Propulsion
Propulsion glossary term

Directed Energy

Weapons and systems that project focused electromagnetic energy (lasers, microwaves, particle beams) at a target.

Propulsion Also: Directed Energy, directed-energy Has Dossier → 8 sources

01 Definition

Weapons and systems that project focused electromagnetic energy (lasers, microwaves, particle beams) at a target. AFRL at Kirtland AFB is a center for directed-energy research.

02 Detailed_Analysis

Weapons and systems that project focused electromagnetic energy (lasers, microwaves, particle beams) at a target. AFRL at Kirtland AFB is a center for directed-energy research. Weapons and systems that project focused electromagnetic energy (lasers, microwaves, particle beams) at a target. AFRL at Kirtland AFB is a center for directed-energy research.

03 Key_Facts

  • Weapons and systems that project focused electromagnetic energy (lasers, microwaves, particle beams) at a target
  • AFRL at Kirtland AFB is a center for directed-energy research

04 Deep_Dive_Intelligence

Overview

Weapons and systems that project focused electromagnetic energy (lasers, microwaves, particle beams) at a target. AFRL at Kirtland AFB is a center for directed-energy research.

Role: Glossary term: Directed Energy

Entity Type: Concept — Directed Energy is a technical concept or theoretical framework.


Technical Definition

Weapons and systems that project focused electromagnetic energy (lasers, microwaves, particle beams) at a target. AFRL at Kirtland AFB is a center for directed-energy research.


Related Concepts: AFRL, Kirtland AFB, HPM

06 Related_Terms (1)

07 Related_Entities (12)

08 Timeline_Mentions (10)

1980s

Gypsy HPM Testing

The Air Force begins unclassified testing of Gypsy, a High Power Microwave (HPM) system capable of producing one gigawatt.

defense-programs
1980

Directed Energy and High-Altitude UCAVs

Development of ground and space-based High-Energy Lasers (HEL) and the Lockheed GlobalHawk long-range UCAV.

defense-programs
1983

Reagan launches SDI — Shiva Star re-directed to 'Star Wars'

SDI directed energy: x-ray laser, FEL, NPB, Brilliant Pebbles. Shiva Star → MARAUDER precursor.

defense-programs
1985

Alexander organizes ATP group (1985): first informal interagency UFO study — no paper trail, briefed White House/NSC/CIA

Army Colonel organized interagency UFO study group. Military + intelligence + engineers. No paper trail. Briefed senior officials. Predates AAWSAP by 23 years. Found no single program = stove-piping.

uap-research
1990

MARAUDER program begins — AFRL fires compact toroid plasmoids as weapons

Shiva Star facility. 100 billion g acceleration. Explicitly NOT fusion. Same facility as FRCHX. The critical link.

defense-programs
1990

AFRL Phillips Lab DEW Research

AFRL Phillips Laboratory researches Directed Energy Weapons, including high-energy lasers and sonic flocculators.

fusion-physics
1990

AFRL Directed Energy Weapons

U.S. AFRL Phillips Laboratory develops high-energy lasers and sonic flocculator weapons.

defense-programs
1993

MARAUDER (August 1993): USAF compact toroid weapon, 100 billion g acceleration, Shiva Star, went dark mid-1990s

USAF Phillips Lab compact toroid weapon. 100 billion g acceleration. 9.5 MJ Shiva Star. 'Not a fusion program' — weapons. Physics identical to FRC. Went dark mid-1990s. Lineage: SHIVA I → MARAUDER → F

uap-research
1997

AFRL Consolidation

Phillips Laboratory is consolidated into the newly formed Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), inheriting advanced propulsion research mandates.

historical-context
2000s

AMSC Nanodot Development

AMSC announces nanotechnology-based 'nanodots' to enhance flux pinning in YBCO superconductors, leveraging research from AFRL and LANL.

fusion-physics
View Full Timeline →

09 FAQ

What is Directed Energy?
Weapons and systems that project focused electromagnetic energy (lasers, microwaves, particle beams) at a target. AFRL at Kirtland AFB is a center for directed-energy research.
Why does Directed Energy matter?
Weapons and systems that project focused electromagnetic energy (lasers, microwaves, particle beams) at a target.
How does Directed Energy relate to other concepts?
Directed Energy is closely related to Kirtland AFB. These relationships are documented in the research glossary and cross-referenced with primary source documents.
When did Directed Energy appear in the research timeline?
Directed Energy is referenced in 10 timeline events, including "Gypsy HPM Testing" (1980s). The timeline provides chronological context for the development and application of this concept.
Which entities are associated with Directed Energy?
12 entities are associated with Directed Energy in the network graph, including Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Leidos, Dr. John Luginsland. Explore the network graph for full relationship mapping.
Is there a detailed dossier for Directed Energy?
Yes, Directed Energy has a comprehensive intelligence dossier with deep dive analysis, source documents, and network connections. View the full dossier for complete intelligence assessment.