The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force (USAF), is seeking proposals for the development of a Directed Energy Mobile Environmental Test Bed under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The objective is to modify an existing mobile laser propagation test bed to demonstrate longer wavelengths (between 1-10 microns) in various environmental conditions, enhancing the technology readiness level (TRL) of key components and enabling power measurements at targets up to 5 kilometers. This initiative is crucial for advancing directed energy capabilities and ensuring effective testing of laser systems in real-world scenarios. Proposals are due by May 21, 2025, with further details available at the provided source link, and the opportunity is currently open for submissions.

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Directed Energy (DE) The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. OBJECTIVE: To utilize an established, modular, and mobile laser propagation test bed for the purpose of demonstrating longer wavelength in relevant environmental conditions. To increase TRL of key components for longer wavelengths and to measure power at targets out to 5km (wavelength to be fixed at contract award but will be between 1-10um). DESCRIPTION: The USAF desires to modify a mobile test bed that is capable of tracking, targeting, and handling laser power levels from 1-10kW and wavelengths from 1um to 10um. The award winner, will position this open architecture testbed at the KAFB laser propagation test range called the Environmental Laser Test Facility for outdoor testing. It is understood that nearly all testbeds currently operate in the 1 um regime. Consequently, the USAF will work with the award winner(s) to identify alternative wavelengths amplifiers, optics and integration of said components for propagation testing. PHASE I: As this is a Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) topic, no Phase I awards will be made as a result of this topic. Applicants interested in participating in this topic must include in their response to this topic Phase I feasibility documentation that substantiates the scientific and technical merit and "Phase I-type" effort such as a developed concept for a workable prototype. For example, the vendor shall provide analysis description and design of a mobile laser test bed isolated from the environment a) list of optical and electronic components, beam director and software required to build the prototype b) theoretical or experimental results or prototypes that meet USAF desired capabilities. Such results may include: b1) tracking and aimpoint maintenance, test bed and test bed components’ ability to handle sustained high peak powers and energies in the multi-kw class b2) thermal management of optics and electronics b3) clean room attached to the mobile vehicle for on-site work of high power components and optical bench regardless of field location. Documentation should include all relevant information including, but not limited to, technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and performance goals/results for establishing the scientific and economic feasibility of the proposed work. Work submitted within the feasibility documentation must have been substantially performed by the offeror and/or the principal investigator (PI). PHASE II: The USAF is seeking to modify an existing testbed system to enable testing at wavelengths between 1 and 10 microns for field demonstration of lasers in this band. Proposer must identify an existing testbed system for this application and describe what changes will need to be made to accommodate these longer wavelengths including but not limited to coatings, beam projection telescopes, and cameras. The system must be mobile to enable fielding at different locations. The testbed should provide an operations area that will enable test personnel to operate the system in challenging environments. It is preferred that the system have integrated digital data logging, an open architecture for ease of modification, integrated turbulence and weather sensing capability, and a capability for communication with a down-range test site. The system modifications should enable both continuous wave and pulsed laser testing. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The USAF will work with the award winner to secure funding for a packaged, mobile multi-kW laser system for real environment testing at a forward deployed base. Upon success, will work with award winner to market technology to one of the major commands as a compliment to existing base defense systems. REFERENCES: 1. M. Helle, “Pulsed Laser Research and Development at the Naval Research Laboratory”, DEPS Systems Symposium, November 2023. 2. B. Lynn, “JIFCO Non-Lethal Laser Induced Plasma Effects Roadmap and Portfolio”, DEPS Science and Technology Symposium, April 2023. 3. J. Mansell, “Beam Control Test Results from the Mobile Beam Control System Integration Laboratory”, DEPS Science and Technology Symposium, March 2021. KEYWORDS: Directed Energy; Laser Weapons System; Testbed; Laser Illuminator; Long Wavelength

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