Directed Energy Systems Integration

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) & Architecture Development:

KORD uses an MBSE approach that improves communication and understanding of a complex system during development, integration, or operation. KORD has nationally recognized experts in modeling and simulation and MBSE, and Software Development and a long history applying these techniques to successful programs and system deliveries. KORD has Modeling, Simulation, and MBSE SMEs expertise and tools required for RDT&E activities ranging from complex multifunctional Enterprise level systems down to cutting edge components and sensors. Our use of MBSE techniques allows us to:

Improve Communication: MBSE provides a visual and structured representation of the system, enhancing communication and understanding among stakeholders, including engineers, designers, and customers.

• Increase Efficiency: By using models to capture and analyze system requirements, design, and architecture, MBSE enables early detection of potential issues, reduce rework, develop solutions, and automate verification and validation.
• Enhance Integration: With MBSE, different aspects of the system, such as mechanical, electrical, and software components, can be integrated and analyzed in a coherent manner, leading to better overall system designs.
• Reduce Risk: MBSE allows for better simulation and analysis of system behavior, leading to the identification of potential risks and issues at an early stage of the development process.
• Lifecycle Support: MBSE enables the development of models that can be used throughout the entire system lifecycle, from conceptual design to system operation and maintenance.

HEL Domain Specific Technical Expertise: As an emerging technology, it is difficult to overstate the need for relying on specialized technical expertise in development of HEL weapon systems. The design, development, verification, as well as the operation and maintenance of high energy laser systems demand in-depth and specialized subject matter expertise in fields such as high-power lasers, thermal engineering, photonics, optics, beam control, and unique safety considerations. KORD has invested and grown this experience internally through more than 7 years of experience in high energy laser design, development, integration test, and deployment on behalf of the USG. KORD’s background and expertise with HEL system development has allowed us to continue to innovate, improve operational performance, enhance warfighter capability and lethality, to advance core HEL technologies, and to help the USG deploy HEL systems into the operational use rapidly.

Agile System Integration: KORD’s agile systems integration approach involves the iterative and flexible integration of various system components and functionalities to create a unified and interoperable system. This approach emphasizes close collaboration among cross-functional teams, frequent testing and validation, and the ability to adapt to evolving requirements throughout the integration process. By breaking down integration activities into smaller, manageable increments, KORD quickly identifies and addresses issues, makes course corrections as needed, and ultimately delivers high-quality, fully integrated systems in a more efficient and responsive manner.

Custom Software Development and Integration: KORD’s unique agile software development process for high energy lasers leverages iterative and collaborative methodologies to rapidly and flexibly create, enhance, and maintain software tailored for high energy laser systems. This approach emphasizes close collaboration between software developers and high energy laser experts, quick adaptation to evolving requirements, and frequent testing and validation to ensure that the developed software effectively supports and enhances the operation of high energy laser systems. By breaking down development activities into manageable increments, we can efficiently respond to changing needs and technological advancements, leading to the delivery of high-quality software that meets the specific demands of high energy laser applications.

Established Integration Facilities: KORD has an extensive and dedicated in-house Directed Energy development laboratory for optics metrology and alignment, sub-system and system integration, and laser firing testing facilities located in Huntsville, AL. KORD’s 3,000 sq-ft Directed Energy and Counter UAS (C-UAS) Center of Excellence lab providing enhanced Laser Weapon System design, fabrication, assembly, and indoor test capabilities. The facility includes an ISO 6 cleanroom and integration space that supports a wide range of DE and C-UAS development and testing operations. Our facilities include metrology necessary to directly measure beam quality, wave front errors (via Shack-Hartmann), jitter, divergence, and power in a bucket. KORD has multiple high power, liquid cooled beam dumps in the 5 kw, 10 kw, 30 kw and 50 kw ranges to facilitate high power laser testing at both the raw combined and the fully expanded (output aperture) beam sizes.

Supply Chain Management: Our demanding supply chain management process involves the strategic coordination and oversight of all activities related to the flow of critical equipment, including procurement, storage, transportation, and distribution, to ensure our armed forces have the necessary resources to support their operations. This process encompasses the planning and execution of supply chain activities, from the initial sourcing of materials and equipment to their delivery to the end users, with a focus on efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. It also involves risk management, ensuring the availability of critical supplies, and adapting to dynamic operational requirements. Our approach maintains a responsive and resilient supply chain that meets the unique demands of military operations at deployment locations across the world.

Verification and Validation: KORD’s integration strategy includes a strong emphasis upon early, frequent, and thorough testing of prototypes throughout the integration lifecycle to verify functionality and validate capabilities. Acceleration of test schedules earlier in the development cycle, frequent stakeholder validation of designs, and more frequent verification enabled by automation, simulation, and rapid integration cycles have all been central elements to KORD’s successful system development and integration efforts. From the development of program testing strategies and detailed test plans to rapid technical and usability testing via simulations and automated testing, to effective lab and field-testing driven data collection and analysis, KORD has demonstrated a robust testing capability that offers stakeholders assurances of a high-quality end-products and the collection of actionable data for system evaluation.