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| Wilson Requests Funding for New Mexico-based Defense Research Projects |
March 29, 2002 |
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Washington, DC - Congresswoman Heather Wilson, a member of the House Armed Services Commitee, outlined the defense programs for which she will seek funding this year in a letter to the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee. These projects are in addition to the military construction projects at Kirtland Air Force Base she announced earlier this week that she is pursuing. Among the projects in her request are high-energy laser research and development, weapons-testing simulations, and cancer screening and treatment technology.
"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."
Wilson’s priorities include:
$79 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.
$5 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.
$18 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.
$15 million increase for developing crucial Directed Energy Test & Evaluation: This program is structured to foster a robust Test and Evaluation and Science and Technology (T&E;/S&T;) planning process. Weapons technology is quickly outdistancing the DoD`s ability to test systems adequately as they develop. This program will allow test technologies to pace evolving weapons technology, and is absolutely critical to ensuring the capability to test the advanced Directed Energy platforms that will be fielded in the future.
$9 million for SEAtreat: SEAtreat is a minimally invasive cervical pre-cancer and cancer screening and treatment technology that has the potential to dramatically reduce the pain and suffering associated with conventional methods, reduce costs and improve the overall level of effectiveness. A process which accomplishes screening, diagnosis and treatment in a single clinic visit would reduce these problems significantly, as well as increase the availability of this service for both female soldiers and dependents. This program employs eight people. Last year, Wilson secured $1.7 million for this project.
$27 million for Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC): The Air Force has given AFOTEC the mission of being the independent test agency responsible for testing, under operationally realistic conditions, new systems acquired and developed for Air Force and multi-service use. With more than 200 programs currently in progress, AFOTEC tests everything from aircraft to equipment. AFOTEC is critical to test and evaluation of Air Force acquisitions and is an essential component of Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque.
Wilson’s letter to the appropriations committee included several other programs. Information on these is available upon request.
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