Directed Energy Environmental Decision System (DEEDS)

MZA’s Directed Energy Environmental Decision System (DEEDS) Processor provides environmental situation awareness for Directed Energy (DE) applications. This add-on is available for modular integration with two or more DELTA-Wx deep-learning turbulence sensors. Each of the DELTA-Wx sensors measures turbulence strength along a line of sight with target images and weather data using the “Wx” weather station. Weather data and C_n² data from DELTA-Wx sensors are integrated into MZA’s Modular Atmospheric Sensor Software (MASS) suite and used on a daily basis to provide a weather-driven turbulence model using DELTA-Wx’s automated machine-learning algorithm. This model can be applied during subsequent weather measurements. DEEDS applies the weather-driven atmospheric models with SHaRE and WaveTrain models for laser weapon system performance prediction. A set of configurable displays provides an operator with immersive visualization of the range capability of a laser weapon system as it evolves with varying atmospheric conditions.

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DEEDS Operation

The DEEDS Processor integrates with MZA’s DELTA-Wx sensing to provide sensing, modeling, and forecasting of turbulence, optical, and other DE performance metrics. DEEDS uses available weather data and forecasts along with advanced atmospheric models to analyze and simulate laser propagation from weapon to target. When provided HEL system beam control camera feeds, DEEDS uses DELTA turbulence sensing to measure atmospheric jitter, which enables calculation of a C_n² profile. This C_n² data, weather data from the co-located station, and Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) are used by the DEEDS processor to generate data that can be visualized in 3D or integrated with a beam control system to provide on-screen feedback concerning laser propagation conditions and predicted performance. Real-time laser simulation visualizes a “virtual fire” for weapon operators.

Real-Time Decision Aid for Laser Propagation

The DEEDS processor ties together powerful sensors and modeling tools developed by MZA - DELTA-Wx, MASS, SHaRE, and WaveTrain – and allows their potential to be expressed in the domain of real-time DE decision-making A MASS Server on the DEEDS processor gets the raw optical and weather measurements and uses machine learning to provide enhanced forecasts to be included in the weather cubes. If integrated with an optical Beam Control Executive Processor, MASS can also derive turbulence data from that source. Using the DEEDS laser operators use the turbulence and other data derived using this system to visualize laser performance in real-time to inform their decision-making or plan for future laser propagations based on forecasted conditions. If integrated with a beam control system, the DEEDS processor provides on-screen feedback on the laser propagation conditions for whatever target a laser operator may be tracking in real-time.