ARLINGTON, Va., 21 Jan. 2011. U.S. Navy officials are considering directed-energy weapons such as military lasers or high-power microwaves for installation on surface warships and auxiliary ships that could a small vessel ranging in size from a fast-attack inshore craft to an intercoastal cargo or fishing vessel common in littoral waters.The Office of Naval Research (ONR) issued a request for information (11-RFI-0003) Wednesday called Directed Energy Viability for Ship Disable Capability to survey industry for information on mature advanced technology involving lasers and high power microwaves that could be installed on a Navy ship within 18 to 24 months.ONR researchers are focusing primarily on non-lethal weapons that could damage boats or kill their engines. The idea is to stop the approach of an unidentified or hostile boat moving toward a naval combatant in littoral waters.Navy researchers caution that this announcement is not a formal solicitation; ONR will use this information to shape potential future directed-energy R&D solicitations.
The ONR study will focus on laser and RF directed-energy systems; guns, projectiles, missiles, biological, chemical, or physical barriers are not part of the study.
Company officials who would like to participate in the survey should respond to ONR no later than 2 March 2011, to program manager Peter Morrison by e-mail at [email protected], or by post at Office of Naval Research, Code 351, 875 North Randolph St., Arlington VA 22203-1995.
For questions or concerns contact Morrison by phone at 703-696-0553, or Joseph Cloft by e-mail at [email protected], or by phone at 703-696-0989.
More information is online at http://www.fbodaily.com/archive/2011/01-January/21-Jan-2011/FBO-02362339.htm.
