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| Wilson Secures Funding for New Mexico Defense Projects |
June 27, 2002 |
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| Washington, DC - Congresswoman Heather Wilson, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, announced today that she has secured funding for defense projects in New Mexico. The House of Representatives approved several projects in the Defense Appropriations bill that are important to New Mexico by a vote of 413-18.
"New Mexico is a leader in research and technology for the military, and Albuquerque is on the road to being a center of excellence for future defense needs, such as directed energy," said Wilson. "Funding these important projects will improve our defense capabilities and keep defense-related research and development in New Mexico strong."
The programs in the bill for which Wilson specifically requested funding are:
$72 million Directed Energy Joint Technology Office (JTO): The Directed Energy Joint Technology Office was an initiative launched by Wilson and Senator Pete Domenici in 1998 to provide a single office to allocate funds for DOD research and development related to high energy lasers. The office is located in Albuquerque. The JTO will create 6 new direct jobs and funds numerous R&D; projects in private companies. Last year, the Congress appropriated $63.9 million for this effort.
$3 million for the Solid State Heat Capacity Laser (SSHCL) weapon system: There is an urgent need for an integrated air and missile defense system, such as a highly mobile laser weapon system, to neutralize threats such as attacks from cruise missiles, precision guided munitions, rockets artillery and mortars. The Army has established a laser technology program that would enable an effective Solid State Heat Capacity Laser (SSHCL) weapon to be mounted on a combat vehicle and powered by the onboard electric power system. This program was awarded to Decade Optical Systems Inc. in Albuquerque and employs 23 people. Last year, with support from Wilson, the Congress appropriated $4.3 million for this program.
$3 million for the Automated Diode Array Manufacturing (ADAM) program: Also managed by Decade Optical Systems, Inc., the Automated Diode Array Manufacturing (ADAM) program was funded to develop automated manufacturing of laser diode arrays. Fabrication of large area diode arrays is currently being done using conventional metal materials. Higher power diode arrays will be required in the development of future weapons systems. Automation of an etched silicon process will enhance materials technology. The net result will be to enhance diode array power output. This will have direct positive effect on all DoD solid state diode pumped laser programs.
$7 million for Theater Air Command and Control Simulation Facility TACCSF: TACCSF, located at Kirtland AFB, provides state-of-the-art simulations of several Air Force and Army sensors and weapon systems. Using this unique tool, a controller in Oklahoma, an F-16 pilot in New Mexico and a General in Florida can participate in a large-scale air-warfare exercise without ever leaving the ground. TACCSF is the only facility in the Air Force that can train, test, analyze and refine tactics, techniques and procedures in a fully integrated, real-time environment. Last year, with Wilson`s support, the Congress appropriated $8 million for this program.
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