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 → 5 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)

Kirtland AFB

07 Related_Entities (12)

Air Force Office of Scientific Research

organisation R&D Foundation

Leidos

organisation R&D Foundation

Dr. John Luginsland

person R&D Foundation

FRCHX Experiment

event Fusion Physics

AFOSR/ONR HPM Program

event Weapons

University of Michigan (NERS)

organisation R&D Foundation

Dr. Y. Y. Lau

person R&D Foundation

Dr. Y. Zhang

person R&D Foundation

Prof. Ronald M. Gilgenbach

person R&D Foundation

Maj. Gen. William Neil McCasland

person Black Track

Dr. Ryan Weed

person Gray Track (Propulsion)

Dr. Matthew Domonkos

person Gray Track (Exotic)

08 Timeline_Mentions (10)

1948-01-01

Green Fireballs Near Sandia (1948-1950)

209 green fireball/orb sightings near Sandia New Mexico 1948-1950. Copper powder residue found as physical trace evidence. 116 pages of investigations released via PURSUE Release 2. Green fireballs ap

Historical

1961-03-01

Aerojet delivers 'Investigation of Pulsed-Train Plasmoid Weapons' final report (AD339084) — SECRET with RESTRICTED DATA

Aerojet-General Corporation completes final report AF08(635)-1671 under Air Force contract, catalogued at DTIC as AD339084. Born SECRET with bracketed paragraphs identified as RESTRICTED DATA (Atomic

Military Program

1977

LASL Fast Liner Experiment

LASL Fast Liner Experiment using magnetically imploded aluminum liners. Direct precursor to FRCHX and CFS-NM SLC. Also used coaxial plasma gun for injection.

Fusion Physics

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

1980

LLNL Beta II Compact Toroid Experiment

LLNL Beta II compact toroid experiment using coaxial plasma gun with LASL features. Second link in three-lab lineage: LANL (CTX) → LLNL (Beta II) → AFRL (MARAUDER).

Fusion Physics

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

1981-08-19

Russia A-60 airborne laser first flight

The Beriev A-60 airborne laser laboratory made its first flight. Based on the Il-76MD transport, it carried a 1MW-class CW laser for ASAT operations. The A-60 is the foreign equivalent of the US ABL Y

Directed Energy

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

1984-04-27

Russia A-60 first laser target hit

The A-60 achieved the first thermal damage to an air target by an aviation laser complex. This was 11 months after the US ALL/KC-135 experiment hit a Sidewinder missile (May 31, 1983).

Directed Energy

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

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 "Green Fireballs Near Sandia (1948-1950)" (1948-01-01). 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.