As the need for engaging targets in difficult environments grows, ultra-wideband and structurally integrated antenna architectures have gained interest. However, these antenna architectures must conform to the limited size and overall outer-mold line of the weapon platforms. Next-generation seekers must perform frequency agile radar and communication waveforms, which will require ultra-wideband apertures. These structurally integrated and conformal antenna arrays may also allow for extended field of regard than traditional nose mounted seekers. Utilizing the surface area typically larger than the missile cross-sectional area, additional antenna gain and thereby longer acquisition ranges can be achieved. Under USAF SBIR topic AF161-110, Ultra-Wideband Structurally Integrated Antenna Architectures, ultra-wideband structurally integrated antennas suitable for the next generation of radar seekers are to be designed. Wang Electro-Opto Corporation (WEO) will leverage its deep and broad knowledge, technology, and experience in this topic to propose a Phase-I research to look at the feasibility and attainable performance of an ultra-wideband structurally integrated architecture for use in a small radar seeker. Identification of technology barriers, trade-off analysis and simulation of critical performance parameters, as well as empirical study with breadboards on critical paths will be performed in order to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed design approach.;
Benefit: The commercialization of the present technology, Ultra-Wideband Structurally Integrated Antenna Architecture, will be considered a major part of the broad commercialization effort at WEO. In the field of missile seeker antennas, Raytheon is now commanding a predominant market position. Therefore, WEOs commercialization efforts will first focus on Raytheon, as well as other major contractors. It is expected for AFRL to obtain delivery of the prototype for independent assessment. Potential global market for WEOs broadband phased array technology in the private Telecommunications Industry is likely to be more than 10 times larger than that of military applications. WEO has recently launched a high-profile promotional effort with a series of ads in IEEE Microwave Magazine, IEEE Antennas Magazine, and Microwaves and RF Magazine, etc., starting in December 2015.
