The current stratospheric HALE platforms require greater solar array performance when the sun is lower in the sky during winter months and high latitude operations. MicroLink Devices in association with Prof. Zhao of University of Nevada, Las Vegas, proposes developing programmable digital coatings on solar arrays that are omni directional and reduce the reflection of light at shallow incidence angles. The broadband, polarization insensitive coatings when applied to IMM solar arrays are expected to result in greater energy generation at low angles. Compared to the current manufactured arrays the programmable digital coatings are more robust, scalable and of lower cost. High altitude, long endurance (HALE) stratospheric platforms are a new class of solar-powered aircrafts enabling continuous surveillance and communications with target areas. Recently DOD has also targeted improvement of weather forecasting especially in remote areas to provide better planning for numerous air missions and satellite launches. As a continuation of efforts, the Weather Systems Branch AFLCMC/HBAW seeks to advance terrestrial and space weather observations, analysis, and predictions from research to operations through increased commercial industry collaborations.
