A system for directing electromagnetic energy. The inventive system includes a
first subsystem mounted on a first platform for transmitting a beam of the electromagnetic
energy through a medium and a second subsystem mounted on a second platform for
redirecting the beam. In accordance with the invention, the second platform is
mobile relative to the first platform. In the illustrative embodiment, the beam
is a high-energy laser beam. The first subsystem includes a phase conjugate mirror
in optical alignment with a laser amplifier. The first subsystem further includes
a beam director in optical alignment with the amplifier and a platform track sensor
coupled thereto. In the illustrative embodiment, the second subsystem includes
a co-aligned master oscillator, outcoupler, and target track sensor which are fixedly
mounted to a stabilized platform, a beam director, and a platform track sensor.
In the best mode, the stable platform is mounted for independent articulation relative
to the beam director. A first alternative embodiment of the second subsystem includes
first and second beam directors. The first beam director is adapted to receive
the transmitted beam and the second beam director is adapted to redirect the received
beam. In accordance with a second alternative embodiment, an optical fiber is provided
for coupling the beam between the first platform and the second platform.