Propulsion

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.

Related Terms

Timeline Mentions (8)

1980s

Gypsy HPM Testing

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

1980

Directed Energy and High-Altitude UCAVs

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

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.

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.

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.

1990

AFRL Phillips Lab DEW Research

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

1990

AFRL Directed Energy Weapons

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

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

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.
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 8 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?
8 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.