Simulation of Laser Beam Propagation and Control for Naval Air Applications

This effort will provide a flexible simulation tool that will predict the performance of HEL weapons systems in realistic engagement scenarios in a marine environment. MZA’s existing wave-optics simulation tool, called "WaveTrain", provides a crucial and extensive foundation for the proposed Phase II effort. The overall objective is to ensure that all relevant effects associated with the maritime propagation environment are accurately and comprehensively represented in WaveTrain, so that it can be used to predict the performance of Naval HEL and optical sensing systems. To achieve this general goal, we have grouped proposed objectives into four top-level technical areas which are Atmospheric Effects, Tactical Imaging and Tracking, Platform Effects, and Sample System Simulation Runs.