Been there done that. The laser weapons industry started from nothing in the sixties and from 1975-2000 had a very robust presence. Then it all died away except for a few boutique efforts. We used to have Itek, Kodak and Perkin Elmer making large optics. JWST developed a huge capability at Tinsley. We had robust research programs in acquisition pointing control beam directors etc. Now there are a bunch of laser device contractors and we are back where we were in the 70’s and 80’s in terms of the relatively small number of people in the field. On the other hand the civilian optics business is huge relative to what it was then. There are also a lot more schools producing optics and EE grads than just the UofR and UofA. It can be done but it takes a real commitment from DoD. And that will go away as soon as the next Dem admin comes in. Same old story.
Yes multi year contracts would make the difference, perhaps.
“What it needs now is the multi-year contracts, programs of record, and upstream investments in materials and workforce that will empower it to actually respond. The next budget cycle will reveal whether this time is different.”
Been there done that. The laser weapons industry started from nothing in the sixties and from 1975-2000 had a very robust presence. Then it all died away except for a few boutique efforts. We used to have Itek, Kodak and Perkin Elmer making large optics. JWST developed a huge capability at Tinsley. We had robust research programs in acquisition pointing control beam directors etc. Now there are a bunch of laser device contractors and we are back where we were in the 70’s and 80’s in terms of the relatively small number of people in the field. On the other hand the civilian optics business is huge relative to what it was then. There are also a lot more schools producing optics and EE grads than just the UofR and UofA. It can be done but it takes a real commitment from DoD. And that will go away as soon as the next Dem admin comes in. Same old story.
Correct.
Yes multi year contracts would make the difference, perhaps.
“What it needs now is the multi-year contracts, programs of record, and upstream investments in materials and workforce that will empower it to actually respond. The next budget cycle will reveal whether this time is different.”