ERIS Shopping Notice: High Duty Cycle High Energy Lasers (HEL) for SWaP-Constrained Systems

Background
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking innovative solutions for high duty cycle high energy lasers (HEL) that can be integrated into size, weight, and power (SWaP) constrained systems such as Stryker vehicles and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. This initiative is part of DARPA's mission to develop advanced technologies that enhance the resilience, efficiency, and effectiveness of strategic systems, particularly in military command-and-control applications.

Work Details
The contract focuses on the development of moderate power (1-20 kW) high energy lasers capable of sustained operation at high duty cycles. The scope includes:
- Engineering designs for novel high-energy laser approaches addressing cooling challenges during continuous operation.
- Innovations in heat exhaust and transport to maintain steady state operations while ensuring beam coherence and quality.
- Solutions that allow for phase control of the laser for beam tuning in larger systems.

Submissions must discuss scaling, cooling architectures, wavelength flexibility, coherence, and other relevant trades to evaluate the technological approach's promise.

Period of Performance
June 4, 2026 - November 30, 2026

Bidder Requirements
Bidders must demonstrate expertise in laser technology and possess a strong vision relevant to solving complex problems associated with high-energy lasers. Teams should have significant combined expertise in this field and provide solutions that show potential impact on tactical high-energy laser systems designed for SWaP-limited environments.