To mature and transition high-risk, high-payoff directed energy test technologies (Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3) from the laboratory environment into DoD test ranges in support of future directed energy weapon systems, full-spectrum test and evaluation shortfalls in the High-Energy Laser (HEL) and High-Power Microwave (HPM) domains.
DESCRIPTION:
DET S&T is a multi-year effort sponsored by the DoD Test Resource Management Center (TRMC). DET S&T provides timely investments to mature technologies that fill both critical current and future test gaps identified by the Directed Energy Test and Evaluation Capability (DETEC) tri-Service study updates from emerging needs from DoD test ranges/facilities. Annually, DET S&T releases Broad Agency Announcements soliciting offers or projects that address Directed Energy (DE) test gaps to mature Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) from a TRL3 up to a goal of TRL6. Upon verification in a DoD test range environment, S&T prototypes are transitioned to DoD test facilities to support upcoming DE tests or future follow-on test infrastructure engineering developments (i.e., DETEC). As of Fiscal Year 2011, the DET S&T team has a portfolio of over 18 projects ranging from HEL onboard sensors, multi-waveband imagers, HPM non-intrusive miniaturized sensors and target boards to various modeling and simulation tools – each with intended transition to DoD DE test facilities. With common IMO management and synergy with DET S&T and DETEC programs, S&T investments have also supported maturation of DETEC acquisition requirements as risk reductions, analysis of alternative candidates and Pre-planned Product Improvements.
