The Department of Defense, through the Missile Defense Agency, is soliciting innovative ideas for the development of manufacturing techniques aimed at enhancing high power directed energy systems, specifically for airborne applications. The objective is to create new manufacturing processes that significantly reduce the cost and lead time for producing components necessary for high-energy laser weapons, while adhering to stringent size, weight, and power constraints. This initiative is critical for advancing directed energy technology, enabling rapid deployment and operational effectiveness in military applications. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is currently closed, with the application due date having been set for October 23, 2024, and further details can be found at the official DOD SBIR/STTR website.

## Description

The government is interested in developing an airborne testbed for Directed Energy (DE) technology demonstrations. The vision is for sensing, tracking, and kill lasers to be placed into a pod attached to the aircraft. The pod configuration enables rapid modification of existing aircraft. However, the pod configuration also places severe restrictions on the available size, weight, and input power. Revolutionary advancements are desired in manufacturing technology in order to increase the laser&rsquo;s capability in the pod configuration. Further, key laser components such as vibration dampening and thermal management structures, high-density batteries, fast steering mirrors, and high purity optics are currently expensive with long lead items. The government is soliciting Industry&rsquo;s innovative ideas on how to revolutionize manufacturing techniques to achieve a breakthrough in the materials and manufacturing techniques required for all of the components necessary for high-energy laser weapon production.

## Objective

Develop new manufacturing techniques for the build of components required for a high power laser weapon. Achieve quantifiable and revolutionary reductions in the cost and time required to manufacture components that can meet the size, weight, and input power restrictions demanded in an airborne application. Develop new manufacturing techniques that turn what are currently long-lead procurement items into components that could be more easily manufactured in quantity on shorter timelines and at lower cost. Specify the amount of cost and schedule saved.

## Phase I

Demonstrate the feasibility of innovative manufacturing processes for laser component materials.

## Phase II

Demonstrate the materials and manufacturing processes through proof of concept testing of components.

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

Demonstrate lower cost and reliable production that avoids the need for long lead (eg: 6 to 8 months) components to be procured.

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