ANALYSIS OF SHIPBOARD EFFECTS AND COVERAGE FOR THE INTEGRATION OF A HIGH-ENERGY LASER ON A LPD 17

The project studied high-energy laser (HEL) integration into the Navy fleet using a systems engineering approach to identify the integration trade space with the objective of analyzing a systems engineering integration concept for the HEL applicable to LPD 17 class ships. Among the considerations for integrating a new weapon system, identification of a suitable location took priority. Minimum acceptable locations were based upon available Size, Weight, Power, and Cooling (SWAP-C) factors. Four single-HEL placement alternatives were identified which formed the basis for four additional alternatives created by combining fore and aft pairs. These eight alternatives were evaluated in comparison to one another to determine which provided the greatest overall capability and were least likely to suffer performance-degrading effects. From among the system requirements, five evaluation criteria were developed. These criteria used measures from scaled ship drawings to determine azimuthal and elevation coverage and the relative likelihood of effects from turbulence, environment, and shipboard operations. The concept study resulted in a recommendation for further studies and a more complete integration analysis.http://archive.org/details/analysisofshipbo1094559586Lieutenant, United States NavyCivilian, Department of the NavyCivilian, Department of the NavyLieutenant, United States NavyCivilian, Department of the NavyApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited