Testing and Evaluation of Directed Energy Systems Using Laser Technology, Edwards Air Force Base, California

Testing and Evaluation of Directed Energy Systems Using Laser Technology, Edwards Air Force Base, California

The proposed action is to test and evaluate high energy lasers from various platforms on the ground and in the air against selected targets on Edwards AFB. Up to 100 acres could be used as target sites or firing points (limited to 5 acres per site) on the base and within the precision impact range area. Airborne platforms would remain in the R-2508 Complex special use airspace and be above 3,000 feet AGL except for approximately 5 percent of the flight test activities. Requirements: Up to approximately 394 flights test and 24 ground tests would occur per year from 2006 to 2010. BMP would be implemented to ensure that no significant impacts would occur.

Lancaster

Kern, Los Angeles, San Bernardino

Air Resources Board, Airport/Energy Projects, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Habitat Conservation Planning (CDFW), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning (DOT), California Highway Patrol, California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Lahontan Victorville Region 6 (RWQCB), Caltrans, Division of Aeronautics, Department of Toxic Substances Control, Department of Water Resources, Office of Emergency Services, California, Resources Agency

Other (Integration testing of future weapon systems)

Test Flight Operations

Air Quality, Cultural Resources, Cumulative Effects, Economics/Jobs, Geology/Soils, Hazards & Hazardous Materials, Hydrology/Water Quality, Land Use/Planning, Noise, Public Services, Solid Waste, Vegetation, Wildlife, Air space