DETEC SIC Announces the Completion of the High Power Microwave Test Hazard Prediction and Propagation Environment Measurement Capabilities

The Directed Energy Test and Evaluation Capability (DETEC) Systems Integration Contractor* (SIC) has completed the High Power Microwave (HPM) Test Hazard Prediction (THP) and HPM Propagation Environment Measurement (PEM) Capabilities. These capabilities were acquired by the Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation in Orlando, FL and were subsequently installed at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, Pt Mugu, CA. These capabilities were developed under subcontract by ATK Mission Research of Albuquerque, NM.

The HPM THP Capability is a software tool that determines test hazard boundaries for personnel and electronics that may exist in live-fire HPM tests. The tool supports safety and regulatory compliance by showing the boundary at which permissible human exposure standards occur, aids in test planning by displaying boundaries for safe placement of instrumentation or other electronic equipment, facilitates frequency clearance approval, and aids in identifying potential harmful effects to non-test site electronics.

The HPM THP Capability was first fielded as a beta version that provided a planning tool. The final version is now available and adds interfaces to the DETEC HPM Sensor Suite and DETEC HPM PEM Capabilities to the planning tool.

The HPM PEM Capability provides a tethersonde to measure atmospheric pressure, humidity, and temperature profiles and a buoy subsystem to measure ocean wave characteristics and surface water temperature. The HPM PEM provides these measurements to analysis tools, such as the HPM THP Capability, for use in propagation calculations, such as atmospheric ducting, sea-surface scatter, and evaporation ducting.

Programs wishing to use the HPM THP or HPM PEM Capabilities should contact Mr. Terry Battalino, the HPM THP and HPM PEM Host Site Point of Contact, (805) 989-0125 or Terry.Battalino@navy.mil.

* Formerly Lead System Integrator (LSI)