Directed Energy

AFRL's Directed Energy Directorate is the Department of the Air Force's Center of Expertise for directed energy and optical technologies. Located at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, the Directorate develops and transitions technologies in four core technical competencies: laser systems, high power electromagnetics, weapons modeling and simulation, and directed energy and electro-optics for space superiority.

Dr. Kenneth S. Obenberger of DOD's Air Force Research Laboratory receives prestigious Arthur S. Flemming Award

Dr. Kenneth S. Obenberger, a Senior Research Physicist at the Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL) at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., has been named a recipient of the prestigious Arthur S. Flemming Award for his innovative work in radio wave propagation and plasma

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2024 AFRL Commander’s Challenge kicks off; 2 teams entrusted to deliver low-cost solutions by year’s end

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO (AFRL) — The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, has handpicked some of its most gifted junior force military members and DOD civilians to develop and deliver low-cost solutions to counter slow-moving, high-altitude aerial targets by the end of 2024.DVIDS

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AFRL recognizes 2024 New Mexico Excellence in STEM at annual awards event

More than 100 people from across New Mexico gathered to celebrate those doing exceptional work in STEM education at the annual New Mexico Excellence in STEM Awards hosted by the Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, Tech Engagement Office. The awards, known as the STEMYS, took place June 21, 2024,

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New diagnostic system to validate high-power laser weapon performance

The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL’s, Directed Energy Directorate, completed the build of its new Government Radiometrically-Accurate Instrument for Laser Evaluation Version II, or GRAILE-II, system Jan. 18, 2024. The diagnostic system will be used to validate the performance of the

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Erin N. Pettyjohn

Director, Air Force Research Laboratory, Directed Energy Directorate

Directed Energy Technologies

AFRL pioneered the first and only megawatt-class airborne laser and is a world leader in ground-based space imaging using adaptive optics with a 3.5-meter telescope in New Mexico and a 3.6-meter telescope in Hawaii. The Directorate is transitioning game-changing counter-electronics and laser system technologies to the warfighter developing tech such as THOR pictured here.

About the Directed Energy Directorate (RD)

RD Highlights

Dr. Kenneth S. Obenberger of DOD's Air Force Research Laboratory receives prestigious Arthur S. Flemming Award

2024 AFRL Commander’s Challenge kicks off; 2 teams entrusted to deliver low-cost solutions by year’s end

AFRL recognizes 2024 New Mexico Excellence in STEM at annual awards event

New diagnostic system to validate high-power laser weapon performance

AFRL/RD Leadership

Erin N. Pettyjohn

AFRL TECHNOLOGY

More About RD

Inside AFRL/RD

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