U.S. Air Force Upgrading Its Laser System Protecting Washington DC Against Aerial Intruders

A visual warning system, part of the Enhanced Regional Situational Awareness, or ERSA system, monitors situational awareness in the NCR. US Air Force 

Warzone/The Drive: The Laser System Protecting The Capital Against Aerial Intruders Is Getting An Upgrade 

It is a fairly obscure but critical component of the integrated air defense system that guards Washington, D.C. against aerial threats. 

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Battle Management Directorate at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts issued a request for information regarding a refresh of laser projector components for the Enhanced Regional Situational Awareness (ERSA) system on November 9, 2020. 

This “system provides the National Capital Region-Integrated Air Defense System (NCR-IADS) with ‘eyes on’ video of aircraft in the NCR through a network of visual and infrared cameras,” according to the contracting notice. The far less talked about laser components work to grab the attention of wayward aviators and warn them away from highly sensitive areas. 

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WNU Editor: The existing laser defense system is 8 years old. I think it is about time to upgrade it.