High Energy Laser Technologies for Maritime Applications

The United States Coast Guard is issuing a Request for Information to assess the availability and technical readiness of directed energy technologies for maritime applications. The agency is seeking information on systems or effectors that use high energy lasers or comparable laser technology to incapacitate targets of interest in maritime operating environments.

Applicable deployment environments may include fixed installations such as piers, as well as on-the-move cutters and small boats. Respondents should address how proposed technologies are suited to maritime conditions, including exposure to shock, vibration, sea spray, and airborne particulates such as smoke and fuel exhaust. Primary targets of interest include uncrewed systems, including uncrewed aerial systems and uncrewed surface vessels.

The Coast Guard is specifically requesting technical and practical information such as physical dimensions, weight, power requirements, cooling requirements, and rough-order-of-magnitude acquisition and installation costs. Responses should also include, where available, details on wavelength, output power, area of effect, range, software loads, target profiles, and targeting methods.