Atmospheric Considerations in Engagement-Level Simulations of Tactical High-Energy Laser Systems.

摘要

The atmosphere can have a tremendous impact on tactical high-energy laser (HEL) systems. The variable nature of the atmosphere can produce highly variable performance. System designers need accurate environmental models to optimize the design of these systems. This paper reviews the atmospheric impact of various atmospheric phenomena on laser performance and the measurement and modeling efforts of the Air Force Research Laboratory. Two of these phenomena, optical turbulence and cloud obscuration, have been included in an engagement- level model, DEEST (Directed Energy Environmental Simulation Tool), to determine the optical performance of a tactical laser system. DEEST is described, and various aspects of the model are discussed for the benefit of those who will be modeling tactical HEL systems.