The Free Electron Laser (FEL) can provide the naval surface combatant with a directed energy weapon that can be used against a large target set. Due to space constraints in a shipboard installation, an exploration is conducted to show the feasibility of short Rayleigh length FELs using a FEL simulation. Low atmosphere engagements are discussed through the modeling of a turbulence module for laser propagation in cruise missile defense applications. In particular, this thesis explores the difficulties in engaging a short/medium range theater ballistic missile (TBM) in the terminal phase as an engagement scenario in support of littoral operations using HELCoMES, developed by SAIC, as an engagement analysis tool. A concept of operations (CONOPS) for the use of a FEL as an area TBM defensive weapon is explored, using a unitary, high explosive warhead model and extrapolations to other TBM warhead types.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited / The NATO Allies decided at the November 2002 Prague Summit to conduct a feasibility study concerning the protection of national territories, populations, and forces from the threat of ballistic missile attacks. This thesis examines current missile defense programs and analyzes their potential to protect the Alliance as a whole, thus maintaining the indivisibility of Allied security. The thesis investigates the political, military, economic, and technological challenges for a NATO full-spectrum missile defense and the major questions that the Allies have yet to resolve. It also examines the prospects for cooperation between NATO and Russia in missile defense and potential perils for international stability, including the non-proliferation regime. The thesis concludes that NATO missile defenses will probably enhance the transatlantic link. However, the most crucial challenges include the command and control issue and the potential reactions of Russia and China to defenses capable of protecting NATO homelands against ballistic missile attacks. / Hellenic Army author.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--West Virginia University, 2002. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains viii, 225 p. : ill. (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 210-225).

Thesis (M.S. in Operations Research)--Naval Postgraduate School, March 2004. / Thesis advisor(s): Gerald Brown. Includes bibliographical references (p. 39). Also available online.

Thesis (M.S. in Information Systems and Operations)--Naval Postgraduate School, March 2004. / Thesis advisor(s): Dan C. Boger, J. Bret Michael. Includes bibliographical references (p. 65-69). Also available online.

Thesis--School of Advanced Airpower Studies. / Title from title screen (viewed Nov. 5, 2003). "June 1993." Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.B.A.)--Naval Postgraduate School, December 2003. / "MBA professional report"--Cover. Thesis advisor(s): John Mutty, Mary Malina. Includes bibliographical references (p. 65). Also available online.

Thesis (M.S. in Operations Research)--Naval Postgraduate School, December 2003. / Thesis advisor(s): Alan R. Washburn, Moshe Kress. Includes bibliographical references (p. 67-68). Also available online.

Thesis (M.S. in Electrical Engineering and M.S. in Systems Engineering)--Naval Postgraduate School, Sept. 2004. / Thesis Advisor(s): Phillip E. Pace, Murali Tummala. Includes bibliographical references (p. 139-140). Also available online.

Thesis (M.S.)--Naval Postgraduate School, 2004. / Title from title screen (viewed Nov. 10, 2004). "March 2004." Includes bibliographical references (p. 65-69).