AFRL showcases Directed Energy at the nation’s capital

  • Published
  • By Jeanne Dailey
  • Air Force Research Laboratory
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  Scientists and engineers from the Air Force Research Laboratory's Directed Energy Directorate recently participated in an exhibition in Washington, D.C., showcasing how directed energy can benefit warfighters.

The Directed Energy Professional Society sponsored the event, with participants from the Department of Defense and directed energy industry.

This first-of-its-kind event took place at the Rayburn House Office Building and the Pentagon's courtyard to educate congressional members, staff and defense leaders about directed energy technology.

Among the more than 200 attendees were several government officials, including Reps. Steve Pearce and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, Rep. Doug Lamborn of Colorado, Rep. C. W. Bill Young of Florida, Rep. Roscoe Bartlett of Maryland, and Rep. Buck McKeon from California. The chief scientist of the Air Force, Dr. Mark Maybury, also attended.

The exhibit was driven by the formation of the Congressional Directed Energy Caucus in November 2011, sponsored by Heinrich and Lamborn. Both congressmen, along with Bartlett, emphasized the importance of the U.S. directed energy portfolio during the exhibit and called for continued support to transition this vital technology.

AFRL scientists and engineers presented a variety of hardware displays, including the Mobile Acquisition and Tracking System, a mobile satellite-tracking system that relies on reflected sunlight to acquire and track space objects, and the Standoff Intelligence Detection System, which provides warfighters high-resolution nighttime imaging.

Also displayed was the Tactical Relay Mirror System, which provides an over-the-horizon tactical solution for engaging targets in urban canyon environments, and test articles showing laser effects on various materials.

AFRL places a high priority on science, technology, electronics, and mathematics studies to educate the nation's youth. Hands-on demonstrations at the exhibition provided an example of the types of activities AFRL performs for future young scientists.

"This exhibit was an excellent venue for AFRL to show there are directed energy systems ready for transition to our military forces now. I am proud of the men and women of our directorate," said Dr. David Hardy, director of DE directorate. "They are passionate about giving our national leaders and warfighters the systems they need to meet the security needs of our nation."