Munitions

Base" 11-13 February 2003 i14th Annual NDIA SO/LIC Symposium & Exhibition, 11-13

February 2003

Latest issue of the DTIC Review:Volume 6, Number 2: "Hidden Explosives" Fall 2002Antipersonnel landmines and other unexploded ordnance litterthe ground in more than 80 countries. According to a recent studyby the International Campaign to Ban Landmines there are esti-mated to be 60-70 million buried mines worldwide and an addi-tional 250 million landmines stockpiled in 104 countries. Themines remain hazardous for years after they are placed in theground making demining methods and research extremely dan-gerous and detection difficult. The 2010 Initiative aims to elimi-nate anti-personnel mines from the world by the year 2010.Eradication of landmines throughout the world requires the devel-opment of technical and mechanical systems that are flexible, reli-able, cost-effective and able to perform landmine detection andmapping of enormous reaches of land. The documents includedwithin this edition of the DTIC Review seek to provide some clar-ity regarding DoD and commercial efforts in the research anddevelopment of cost-effective technologies for wide area detec-tion, marking and mapping of land mines. CD-ROM: AD-M001418Electronically: Free (The electronic version of full- text documentsincluded in this volume are also available through the full textsearch capabilities of DTIC's STINET Services.)

The DTIC Review brings its readers the full-text of selected techni-cal reports and a bibliography of other references of interestunder one cover. Volumes are either $15 or $25 depending onthe date of issue. Each issue provides a sampling of documentsfrom our collection on a specific topic of current interest. TheDTIC Review is also available to DTIC® registered users as a sub-scription product. One subscription costs $85 and includes fourquarterly issues on selected topics. ♦

Director/Chief Scientist’sDirector/Chief Scientist’sCornerCorner

by Dr. Ed Scannell

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With "transformation" the major theme and actual basis for many new programs in all of the military services and muchof the US government as a whole, it is fitting with this issue of the WSTIAC Newsletter, that we begin a series of articleson a revolutionary set of weapons based on Directed Energy (DE). Indeed, Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) will, in thenot too distant future, usher in a whole new generation of technologies that will be a natural adaptation of and integra-tion with the present crop of new electric or hybrid-electric ground, air and sea platforms and other electromagneticlaunchers, guns, armor, etc., that will take advantage of and be responsive to, the whole "transformed" electromagneticbattlefield threat environment as well. The services' new platform transformations could not have been more evident thanin the recent Ground and Sea Vehicles Technology Area Review Assessment (TARA), held at the Naval Surface WarfareCenter (NSWC), David Taylor Center, MD, on 17-20 March 2003, where a large portion of the presentations concernedelectric/hybrid-electric power and energy (P&E) systems and components. Although the title was the traditional "Groundand Sea Vehicles," the Air Force also gave an excellent account of itself in P&E with their "Aircraft Power Overview," where-in, like the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, much of the obvious ultimate weapon electrical (and thermal) loads were antic-ipated to be in the DEW area. From this TARA, the obvious continuing theme of size and weight reductions to producepractical, compact DEW systems will have to be the emphasis of all the services' programs for some time to come.

The DEW theme was actually cited in the very first issue of this Newsletter along with the introduction of the WSTIAC itself(Vol. 1, No. 1, Jan 2002)*, wherein the first WSTIAC Director, Richard Hayes, pointed out in the WSTIAC MissionStatement that: "The mission of WSTIAC is to provide a single point of contact to DoD and authorized users for informa-tion related to conventional and directed energy weapons including knowledge products and services in the followingareas: research, development, test and evaluation, production, acquisition, training, operations, and maintenance. ……The technologies assigned to WSTIAC include conventional and directed energy weapons, the platforms that use theweapons (aircraft, ships, undersea vehicles, ground vehicles, etc), components (sensors, seekers, guidance systems, fuses,communication systems, flight controls, etc) satellites, and enabling technologies (GPS, acoustics, lasers, microwaves,miniaturization technologies, imaging, target recognition, aerodynamics, electronics, inertial navigation, actuators, etc."


The WSTIAC Newsletter is the current awareness publication of the Weapon Systems Technology Information Analysis Center (WSTI-AC). WSTIAC, a Department of Defense (DoD) Information Analysis Center (IAC), is administratively managed by the DefenseInformation Systems Agency (DISA), Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) under the DoD IAC Program. The ContractingOfficer's Technical Representative (COTR) for WSTIAC is Mr. H. Jack Taylor, ODUSD (S&T), Defense Pentagon, Washington, D.C.20301-3080, (703) 588-7405. WSTIAC, serves Government, industry, and academia as a Center of Excellence in Weapon SystemsTechnology.WSTIAC Director: Dr. Edward P Scannell Database Inquiries: Vakare Valaitis703.933.3317, Email: [email protected] 703.933.3362 Email: [email protected]

Internet: http://iac.dtic.mil/wstiac/

All data and information herein reported are believed to be reliable; however, no warrant, expressed or implied, is to be construed as to the accuracyor the completeness of the information presented. The views, opinions, and findings contained in this publication are those of the author(s) and shouldnot be construed as an official Agency position, policy, or decision, unless so designated by other official documentation.

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The DEW theme was continued with the very first "Director/Chief Scientist's Corner" article in the WSTIAC Newsletter as part of an over-all weapons technology review by the second Director (and first Chief Scientist), Dr. Wes Kitchens, in the Sept 2000 issue (Vol. 1, No.4). That issue mainly highlighted High Energy Lasers (HELs--as in this issue with our THEL/MTHEL article, by Mr. Mark Scott, SeniorScience Advisor at our Alion Huntsville Office) since Dr. Kitchens was also introducing the then newly formed Joint Technology Office(JTO--which was deliberately restricted to only HEL DEWs). He also used the opportunity to introduce to our readership the DirectedEnergy Professional Society (DEPS--which had just been founded in the previous year, 1999)**. The JTO has just made major stridesin its mission to advance new HEL concepts, especially in Solid State High Energy Lasers (SSHELs) with the launching of major contractsfor their three-phase "High Power Solid State Laser" (HPSSL) Program, which has a deliverable goal of a 25kW HPSSL, scalable to100kW in two years, and a 25kW package, tailored to a specific military platform, by the end of the third year. The dramatic advance-ments made in the last few years (building, of course, on decades of previous heavy investments in basic research), not only in the HEL"engines," or sources, but especially in the equally important (for weapons applications) "Pointer-Tracker Systems" (PTS), atmosphericpropagation (especially due to Adaptive Optics (AO) subsystems), and target interaction physics, was also evident in the large numberof quality service overviews and individual papers presented at the recent annual DEPS Conference, held at the Naval PostgraduateSchool (NPS), Monterey, CA, 13-15 Nov 2002.

In the Jan, 2001 WSTIAC Newsletter (Vol. 2, No. 1), the feature article was on Nonlethal Weapons (NLWs). Although much of theirearly history, even for years prior to the formation of the Joint Nonlethal Weapons Directorate (JNLWD--with the US Marine Corps asthe Executive Agent, in Quantico, VA), NLWs involved mainly technologies that were basically kinetic, chemical or electromagnetic inorigin (40mm sponge grenades, vehicle stoppers utilizing either nets or High Power Microwaves (HPM--the main NL-DE technologybeing used at the time), sticky foams, etc.), the present main thrust for the JNLWD is in the HEL area, particularly relating to theAdvanced Tactical Laser (ATL) Program, now under direction by the Special Operations Command (SOCOM), MacDill AFB, FL. As Dr.Kitchens pointed out in his Sep 2000 Director/Chief Scientist's Corner, one of the three top advantages for DEWs over conventionalweapons is the potential for tunable, or agile target effects, i.e., nonlethal-to-lethal, temporary-to-permanent (the two others he men-tioned, speed-of-light propagation speeds and ability to engage very high speed and maneuverable targets are really complimentary--others include a "deep magazine," since the photon ammo only depends on fuel for the prime power, and another being the poten-tial for either point or area target coverage at extreme ranges). The great potential for tunable nonlethal target effects of DEWs alsomakes them great candidates for Homeland Security and Peacekeeping applications, allowing for their use where terrorists withImprovised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and other Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD) might be intermixed with noncombatants. In thiscase, DE-NLWs based on HPM sources have a distinct advantage, as well, with both counter-electronics/fuze and counter-personalapplications being possible. We anticipate featuring these topics in future articles.

As the third Director/Chief Scientist of the WSTIAC, at this point I should also reintroduce myself. Dr. Wes Kitchens, unfortunately forWSTIAC, left Alion Science & Technology (formerly IIT Research Institute--IITRI), the contractor operating the WSTIAC for the DefenseInformation Services Agency (DISA), at the beginning of this year, to join Hicks & Associates. The WSTIAC Directorship falls under theTactical Systems Division of Alion Science, and so, Wes introduced me to the readership as the new manager of that division back inthe March 2002 (Vol. 3, No. 2) issue with a brief background summary. An abstract of this summary should suffice here for your con-venience: I am an experimental physicist with over 30 years of experience in a broad range of technical areas, in both conducting andmanaging research and development (R&D) programs. Some areas of technical expertise include: plasma physics; alternative energysources, such as controlled fusion, magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generators, nuclear isomers, and fuel cells for both large scale indus-trial and compact military applications; electromagnetic (EM) accelerators for EM guns, space propulsion and nuclear weapons simu-lation; and high power microwave (HPM), particle beam, high energy laser (HEL) and pulse power physics for directed energy (DE)applications. Prior to joining Alion Science in Jan 2002, I was the Chief of the Directed Energy and Power Generation (DEPG) Divisionof the Sensors and Electron Devices (SED) Directorate of the Army Research Laboratory at Adelphi, MD.

Hopefully, my background, which also includes over a decade of teaching experience at North Carolina State University (where Ireceived my PH.D. in Plasma Physics) and elsewhere, will allow me to bring to the community a new DEW Course that I have addedto the pantheon of excellent WSTIAC course offerings in Smart/Precision Weapons, Sensor-Seekers, and another new course-"Weaponeering." The DEW Course was given for the first time on 24 Jan 2003, and both the Weaponeering Course for the first timeand the DEW Course for the second time, at the Army's Picatinny Arsenal, NJ, last 9-11 Apr 2003. Brief course descriptions and theirnext available schedules are given at the end of this issue and on the WSTIAC website. The new Weaponeering Course is taught byProfessor Morris Driels of the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), and features the analytical basis for the Joint Munitions EffectivenessManuals (JMEM's) produced by the Joint Technical Coordinating Group for Munitions Effectiveness (JTCG/ME). The JMEM's are usedby all Services to plan offensive missions and allow the planners to predict the effectiveness of selected weapon systems against a vari-ety of targets. Special times and availability for your own site for all of these courses may be arranged by contacting Ms. Kelly Hopkins,our WSTIAC Course Administrator at (256) 382-4747. ♦

* Previous WSTIAC Newsletter issues can be found on the WSTIAC website: http://wstiac.alionscience.com/NewsAndEvents/Wstiac_NewsLetter.html

** See the DEPS Website: http://www.deps.org/

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Directed Energy Weapons CourseInstructor: Dr. Edward Scannell, WSTIAC

Course Description: This one day classified short course provides an introduc-tion to the basic principles and techniques of DirectedEnergy Weapons (DEWs). The technologies behind eachtype of DEW will be examined, and the critical path com-ponents will be identified and explored with respect to theireffect on future DEW development. In addition, advan-tages that can be achieved by employing DEWs will bediscussed, as well as the status of U.S. and foreign DEdevelopments and deployments. The key DEW programsin High Energy Lasers and RF-DEWs or High PowerMicrowaves will be fully described.

This short course will be of great benefit to people whoneed to understand the basic concepts, technologies,design requirements and practical applications of DEWs,including program and business managers, political deci-sion makers, engineers, scientific researchers and militarypersonnel. An undergraduate technical degree is recom-mended. Mathematics is kept to a minimum, but impor-tant formulas are introduced.

Training at Your Location:WSTIAC can conduct this course at your location to reduceyour travel time and cost. Please call Mrs. Kelly Hopkinsto discuss.

Fee:$700.00 for government personnel; $800.00 for govern-ment contractors.

Location: Huntsville, Alabama24 July, 9 October, 11 December 2003

Notice: WSTIAC reserves the right to cancel and/orchange the course schedule and/or instructor for any rea-son. In the event of a schedule change or cancellation,registered participants will be individually informed.


Questions to be examined include:

iWhat is Directed Energy and what are the differenttypes of Directed Energy Weapons?

iWhat are the advantages and disadvantages ofeach type of DEW and what are their target effects and tac-tical and strategic capabilities?

iHow do DEWs work and what are the critical tech-nologies that must be developed for their eventual use inpractical systems?

iHow may threat DEW effects be countered and howcan we protect our own systems?

iWhat are the major U.S. and international DEWprograms that are being pursued?

iWhat is the prognosis for future DEW development?

About the Instructor: Dr. Edward Scannell is the Manager of the Tactical

Systems Division, acting Director of WSTIAC, and formerlyChief of the Directed Energy and Power GenerationDivision of the U.S. Army Research Laboratory. He has 30years of experience in technical areas related to DEWs,including: plasma physics; conventional and alternativeenergy sources, electromagnetic (EM) guns, particle beam,laser, high power microwave (HPM), and pulse powerphysics.

Security Classification:The information presented is kept at the unclassified level,but is designated FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (FOUO) andis export controlled. The security classification of thiscourse is SECRET (U.S. citizens only) to facilitate discus-sions.

Handout Material:Each student will receive a comprehensive set of coursenotes covering the material presented.

For additional information, contact: Mrs. Kelly Hopkins, Seminar Administrator,

at (256) 382-4747, or by e-mail [email protected]

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Introduction to Sensors and Seekers for Smart Munitionsand Weapons CourseInstructor: Mr Paul Kisatsky, WSTIAC

Location: Huntsville, Alabama24-26 June; 3-5 September; 4-6 November 2003

Course Description: This 2-½ day short course provides an introduction to themost commonly used sensors and seekers employed insmart munitions and weapons (projectiles, missiles andwide area mines). It is oriented to managers, engineers,and scientists who are engaged in smart weapons pro-gram development and who desire to obtain a deeperunderstanding of the sensors they must deal with, but whodo not need to personally design or analyze them in depth.An undergraduate technical degree is recommended.Mathematics is kept to a minimum, but important formu-las are introduced. This course also provides an excellentfoundation for those scientists and engineers who desire topursue this discipline to intermediate and advanced levels.

The course covers:

iClassification of seekers and sensors

iFundamentals of waves and propagation

iFundamentals of noise and clutter

iFundamentals of search footprints

iIntroduction to infrared

iIntroduction to radar

iIntroduction to ladar

iIntroduction to visionics

iIntroduction to acoustics

iFuture projections and interactive brainstorming

Noise and clutter, the predominant obstacles to success inautonomous seekers, are given emphasis. The major sen-sor types are classified and each is discussed. In particu-lar, infrared, radar, optical laser radar (ladar), imagingand non-imaging, and acoustic sensors are individuallycovered. Of special interest is the discussion on humanvisionics versus machine recognition, since this concept isof central importance to understanding autonomous ver-sus man-in-the-loop sensing systems. The implications of"artificial intelligence", "data fusion", and "multi-mode"

sensors are also briefly discussed. System constraints,which force tradeoffs in sensor design and in ultimate per-formance, are also covered. Time permitting, a projectionof future trends in the role of sensors for smart munitions willbe presented, followed by a "brain-storming" session tosolicit student views.

About the Instructor: Mr. Paul Kisatsky is a Senior Physical Scientist. He is anationally recognized expert on sensors and seekers forsmart munitions and weapons and has more than 30 yearsof hands-on experience developing sensors and seekersfielded in modern smart munitions and weapons.

Security Classification:This course is unclassified.


Fee:The registration fee for this 2-½ day course is $950 forU.S. government personnel and $1150 for governmentcontractors. Contractor teams of 3 or more, registered atthe same time, are charged $950 per person.




Notice: WSTIAC reserves the right to cancel and/orchange the course schedule and/or instructor for any rea-son. In the event of a schedule change or cancellation,registered participants will be individually informed.

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Weaponeering Course Instructor: Professor Morris Driels, US Naval Postgraduate School

Course Description: This 2-½ day short course is based on a very successfulgraduate-level weaponeering course developed byProfessor Driels and taught at the Naval PostgraduateSchool, Monterey, CA. The course will provide anoverview of the fundamentals of the weaponeeringprocess and its application to air-to-surface and surface-to-surface engagements. The course explains the analyti-cal basis of current weaponeering tools known as the JointMunitions Effectiveness Manuals (JMEM's) produced by theJoint Technical Coordinating Group for MunitionsEffectiveness (JTCG/ME). The JMEM's are used by allServices to plan offensive missions and allow the plannersto predict the effectiveness of selected weapon systemsagainst a variety of targets.


Fee:The registration fee for this 2-½ day course is $950 forU.S. government personnel and $1150 for governmentcontractors. Contractor teams of 3 or more, registered atthe same time, are charged $950 per person.

Location: Huntsville, Alabama23-25 September 2003

Notice: WSTIAC reserves the right to cancel and/orchange the course schedule for any reason. In the event ofa schedule change or cancellation, registered participantswill be individually informed.


The short course is divided into three parts.

Part I covers the basic tools and methods used in weaponeering:

iThe weaponeering processiElementary statistical methodsiWeapon trajectoryiDelivery accuracy of guided and unguided

munitionsiTarget vulnerability assessment

Part II covers the weaponeering process for air-launchedweapons against ground targets:

iSingle weapons directed against point and area targets

iStick deliveries (point and area targets)iProjectiles (guns and rockets)iCluster munitionsiWeaponeering for specific targets: bridges,

buildings etc.)iCollateral damage modeling

About the Instructor: Professor Driels is a Professor of Mechanical Engineeringat the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in MontereyCalifornia. He has worked with the JTCG/ME on a varietyof topics in support of the JMEM's for a number of years.He has taught a quarter long weaponeering course at NPSfor three years and is preparing a text book on the subject.

Security Classification:The security classification of this course is SECRET (U.S.citizens only) to facilitate discussions.




Part III covers the weaponeering process for groundengagements:

iIndirect fire systems - artillery and mortars.iDirect fire systems - infantry and armored vehicles.iMines - land and sea.

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Training at Your Location:WSTIAC can conduct this course at your location toreduce your travel time and cost. Please call Mrs. KellyHopkins to discuss.

Notice: WSTIAC reserves the right to cancel and/orchange the course schedule and/or instructor for anyreason. In the event of a schedule change or cancel-lation, registered participants will be individuallyinformed.




Smart/Precision Weapons Course

Instructors: Mr. Hunter Chockley and Mr. Mark Scott, WSTIAC

Location: Huntsville, Alabama

17-19 June; 5-7 August; 21-23 October; 2-4 December 2003

Course Description: This 2-½ day short course provides a comprehen-sive understanding of smart weapons and relatedtechnologies. This course is aimed at providinggeneral knowledge about smart weapons technolo-gy and a source of current information on selectedU.S. and foreign smart weapons, to include systemdescription, concept of employment, performancecharacteristics, effectiveness and program status.

A variety of ground, sea and air smart/precisionweapon systems are discussed, to include fieldedand/or developmental U.S. systems such as JointDirect Attack Munition (JDAM), Joint Air-to-SurfaceStandoff Missile (JASSM), Small Diameter Bomb,Javelin, Line-of-Sight Anti-Tank (LOSAT), XM982Excaliber, Extended Range Guided Munition(ERGM), Common Missile, Tomahawk, StandoffLand Attack Missile - Expanded Response (SLAM-ER), Cluster Bomb Munitions and Airborne Laser,among others, as well as representative foreignsmart/precision weapons.

The objective of this course is to inform materiel andcombat developers, systems analysts, scientists,engineers, managers and business developersabout smart/precision weapons, to include:

iState of the art of representative U.S. and foreign smart weapons systems;

iEmployment concepts

iSmart weapons related systems, subsystems,and technologies; and

iTechnology trends.

Fee:The registration fee for this 2-½ day course is $950 forU.S. government personnel and $1150 for governmentcontractors. Contractor teams of 3 or more, registeredat the same time, are charged $950 per person.

Security Classification:The information presented is kept at the unclassifiedlevel, but is designated FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY(FOUO) and is export controlled. The security classifi-cation of this course is SECRET (U.S. citizens only) tofacilitate discussions.

About the Instructors: Mr. Mark Scott and Mr. Hunter Chockley are ScienceAdvisors. Each instructor has more than 25 years ofexperience with weapons technology and/orsmart/precision weapons.

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JULY 2003JULY 20038-9 July 2003DoD Fuze IPT Advanced Planning Briefing for IndustryCrystal City, VAFor additional information:http://register.ndia.org/interview/register.ndia?PID=Brochure&SID=_0XI1DFB5G&MID=356A

15-17 July 2003Tri-Service Power Expo 2003Norfolk, VirginiaFor additional informationhttp://register.ndia.org/interview/register.ndia?PID=Brochure&SID=_0XI1DFB5G&MID=3670

15-17 July 2003Team Redstone APBI“Transforming Partnerships in Technology and Logisticsfor the 21st Century Battlefield”Redstone Arsenal ALFor additional information:http://apbi.redstone.army.mil/index.asp

15-19 Jul 2003SIAM Conference on Applied Linear AlgebraWilliamsburg, VA USAFor Additional Information:Web site: http://www.siam.org/meetings/

AUGUST 2003AUGUST 20035-7 August 2003Smart/Precision Weapons CourseHuntsville ALFor additional information Call Kelly Hopkins 256.382.4747Email: [email protected]

11-14 August 2003AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control ConferenceAustin TXFor additional informationhttp://www.aiaa.org/calendar/index.hfm?cal=1

18-20 August 2003Space and Missile Defense Conference and Exhibition"Space & Missile Defense: Evolution or Revolution"Huntsville ALFor additional information:http://www.ndia-tvc.org/smdc2003/

SEPTEMBER 2003SEPTEMBER 20039-12 September 2003ION GPS/GNSS 2003Institute of NavigationPortland, ORFor additional informationhttp://www.ion.org/meetings/meetings.cfm#am

15-18 September 20032nd AIAA Unmanned Systems, Technologies andOperations Aerospace, Land and Sea Conference San Diego, CaFor additional informationhttp://www.aiaa.org/calendar

SEPTEMBER 2003SEPTEMBER 2003Sep 09, 2003 thru Sep 12, 2003ION GPS/GNSS 2003.Portland, OR USAFor Additional Information:Institute of NavigationWeb site: http://www.ion.org/

Sep 15, 2003 thru Sep 18, 20032nd AIAA Unmanned Systems, Technologies andOperations Aerospace, Land and Sea Conference &Exhibit.Call for papers. San Diego, CAFor Additional Information:Web site: http://www.aiaa.org

Sep 16, 2003 thru Sep 18, 2003AFA Aerospace Technology Exposition.Washington DCFor Additional Information:Air Force AssociationEmail: [email protected] site: http://www.afa.org

Sep 22, 2003 thru Sep 25, 20032003 Joint Undersea Warfare Technology FallConference.SECRET - NOFORN Groton, CTFor Additional Information:Email: [email protected]://register.ndia.org/interview/register.ndia?PID=Brochure&SID=_0Z40OP2A3&MID=3240

Upcoming Conferences and Courses


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Ins ide th is issue

DEWsFYIDirector’s CornerIn the newsNew Weaponeering CourseCalendar of Events

Please return this form to:WSTIACATTN: Publication Department1901 N Beauregard Street, Suite 400Alexandria VA 22311

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Documents

Progress in DIRECTED ENERGY WEAPONS Part I: High Energy …