BULL'S EYE LASER

Program mission

The BULL'S EYE Laser covers the design, integration and qualification of a family of vehicle-mounted directed-energy products built around a ytterbium fiber laser, with radar + EO/IR detection and AI-assisted fire control: BE-25 (25 kW, palletized module on 8×8 truck, e.g. LAV/ACSV class) and BE-50 (50 kW, coherent combining of two 25 kW modules, heavy vehicle or naval/semi-fixed site), extendable to BE-75 (75 kW) and BE-100 (100 kW).

Key requirements

ID	Requirement	BE-25 (25 kW)	BE-50 (50 kW)	BE-75 (75 kW)	BE-100 (100 kW)	Verif.
REQ-01	Output power (CW)	≥ 25 kW	≥ 50 kW	≥ 75 kW	≥ 100 kW	Test
REQ-02	Wavelength	1064 ± 5 nm	1064 ± 5 nm	1064 ± 5 nm	1064 ± 5 nm	Test
REQ-03	Beam quality M²	≤ 1,3	≤ 1,5 (combining)	≤ 1,4 (SBC)	≤ 1,5 (SBC+AO)	Test
REQ-04	Tracking accuracy (stabilized, short-halt)	≤ 10 µrad	≤ 10 µrad	≤ 10 µrad	≤ 10 µrad	Test
REQ-05	Effective range (drone)	≥ 1,5 km	≥ 3 km	≥ 4 km	≥ 5 km	Analysis/Test
REQ-06	Efficiency: laser module (wall-plug) / system	≥ 35 % / ≥ 17 %	≥ 33 % / ≥ 16 %	≥ 32 % / ≥ 16 %	≥ 32 % / ≥ 15 %	Test
REQ-07	Environmental (arctic)	MIL-STD-810H, −40 to +49 °C	MIL-STD-810H, −40 to +49 °C	MIL-STD-810H, −40 to +49 °C	MIL-STD-810H, −40 to +49 °C	Inspection/Test
REQ-08	Laser safety	Class 4 / IEC 60825-1	Class 4 / IEC 60825-1	Class 4 / IEC 60825-1	Class 4 / IEC 60825-1	Inspection
REQ-09	Palletized module mass (vehicle)	≤ 5 000 kg	≤ 8 000 kg	≤ 10 000 kg	≤ 12 000 kg	Inspection
REQ-10	Silent watch on batteries (engine off)	≥ 4 h watch + 20 engagements	≥ 4 h watch + 12 engagements	≥ 3 h watch + 10 engagements	≥ 3 h watch + 8 engagements	Test
REQ-11	Initial detection (micro-drone)	3D radar ≥ 10 km + passive RF	3D radar ≥ 15 km + passive RF	3D radar ≥ 15 km + passive RF	3D radar ≥ 20 km + passive RF	Test
REQ-12	Swarm: target-to-target re-cue	< 1 s	< 1 s	< 0,8 s	< 0,6 s	Test
REQ-13	Automatic air deconfliction (fire inhibit)	Mandatory, fail-safe	Mandatory, fail-safe	Mandatory, fail-safe	Mandatory, fail-safe	Test/Inspection
REQ-14	C2 interoperability	Link 16 / STANAG 4586	Link 16 / STANAG 4586	Link 16 / STANAG 4586	Link 16 / STANAG 4586	Test
REQ-15	AI-slaved adjustable tripod (extended dwell)	3 motorized DoF, ±15°, auto-leveling	3 motorized DoF, ±15°, auto-leveling	3 motorized DoF, ±15°, auto-leveling	3 motorized DoF, ±15°, auto-leveling	Test

Requirements at a glance

Verification methods (15 requirements)

System specifications

Parameter	BE-25 (25 kW)	BE-50 (50 kW)	BE-75 (75 kW)	BE-100 (100 kW)	Tolerance	Unit
Output power	25	50	75	100	+5 / −0	kW
Laser modules (25 kW)	1	2 (combined)	3 (SBC)	4 (SBC)	—	—
Wavelength	1064	1064	1064	1064	±5	nm
Fiber core diameter	50	50	50	50	±2	µm
Focal spot diameter @1,5 km	60	45	38	32	±10	mm
Gimbal axes (+ fast steering mirror)	2 + FSM	2 + FSM	2 + FSM	2 + FSM + AO	—	axes
AI adjustable tripod (module base)	3 DoF ±15° / ±0.01°	3 DoF ±15° / ±0.01°	3 DoF ±15° / ±0.01°	3 DoF ±15° / ±0.01°	—	—
Continuous dwell time on target (with tripod)	≥ 15	≥ 15	≥ 15	≥ 15	—	s
Coolant flow	120	220	330	440	±10	L/min
Thermal load to dissipate	110	200	~300	~400	±10	kW
Input power (peak / from storage)	150	280	~450	~600	±15	kW
Energy storage (Li-ion + supercaps)	200	400	500	600	±10 %	kWh
Palletized module mass	≤ 5 000	≤ 8 000	≤ 10 000	≤ 12 000	—	kg
Carrier vehicle	8×8 truck (LAV/ACSV class)	Heavy 8×8 / naval	Heavy 8×8 / 20 ft container	Heavy 8×8 / naval / semi-fixed	—	—
Operating temp.	−40 to +49	−40 to +49	−40 to +49	−40 to +49	—	°C
3D radar detection range (micro-drone)	10–15	10–15	15–20	15–20	—	km

Efficiency & thermal budget

The Yb laser module converts ≥35% wall-plug; adding cooling pumps, gimbal, sensors, computing and conversion losses, the end-to-end system efficiency is ~17%. For 25 kW optical output, ~110 kW of heat must therefore be dissipated — the cooling loop (BE-300) is sized accordingly.

Product images — BE-25 (25 kW) & BE-50 (50 kW)

BE-25 to BE-100 — operational comparison

Criterion	BE-25 — 25 kW	BE-50 — 50 kW	BE-75 — 75 kW	BE-100 — 100 kW
Anti-drone range	1,5–2 km	3–4 km	4–5 km	5–7 km
Neutralization time @1,5 km	5,0 s	2,4 s	1,6 s	1,2 s
Target classes	Drones, optics	+ rockets, small craft	+ heavy drones, loitering munitions	+ mortars, heavy loitering munitions
Unit cost	≈ 6,18 M$	≈ 9,35 M$	≈ 13,57 M$	≈ 18,37 M$
Power & thermal demand	150 kW / 110 kW th.	280 kW / 200 kW th.	~450 kW / ~300 kW th.	~600 kW / ~400 kW th.
Platform mobility	8×8 truck, palletized ≤5 t	Heavy 8×8 / naval	Heavy 8×8 / 20 ft container	Heavy 8×8 / naval / semi-fixed
Technical risk	Low (COTS module)	Medium (coherent combining)	Medium-high (SBC)	High (SBC + adaptive optics)
Schedule to demo	20 months	30 months	42 months	52 months

BE-25 vs BE-50 — key metrics (chart)

Energy flow — where does 150 kW go? (BE-25)

Comparison with similar products

System	Country	Power	Platform	Range (drone)	Status
🎯 LASER BULL'S EYE BE-25/BE-50	CANCanada	25 / 50 kW	8×8 truck / naval	1,5–3 km	Program (this file)
🎯 LASER BULL'S EYE BE-75/BE-100	CANCanada	75 / 100 kW	Heavy 8×8 / container / naval	4–7 km	Growth tiers (this file)
HELIOS	USAUnited States	60 kW+	Destroyer (naval)	~5 km	Deployed (USS Preble)
DE M-SHORAD	USAUnited States	50 kW	Stryker 8×8	~3 km	Prototypes fielded
Iron Beam	ISRIsraël	100 kW	Fixed / container	~7 km	Entering service
DragonFire	GBRUnited Kingdom	50 kW	Naval (frigates)	~3 km	Trials, service 2027
HELMA-P	FRAFrance	2–10 kW	Trailer / fixed	~1 km	Operational (JO 2024)
HEL on Boxer	DEUAllemagne	20 kW	Boxer 8×8 / naval	~2 km	Demonstrator
ALKA	TURTurquie	~25 kW	Vehicle	~1,5 km	Limited use
LW-30	CHNChine	30 kW	Truck	~2 km	Exported
YAL-1 ABL (historical)	USAUnited States	MW-class (chemical)	Boeing 747-400F (airborne)	~100+ km (missiles)	Retired 2014

BULL'S EYE LASER — key advantages (pros, KPI view)

Recommended strategy: build BE-25 (25 kW) first to de-risk vehicle integration, then upgrade to BE-50 (50 kW) by adding a second 25 kW module and beam-combining optics — about 85% of the chassis, cooling, sensors and software is reused.

Vehicle integration

Requirements specific to mounting on an 8×8 military carrier, including energy, stabilization, environment, detection, C2 and legal compliance.

Energy & silent watch

• Li-ion battery bank + supercapacitors (200–400 kWh): fire with engine off (reduced acoustic/thermal signature), smooth generator load peaks during engagements.
• Silent watch: ≥ 4 h surveillance plus 20 engagements (BE-25) on stored energy alone (REQ-10).
• Hybrid diesel generator recharges storage between engagements; export power interface to vehicle grid.

Silent-watch energy budget (200 kWh, BE-25)

Three-stage pointing chain — angular authority

Stabilization & optics on the move

• Short-halt firing capability and on-the-move tracking: IMU-stabilized gimbal + fast steering mirror (FSM) to reject chassis vibration (REQ-04).
• Deformable mirror (BE-120) coupled to a wavefront sensor (BE-121) to compensate low-altitude atmospheric turbulence — critical for land employment.
• Heated optical window with anti-dust/mud cover; automated protective shutter during transit.

Environment (Canadian conditions)

• Arctic rating: full function at −40 °C (heated coolant loop, low-temp batteries, arctic lubricants).
• NBC filtration of the electronics/operator compartment; EM shielding maintained on the palletized module.

AI adjustable tripod (extended dwell)

• Motorized 3-DoF adjustable tripod (BE-240) under the laser modules: pitch/roll/yaw ±15°, resolution ±0.01°, auto-leveling on uneven ground.
• Slaved to the AI recognition engine: the target-recognition AI commands coarse tripod angles of action, extending the gimbal/FSM fine-pointing envelope for longer continuous dwell on target (≥ 15 s).
• Three-stage pointing chain: tripod (coarse, ±15°) → gimbal (medium) → FSM (fine, µrad) — the AI predicts target trajectory and pre-positions the tripod so the gimbal never reaches its travel limits during an engagement.
• Active vibration damping in the tripod legs; locked rigid mode for transit.

Detection & fire control

• Compact 3D AESA radar (10–15 km on micro-drone) for initial detection — EO/IR alone is insufficient (BE-220, REQ-11).
• Passive RF detection of drone control links (BE-230) for early warning and classification.
• Anti-swarm mode: AI prioritization queue, automatic re-cue < 1 s between targets (REQ-12).
• C2 integration: Link 16 / STANAG 4586 — the laser is the short-range layer of a multi-layer air-defence bubble (complemented by gun/missiles).

Safety & legal compliance

• Automatic airspace deconfliction: sky-watch sensor + fail-safe fire inhibit if an aircraft or satellite crosses the beam axis; trials coordinated with NAV CANADA / NORAD (REQ-13).
• Geneva Protocol IV compliance: the system is designed for material destruction only — engagement modes exclude manned cockpits and prohibit any anti-personnel blinding employment; compliance documented in the legal review file.

Airborne variant (study)

Long-term study track: adapting the BULL'S EYE laser chain to a fighter/patrol aircraft pod, inspired by the US SHiELD program. Objective: self-protection against air-to-air/surface-to-air missiles and counter-drone — not piercing heavy armor at range.

Historical precedent — the American airborne “Bull's Eye”

The US Air Force formerly fielded a laser weapon on a jet: the Boeing YAL-1 Airborne Laser (ABL), a megawatt-class COIL chemical laser mounted in the nose turret of a modified Boeing 747-400F (2002–2014). It successfully destroyed ballistic missiles in boost phase during 2010 trials, but was retired due to cost, the limited magazine of chemical fuel, and the need to fly close to enemy territory. Its legacy directly informs the airborne variant: modern electric fiber lasers (like BULL'S EYE's Yb chain) replace the chemical laser with a deep, rechargeable magazine at a fraction of the size.

Parameter	YAL-1 ABL (2002–2014)	BULL'S EYE airborne variant (target)
Laser type	COIL chemical (oxygen-iodine)	Electric Yb fiber
Power	MW-class	25–50 kW
Platform	Boeing 747-400F	Pod on CF-18 / F-35 / CP-140
Magazine	~20 shots (chemical fuel)	Deep, electrically rechargeable
Mission	Boost-phase ballistic missile defence	Missile/drone self-protection
Outcome	Retired 2014 (cost, logistics)	Study track (airborne variant)

Pod concept (airborne variant)

Parameter	Target value	Remark
Optical power	25–50 kW	Reuse of the 25 kW Yb module
Pod mass	≤ 1 500 kg	Requires major miniaturization vs vehicle module
Electrical power	150–300 kW	Engine power take-off + buffer batteries
Cooling	Ram air + liquid loop	110–200 kW thermal in a confined volume — main challenge
Beam control	Conformal turret + adaptive optics	Aero-optical turbulence around the airframe
Mission	Missile/drone self-protection	Seeker dazzling & thin-skin structural damage
Candidate platforms	CF-18 / F-35 / CP-140	Pod on hardpoint; large aircraft first (power & volume)

Carriage configurations on jet (inline SVG)

Lens & optics chain (pod)

The pod's optical train shapes and protects the 1064 nm beam: (1) fused-silica collimating lens at the fiber output (low absorption, high damage threshold >10 J/cm²); (2) beam-expander telescope (2 lenses, Galilean) to enlarge the beam and reduce power density on downstream optics; (3) deformable mirror + wavefront sensor for aero-optical turbulence correction; (4) focusing lens group (motorized, variable focal length 0.5–4 km); (5) conformal exit window in AR-coated fused silica (anti-reflection <0.2% per face at 1064 nm), heated against icing. All lenses carry dielectric AR coatings and are mounted athermally to hold focus from −55 °C (altitude) to +70 °C (skin heating).

Lens / element	Material	Function	Key spec @1064 nm
Collimating lens	Fused silica	Fiber output → parallel beam	Damage threshold >10 J/cm²
Expander telescope (×8)	Fused silica, Galilean pair	Enlarge beam, lower intensity on optics	Wavefront error < λ/10
Deformable mirror	ULE glass + piezo	Aero-optical turbulence correction	Closed loop ≥ 1 kHz
Focusing group (motorized)	Fused silica doublet	Variable focus 0.5–4 km	Spot 45–60 mm @1.5 km
Conformal exit window	AR-coated fused silica, heated	Seal pod, pass beam, anti-icing	AR <0.2%/face, −55 to +70 °C

Lens & precision-optics manufacturers (1064 nm, high power)

Candidate suppliers for the lens train (fused-silica lenses, AR/HR coatings, windows, deformable mirrors). Canadian sources are prioritized for sovereignty; allied sources complete the chain.

Manufacturer	Country	Relevant products	Remark
INO (Institut national d'optique)	CANCanada (Quebec)	Custom optics, coatings, laser R&D	Sovereign source — priority partner
LightMachinery	CANCanada (Ottawa)	High-precision fluid-jet polished optics, custom lenses & windows	Sovereign source — λ/20 class surfaces
Edmund Optics	USAUnited States	Fused-silica lenses, AR coatings, stock + custom	Fast prototyping supply
Coherent Corp. (II-VI)	USAUnited States	High-power laser optics, windows, beam delivery	Proven at multi-kW CW
Knight Optical	GBRUnited Kingdom	Custom precision lenses & windows, metrology	Allied custom source
Wavelength Opto-Electronic	SGPSingapour	1064 nm F-theta & focusing optics, expanders	Volume alternative

Technology choice — why Yb fiber (best available technology)

A trade study against alternative laser technologies (including CO2 gas lasers at 10.6 µm, per RP Photonics buyer's-guide data) confirms the ytterbium fiber laser at 1064 nm as the best available technology for BULL'S EYE: highest wall-plug efficiency, fiber beam delivery (no free-space mirror arms), superior beam quality at high power, better atmospheric transmission, and full compatibility with silica lens trains.

Criterion	Yb fiber 1064 nm (selected)	CO2 gas 10.6 µm	Disk / slab	Chemical (COIL)
Wall-plug efficiency	≥ 35 %	~10 %	~25 %	N/A (consumable fuel)
Beam delivery	Silica fiber (flexible, sealed)	Free-space mirrors only (silica absorbs 10.6 µm)	Free space or fiber	Free space
Power scaling (combining)	Modular 25→50→100 kW	Bulky at multi-kW (flowing gas)	Good	MW but non-rechargeable
Atmospheric transmission	Very good (1 µm window)	Good but strong thermal blooming	Very good	Good
Maintenance / magazine	Solid-state, electric, deep magazine	Gas refills / tube refurbishment	Solid-state	Toxic chemicals, ~20 shots
Field references	HELIOS, DragonFire, DE M-SHORAD, Iron Beam	Industry (cutting), no modern DEW	Some demonstrators	YAL-1 (retired 2014)

Pod options — comparison (chart)

Airborne thermal challenge (kW to reject in flight)

Specific airborne constraints

• Power & volume: a fighter provides limited electrical off-take; storage buffers are mandatory for each engagement.
• Thermal: no static heat sink in flight — ram-air exchangers and short duty cycles.
• Aero-optics: boundary-layer turbulence distorts the beam; conformal window + fast adaptive optics required.
• Vibration & maneuvers: tracking under high-g requires reinforced IMU/FSM stabilization (µrad class).
• Deconfliction: the fail-safe fire-inhibit chain (REQ-13) and Protocol IV constraints apply identically in the air.
• Reference programs: US YAL-1 ABL (historical airborne laser, 747), US SHiELD (fighter pod), LANCE compact laser (Lockheed Martin), naval HELIOS derivative.

Realistic roadmap

Power scaling up to 100 kW

The BULL'S EYE Laser family is deliberately capped at 100 kW: four tiers (25–50–75–100 kW) sharing the same Yb fiber modules, chassis, sensors and software. The goal is to extend range, engagement speed and the class of air targets (heavy drones → heavy loitering munitions, mortars) — not to defeat tank armor or a fighter head-on, which no operational laser achieves today.

Overview of the four tiers

Model	Power	Added targets	Key technology	Effective range
BE-25	25 kW	Drones, optics	Single-module Yb fiber	1,5–2 km
BE-50	50 kW	+ rockets, small craft	Coherent combining of 2 modules	3–4 km
🎯 BE-75	75 kW	+ heavy drones, loitering munitions	Spectral beam combining (SBC), 3–4 modules	4–5 km
🎯 BE-100	100 kW	+ mortars, heavy loitering munitions	SBC + adaptive optics + enlarged telescope	5–7 km

Power ladder (kW)

Effective range vs thermal load per tier

BE-75 — 75 kW (spectral beam combining)

Principle: add 3–4 Yb fiber modules (~19–25 kW each) at slightly offset wavelengths, recombined by a diffraction grating into a single near-single-mode beam.

• Architecture: 3× 25 kW modules, actively cooled SBC grating, injection into a single output telescope.
• Beam quality: target M² ≤ 1.4 (SBC preserves brightness, unlike incoherent summation).
• Output optics: 25–30 cm telescope (vs ~15 cm on BE-50) → reduced divergence, ~4–5 km effective range.
• Cooling: ~300 kW thermal to dissipate → glycol loop + upsized heat exchanger, arctic-heated.
• Energy: 800 V DC bus, ~500 kWh LiFePO₄ storage + arctic diesel genset.
• Platform: heavy 8×8 chassis or 20 ft container. System mass ~9–10 t.

BE-100 — 100 kW (SBC + adaptive optics)

Principle: 4× 25 kW modules spectrally combined — the path taken by Israel's Iron Beam (100 kW) — plus reinforced adaptive optics for range beyond 5 km.

• Architecture: 4× 25 kW modules, SBC grating, single 30–40 cm output telescope.
• Adaptive optics (AO): deformable mirror + wavefront sensor to compensate atmospheric turbulence and thermal blooming — essential beyond 4–5 km.
• Beam quality: target M² ≤ 1.5 combined; effective range 5–7 km depending on weather.
• Cooling: ~400 kW thermal → high-capacity circuit, deployable radiators, IR-signature management.
• Energy: ~600 kW peak → battery + genset hybridization, supercapacitors for bursts, ~600 kWh storage.
• Platform: heavy 8×8 / naval / semi-fixed site. System mass ~11–12 t.
• Targets: mortars, heavy loitering munitions, fast destructive effect on soft targets at 5–7 km. Still not anti-tank or head-on anti-jet.

Design drivers (all tiers)

• On-target power density > raw power. Irradiance ∝ (Power × D²)/(λ² × R² × M²) → enlarging the aperture (D) and improving M² pays more than adding kW.
• Thermal blooming: above ~50 kW in humid air, heated air defocuses the beam. AO and wavelength choice (1064 nm stays optimal) are critical.
• Dwell time: against fast targets, FSM + AI tracking lock governs deposited energy — a bigger gain than raw power.
• Cooling is constraint #1 when scaling (≈65% of energy becomes heat): it sizes mass, volume and IR signature.
• Energy budget: each power step multiplies battery/genset needs — a major issue for arctic silent watch.
• −40 °C qualification remains the differentiating Canadian advantage to preserve at every tier (glycol viscosity, heated batteries, optical condensation).

Component breakdown

Each item carries a reference, its specification, sourcing strategy (buy, develop, local) and estimated cost (USD).

Product 1 — BE-25 (25 kW)

Ref.	Component	Spec	Qty	Source	Cost
BE-100	Fiber laser module	Yb, 25 kW CW, 1064 nm	1	BUY	1 800 000 $
BE-110	Beam delivery optics	Collimator + focus head, heated window	1	BUY	240 000 $
BE-120	Deformable mirror	Piezo, closed-loop	1	BUY	180 000 $
BE-121	Wavefront sensor	Shack-Hartmann, closed-loop w/ BE-120	1	BUY	90 000 $
BE-200	Stabilized tracking turret + FSM	2 axes + IMU + fast steering mirror, ≤10 µrad on the move	1	BUY+DEV	480 000 $
BE-210	EO/IR sensor suite	MWIR + visible + rangefinder	1	BUY	300 000 $
BE-220	Compact 3D AESA radar	10–15 km on micro-drone	1	BUY	420 000 $
BE-230	Passive RF detector	Drone-link detection/classification	1	BUY	110 000 $
BE-240	AI adjustable tripod	3 motorized DoF ±15°, ±0.01°, auto-leveling, AI-slaved, active damping	1	BUY+DEV	220 000 $
BE-300	Cooling system	Liquid loop, 110 kW thermal, heated for −40 °C	1	DEV	260 000 $
BE-400	Power supply / generator	Hybrid diesel, 150 kW	1	BUY	140 000 $
BE-410	Energy storage	Li-ion 200 kWh + supercaps, low-temp cells	1	BUY	280 000 $
BE-500	Fire-control computer	Rugged, GPU, RTOS	1	BUY	60 000 $
BE-510	Fire-control software	Sensor fusion + safety + anti-swarm + deconfliction (sovereign)	1	DEV	1 050 000 $
BE-520	C2 interface	Link 16 / STANAG 4586	1	BUY+DEV	150 000 $
BE-600	Palletized module / vehicle interface	EM-shielded pallet ≤5 t, 8×8 mounting, NBC filtration	1	LOCAL	180 000 $
BE-700	Safety / interlocks	Interlocks, shutter, zoning	1	BUY+DEV	90 000 $
BE-710	Air deconfliction sensor	Sky-watch + fail-safe fire inhibit	1	BUY+DEV	130 000 $
TOTAL — PRODUCT 1 / BE-25 (25 kW, vehicle)					≈ 6 180 000 $

Product 2 — BE-50 (50 kW) — added items

Items added or modified to bring a BE-25 to 50 kW. Common items (pallet, sensors, fire control, radar, tripod) are reused.

Ref.	Component	Spec	Qty	Source	Cost
BE-101	2nd fiber laser module	Yb, 25 kW CW, 1064 nm	1	BUY	1 800 000 $
BE-130	Beam combining optics	Coherent/spectral combining, HR coatings	1	DEV	450 000 $
BE-301	Cooling upgrade	Liquid loop 200 kW thermal, 220 L/min	1	DEV	260 000 $
BE-401	Power upgrade	Hybrid diesel 280 kW	1	BUY	240 000 $
BE-411	Storage upgrade	Li-ion to 400 kWh	1	BUY	250 000 $
BE-511	Software update (combining control)	Phase-lock / pointing algorithms	1	DEV	150 000 $
BE-701	Extended safety zoning	Larger exclusion zone, beam dump 50 kW	1	BUY+DEV	20 000 $
DELTA BE-50					≈ 3 170 000 $
TOTAL — PRODUCT 2 / BE-50 (50 kW)					≈ 9 350 000 $

Product 3 — BE-75 (75 kW) — added items

Items added or modified to bring a BE-50 to 75 kW via spectral beam combining (SBC) of 3 modules.

Ref.	Component	Spec	Qty	Source	Cost
BE-102	3rd fiber laser module	Yb, 25 kW CW, 1064 nm (slightly offset λ)	1	BUY	1 800 000 $
BE-131	Spectral beam combining (SBC) grating	Actively cooled diffraction grating, 3-channel	1	DEV	650 000 $
BE-111	Enlarged output telescope	25–30 cm aperture	1	BUY	310 000 $
BE-302	Cooling upgrade	Liquid loop ~300 kW thermal, 330 L/min	1	DEV	340 000 $
BE-402	Power upgrade	Hybrid diesel ~450 kW	1	BUY	320 000 $
BE-412	Storage upgrade	Li-ion to 500 kWh	1	BUY	310 000 $
BE-512	Software update (SBC control)	Spectral lock / pointing algorithms	1	DEV	220 000 $
BE-601	Heavy pallet / container interface	EM-shielded pallet ≤10 t or 20 ft container	1	LOCAL	240 000 $
BE-702	Extended safety zoning	Larger exclusion zone, beam dump 75 kW	1	BUY+DEV	30 000 $
DELTA BE-75					≈ 4 220 000 $
TOTAL — PRODUCT 3 / BE-75 (75 kW)					≈ 13 570 000 $

Product 4 — BE-100 (100 kW) — added items

Items added or modified to bring a BE-75 to 100 kW via a 4th SBC module and reinforced adaptive optics.

Ref.	Component	Spec	Qty	Source	Cost
BE-103	4th fiber laser module	Yb, 25 kW CW, 1064 nm (offset λ)	1	BUY	1 800 000 $
BE-132	SBC grating upgrade (4-channel)	Actively cooled diffraction grating, 4-channel	1	DEV	420 000 $
BE-112	Enlarged output telescope	30–40 cm aperture	1	BUY	380 000 $
BE-122	Reinforced adaptive optics	High-density deformable mirror + wavefront sensor, ≥1 kHz	1	BUY+DEV	390 000 $
BE-303	Cooling upgrade	Liquid loop ~400 kW thermal, 440 L/min, deployable radiators	1	DEV	410 000 $
BE-403	Power upgrade	Hybrid diesel + genset ~600 kW	1	BUY	400 000 $
BE-413	Storage upgrade	Li-ion to 600 kWh + supercaps for bursts	1	BUY	370 000 $
BE-513	Software update (AO + SBC control)	Adaptive optics loop + spectral lock, extended range envelope	1	DEV	280 000 $
BE-602	Heavy pallet / naval interface	EM-shielded pallet ≤12 t, naval/semi-fixed mount	1	LOCAL	290 000 $
BE-703	IR signature management	Deployable radiator shielding, thermal masking	1	BUY+DEV	60 000 $
DELTA BE-100					≈ 4 800 000 $
TOTAL — PRODUCT 4 / BE-100 (100 kW)					≈ 18 370 000 $

Top cost items — BE-25 (chart)

Sourcing strategy — BE-25 (by value)

Integration roadmap

Each operation is sequenced with hold points (H) requiring quality sign-off and witness points (W).

Indicative schedule — BE-25 (months, cumulative)

Additional operations — BE-50 (50 kW)

Additional operations — BE-75 (75 kW)

Additional operations — BE-100 (100 kW)

Inspection & traceability

Inspection & test plan

Characteristic	Method	Acceptance	Freq.	Record
Bonding resistance	4-wire ohmmeter	< 0,1 Ω	100 %	QR-01
HV insulation	2,5 kV / 60 s	No breakdown	100 %	QR-02
Coolant leak	Pressure decay	< 1 % / 10 min	100 %	QR-03
Optical alignment	Boresight camera	≤ 10 µrad	100 %	QR-04
Output power	Power meter (calorimetric)	≥ 25 kW	100 %	QR-05
Software checksum	SHA-256	Match baseline	100 %	QR-06
Battery management (BMS)	Charge/discharge cycle	Capacity ≥ 95% rated, balancing OK	100 %	QR-07
Deconfliction fire inhibit	Injected test target	Inhibit < 100 ms, fail-safe	100 %	QR-08
Cold start −40 °C	Climate chamber	Full function ≤ 15 min	Qualif.	QR-09
AI tripod leveling & travel	Inclinometer + encoder check	±15° travel, ±0.01° resolution	100 %	QR-10

Quality indicators

Traceability

• Each critical component (BE-100, BE-200, BE-220, BE-240, BE-400, BE-410) carries a unique serial number logged in the build history record.
• Calibration certificates for all test equipment referenced by ID and expiry date.
• Non-conformities recorded and dispositioned by the material review board.
• Legal review file (Protocol IV) maintained under configuration control.

Acceptance trials

N°	Trial	Requirement	Pass criteria
T-01	Power output	REQ-01	BE-25: ≥25 kW / BE-50: ≥50 kW — 30 s CW
T-02	Wavelength & M²	REQ-02/03	1064±5 nm ; M² ≤ 1,3
T-03	Tracking accuracy (static & short-halt)	REQ-04	≤10 µrad on moving target, engine running
T-04	Thermal endurance	REQ-06	No trip over 10 min run at full thermal load (110 kW)
T-05	Safety interlock chain	REQ-08	Beam inhibits on every fault
T-06	Environmental (vib/temp, arctic)	REQ-07	Functional per MIL-STD-810H incl. −40 °C cold start
T-07	Silent watch	REQ-10	4 h watch + 20 engagements on batteries, engine off
T-08	Radar detection & handover	REQ-11	Micro-drone detected ≥10 km, EO/IR handover < 3 s
T-09	Anti-swarm engagement	REQ-12	5-drone raid, re-cue < 1 s, all neutralized
T-10	Air deconfliction	REQ-13	Fire inhibit on injected aircraft track < 100 ms
T-11	C2 interoperability	REQ-14	Track exchange via Link 16 / STANAG 4586
T-12	Extended dwell (AI tripod)	REQ-15	≥ 15 s continuous dwell on maneuvering drone
T-13	Beam combining (BE-50 only)	REQ-03	Phase-locked, combined M² ≤ 1.5, efficiency ≥ 90%
T-14	Extended range (BE-50 only)	REQ-05	Drone neutralized @ 3 km, clear sky

System & signal schematics

System architecture (vehicle)

Laser driver power chain (with storage)

Closed-loop tracking control (stabilized)

Program data

International power comparison (kW)

Neutralization time vs range (25 kW, clear sky)

Phase 1 budget breakdown

Scientific references by technology

Key literature underpinning the design choices: fiber laser and pump diodes, beam combining, adjustable-focus lens design, adaptive optics, gas/chemical laser alternatives, and atmospheric propagation.

Laser design — Yb fiber & pump diodes

Ref.	Reference	Relevance
[1]	Richardson, D. J., Nilsson, J., Clarkson, W. A. — « High power fiber lasers: current status and future perspectives », J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 27(11), B63–B92 (2010).	Reference review on kW-class Yb fiber lasers (BE-100 architecture).
[2]	Jauregui, C., Limpert, J., Tünnermann, A. — « High-power fibre lasers », Nature Photonics 7, 861–867 (2013).	Power-scaling limits: nonlinearities, mode instability, thermal management.
[3]	Zervas, M. N., Codemard, C. A. — « High Power Fiber Lasers: A Review », IEEE J. Sel. Top. Quantum Electron. 20(5), 0904123 (2014).	Yb-doped fiber design, cladding pumping, wall-plug efficiency ≥35%.
[4]	Crump, P. et al. — « Efficient High-Power Laser Diodes », IEEE J. Sel. Top. Quantum Electron. 19(4), 1501211 (2013).	9xx nm pump diode bars: efficiency >60%, cooling, reliability (FIG.2 pump LDs).
[5]	Paschotta, R. — RP Photonics Encyclopedia, articles « Fiber Lasers », « Laser Diodes », « CO2 Lasers » (rp-photonics.com).	Buyer's-guide data used in the technology trade study (section 03B).

Beam combining (BE-50 to BE-100)

Ref.	Reference	Relevance
[6]	Fan, T. Y. — « Laser beam combining for high-power, high-radiance sources », IEEE J. Sel. Top. Quantum Electron. 11(3), 567–577 (2005).	Founding theory of coherent vs spectral combining (BE-130).
[7]	Liu, Z. et al. — « Coherent beam combining of high power fiber lasers: progress and prospect », Science China Technological Sciences 56, 1597–1606 (2013).	LOCSET/SPGD phase-locking loops (BE-50 coherent combining).
[8]	Honea, E. et al. — « Advances in fiber laser spectral beam combining for power scaling », Proc. SPIE 9730 (2016).	Industrial SBC demonstration >30 kW (BE-75/BE-100 pathway).

Lens design & adjustable focus system

Ref.	Reference	Relevance
[9]	Smith, W. J. — Modern Optical Engineering, 4th ed., McGraw-Hill (2008).	Design of collimators, Galilean expanders and motorized focusing doublets (L1–L5).
[10]	Siegman, A. E. — Lasers, University Science Books (1986).	Gaussian propagation, M², divergence, focal spot sizing (60→45 mm @1.5 km).
[11]	Ristau, D. (dir.) — Laser-Induced Damage in Optical Materials, CRC Press (2014).	Damage thresholds of fused silica & AR/HR coatings (>10 J/cm² @1064 nm).
[12]	Yoder, P. R. — Opto-Mechanical Systems Design, 4th ed., CRC Press (2015).	Athermal lens mounting −55/+70 °C, motorized variable-focus mechanisms (0.5–4 km).
[13]	ISO 21254-1:2011 — « Lasers and laser-related equipment — Test methods for laser-induced damage threshold ».	Standardized qualification of the lens train under high flux.

Adaptive optics, pointing & propagation

Ref.	Reference	Relevance
[14]	Tyson, R. K. — Principles of Adaptive Optics, 4th ed., CRC Press (2015).	Deformable mirror + Shack-Hartmann closed loop (BE-120/121).
[15]	Andrews, L. C., Phillips, R. L. — Laser Beam Propagation through Random Media, 2nd ed., SPIE Press (2005).	Atmospheric turbulence, thermal blooming, range prediction (1.5–7 km).
[16]	Perram, G. P. et al. — An Introduction to Laser Weapon Systems, Directed Energy Professional Society (2010).	System engineering of DEW: irradiance on target, dwell time, lethality.
[17]	Hilkert, J. M. — « Inertially stabilized platform technology », IEEE Control Systems Magazine 28(1), 26–46 (2008).	IMU-stabilized gimbal + FSM ≤10 µrad (FIG.3 loop).

Gas & chemical lasers (alternatives studied)

Ref.	Reference	Relevance
[18]	Witteman, W. J. — The CO2 Laser, Springer Series in Optical Sciences (1987).	CO2 gas laser physics at 10.6 µm — basis of the trade-study rejection (efficiency ~10%, no fiber delivery).
[19]	McDermott, W. E. et al. — « An electronic transition chemical laser », Appl. Phys. Lett. 32, 469 (1978).	Founding COIL paper — the YAL-1 ABL chemical laser (section 03B).
[20]	Lamberson, S. et al. — « The Airborne Laser », Proc. SPIE 5414, High-Power Laser Ablation V (2004).	YAL-1 ABL lessons learned: magazine, logistics, cost — informs the airborne variant.

Standards & compliance

• [21] IEC 60825-1:2014 — Safety of laser products (Class 4).
• [22] MIL-STD-810H — Environmental engineering considerations and laboratory tests (arctic qualification).
• [23] Protocol IV to the 1980 UN CCW — Protocol on Blinding Laser Weapons (1995).
• [24] STANAG 4586 / Link 16 (MIL-STD-6016) — C2 interoperability standards.