Shipboard Integration of Directed Energy Weapons

As the Department of Defense (DOD) continues to adapt its acquisition strategy, there is a strong willingness to move technologies beyond the labs—directly into the field or across the fleet. This is accomplished with an approach that puts prototype systems in the hands of warfighters more rapidly than conventional programs of record. 

New directed energy weapons, such as high-energy lasers (HEL) or high-powered microwaves/radio frequencies (HPM/HPRF), are now being developed by the services in prototyping environments. These weapons are being installed as capabilities on fully functioning naval surface vessels as well as other platforms, offering additional and often complementary advantages to traditional kinetic threat engagements.  

Integrating directed energy weapons onto naval vessels requires flexibility to evolve operations and extensive planning, from evaluating the requisite space through evaluating logistical feasibility. It also requires a comprehensive evaluation with regard to size, weight, power, and cooling (SWaP-C). Each ship’s hull has a different mission set, limited space, existing architectures, and specific functions that may impede integration of a directed energy weapon. According to James Brenkert, program manager for a Booz Allen directed energy contract, “interfacing with an existing—and sometimes antiquated—combat system can require substantial modification, not only to ensure compatibility but also interoperability with other systems not originally designed for augmentation,” such as radars and sensor suites. Safety and security considerations are vital to a successful program.

James continues, “There are very rigorous safety processes associated with any integration effort, which are in place to protect our sailors.” Multiple DOD guidelines detail the hazards of electromagnetic radiation to personnel, ordnance, and fuel. These hazards include HERP (hazards of electromagnetic radiation to personnel, HERO (hazards of electromagnetic radiation to ordnance, and HERF (hazards of electromagnetic radiation to fuel). These issues are addressed during the many technical, legal, and safety reviews required for operational use. 

The driving force behind directed energy weapons integration is the desire to rapidly transition these systems to the field. Improvements with rapid prototyping have already accelerated the acquisition process. Beyond the noted technical considerations, funding needs to be considered, and policy and process need to evolve to avoid extended development cycles. As innovators across government, industry, and academia expedite the directed energy weapons system development lifecycle, advances in the design, testing, and evaluation phases are needed.

In addition to providing warfighters with innovative directed energy engagement capabilities, sometimes the secondary and tertiary benefits are unknown until the weapon systems deploy in an operational setting. According to Vice Admiral Ronald Boxall at the 2019 Directed Energy Summit, referring to the Navy’s Laser Weapon System (LaWS) on the USS Ponce, “To me, the most important aspect of the integrated laser is its integration into my existing combat system, period.” He notes that he has found “the ability to track with a laser is very, very good. So, if I have this system that can kill and I have a system that can actually sense, then I have to make sure it integrates with the other things I have on my ship that can sense and kill.”  The sailors quickly discovered that the LaWS system provided enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities beyond that of existing shipboard systems.

Personnel training is critical to complete the shipboard integration of directed energy weapons. Curriculum development might include using system mock-ups and utilizing advanced technologies such as augmented or virtual reality simulators to aid in expedited adoption. Training addresses tactical and operational considerations, as well as documentation including concepts of operations (CONOPs), concepts of employment (CONEMP), and the directed energy weapon initial operational employment review and approval process (DEWRAP).

The key to making directed energy weapons a complement to kinetic weapons on the seas is getting these new technologies in the hands of warfighters. To accomplish this, the DOD is evolving acquisition strategies, implementing rapid prototyping, improving technology, and creating safety guidelines. The integration within existing combat systems will continue to evolve.