A joint research agreement was signed this week by the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Directed Energy Directorate here and Raytheon Missile Systems of Tucson, Ariz.
The 24-month collaboration, under a CRADA (Cooperative Research And Development Agreement), will pool the directorate’s expertise in high-energy lasers and Raytheon’s experience with missile technologies.
Specifically, the CRADA will focus on ways that high-power lasers can be used to defeat various weapon systems. The end product is expected to be a detailed analysis of those findings as well as information on the suitability of using lasers aboard different tactical platforms.
Both organizations expect to benefit from the agreement and sharing of information: the Air Force will learn more about missile operating systems and potential laser-carrying platforms, while Raytheon will receive detailed knowledge of lasers and beam-control technologies.
