Synchronised multi-beam high-bandwidth conformal tactical data link antenna systems
Navy SBIR 2013.2 – Subject N132-089
NAVAIR – Ms. D Moore – navair.sbir@navy.mil
Opens: May 24, 2013 – Closes: June 26, 2013

N132-089 TITLE: Synchronised multi-beam high-bandwidth conformal tactical data link antenna systems

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA 266

RESTRICTION ON PERFORMANCE BY FOREIGN CITIZENS (i.e. individuals holding non-U.S. Passports): This subject is ITAR Restricted. The data and materials provided pursuant to or introduced on with this subject are restricted underneath the Worldwide Traffic in Arms Rules (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120 – 130, which control the export of defense-related material and services, such as the export of sensitive technical data. Foreign Citizens may perform work under an award introduced on with this subject only when they maintain the Permanent Resident Card, or are designated as Protected Individuals as based on 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). In situation your proposal using this subject contains participation getting an overseas citizen who isn’t within the above two groups, the proposal will most likely be rejected.

OBJECTIVE: Design and make a conformal phased-array antenna using the opportunity to supply synchronised multi-beam high-bandwidth tactical data links.

DESCRIPTION: Real-time situational awareness information and voice communications are more and more being exchanged across fight space using high bandwidth data links. These encrypted, jam-resistant communication systems use multilink antenna systems to concurrently share immeasureable data among many military assets through line-of-sight (LOS) air-to-air communication, and air-to-ground communication.

The critical data exchanged includes fixed formatted messages, radar tracks, target information, platform status, imagery, texting and command assignments. Regardless of the many abilities within the data link, there’s still any excuses for improvement to antenna systems presently implemented into airborne platforms.

Airborne data link antenna systems experience difficulty maintaining a reliable pattern and LOS with the maneuvering of aircraft, that may interrupt the information link. This decreases mission effectiveness and it is harmful for that user as target and threat information discussing, while operating under quickly altering operational conditions, is not being provided. This effort will concentrate on the advancement of a larger-gain and-efficiency, small-aperture, conformal phased-array antenna with Right Hands Circular Polarization (RHCP) capable of offering synchronised multiple beams operable within the Ku band. The brand-new system should retain all of the abilities from the present data link antenna system, although maintaining multiple LOS data links. Computational Electromagnetic (CEM) simulation tools should know about demonstrate evidence of concept. Also, utilize simulation tools for the design and deployment within the multiple-beam phased-array antenna close to the the surface of aircraft.

PHASE I: Design a larger-gain, high-efficiency, small-aperture airborne data link phased-array antenna able to transmit and receive multiple high-gain beams.

The look includes both aperture and beam-developing/manifold architecture.

PHASE II: Optimize the parameters within the array established in Phase I. Fabricate a prototype conformal phased-array antenna and demonstrate its performance.

PHASE III: Illustrate the performance within the new antenna system implemented into data link systems on military airborne platforms. Consideration must be given for adaptation to ocean platforms, moving ground platforms, and ground-based terminals.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: We’ve got we have got we’ve got the technology is directly strongly related both commercial communication/data link systems and radar systems. We’ve got we have got we’ve got the technology developed under this effort may have potential commercial applications, for example in-flight entertainment (IFE) on commercial aircraft, and commercial airborne and ground communication terminals that need synchronised mention of the multiple satellites.

REFERENCES:
1. Brukiewa, T. Cho, C. Jenabi, M. C. Quintero (2003). Development and Test in the X/Ku Band Tile Technology Multi-Link Antenna System for CDL Communications. Proceedings within the 2003 IEEE Worldwide Symposium on Phased Array Systems Technology, Boston, MA, pp. 417422.

2. Geezer, B. (2006). Multi-Beam Digital Antenna for Radar, Communications, and UAV Tracking According to Communications, and UAV Tracking According to Off-the-Shelf Wireless Technologies. M.S. thesis, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA.

3. Abrams, J. Rhodes, J. Cruz, B. Kinnan, T. (2000) TADIL J: Overview of Tactical Digital Information Link J and Quick Reference Guide. [online] internet.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/6-24-8/tadilj.pdf

4. Boudriau, E. (1995). Multiple-Beam Antennas for Military Satellite Communications Systems. Defence Research Establishment Ottawa, Tech. Note 95-1.

5. Schippers, H. Verpoorte, J. Jorna, P. Hulzinga, A. Meijerink, A. Roeloffzen, C. Heideman, R. Leinse, A. Wintels, M. (2008) Conformal Phased Array with Beam Developing for Airborne Satellite Communication. Worldwide TIG Workshop on Smart Antennas, WSA, pp. 343-350.

6. Josefsson, L. Persson, P. (2006) Conformal Array Antenna Theory and magnificence, John Wiley Sons, Corporation. Hoboken.

7. Lacomme, P. (2003). New Trends in Airborne Phased Array Radars. IEEE Worldwide Symposium on Phased Array Systems and Technology, pp. 17-22.

KEYWORDS: Sensing Phased Array Communication Data Link Multi Beam Conformal

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