Ballistic, Aero-optics, and Materials Range

There are two central features of the BAM Range that will allow this facility to bridge a gap in U.S. research existing between lab-scale experiments and open-range testing. The first feature includes novel diagnostic equipment and techniques that will enable precise measurements in a well-controlled and well-characterized environment. The second feature is the extended scale – eventually up to a kilometer in length – which will allow for large-scale prototype testing before advancing to more expensive full-scale system testing. As research security is a top priority, the BAM teams have incorporated the appropriate security protocols and measures in the facility’s design and operation.

The BAM Range will help researchers investigate the influence of weather effects, like precipitation, particulates, and air turbulence, on the transmission of high-energy lasers and battlefield communications. It will also enable researchers to characterize the impact of these weather effects on realistic hypersonic vehicle materials and geometries. The hypervelocity impact capability will facilitate the development of new armor and other protective materials systems. 

Overall Attributes

• Large-scale (nominally 1-km long, 2.4-m diameter)
• Controllable atmosphere with simulated weather effects
• Equipped with modern instrumentation
• Coupled with cutting-edge modeling and simulation approaches