The use of unmanned vehicles is growing around the world, and the Navy is taking advantage of this technology, using unmanned vehicles in a variety of relevant missions. There is a need for effective sensors onboard these vehicles and autonomous controls to enable new concepts in the employment of these systems. This SBIR proposes to investigate the use of a multi-function RF sensor, suitable for a variety of unmanned aircraft, and autonomous behaviors for the sensor, enabling a variety of missions. ARTEMIS, Inc. proposes to leverage the technology from our next-generation radar development (the SlimSDR, the result of an Army Phase II SBIR) to meet the requirements of this SBIR topic. This new system uses cutting edge technology to provide: modular configuration for integration in various vehicles, wideband RF capabilities at multiple bands, arbitrary large-bandwidth waveforms with pulse-to-pulse diversity, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and Moving Target Indicator (MTI) all in a single compact package. The SlimSDR was designed to provide waveform diverse, multi-channel SAR and GMTI functions with frequency support at UHF, L-band, X-band, and Ka-band (plus other bands with additional block converters). For this SBIR we propose to develop the configuration, integration, and autonomous operation of radar and signal analysis functions (direction finding, signal characterization, etc.) for Vertical Takeoff Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (such as the Firescout) and Tier 2 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (such as TERN), with mission concepts including Anti-Submarine Warfare and Anti-Surface Search. For the Phase I effort, requirement specification, architecture development, integration details, and autonomous operation concepts will be investigated and refined in preparation for Phase II prototype flight demonstrations. First, we will define the system requirements for both vehicle classes and use cases, including the key features, tasks, and cues for autonomous sensor operation and RF performance requirements for SAR, MTI, and passive modes. Next, we evaluate and refine the SlimSDR capabilities to meet the requirements, including integration with the vehicles and the impact on the vehicle. The strengths and weaknesses of the approach are also evaluated. Next, autonomous operation will be developed and lab tested (to the extent possible), to include radar operation in SAR and MTI modes and passive RF modes for signal detection, direction finding, and signal characterization with automated processing and analysis for each mode with feedback of target detection information into the sensor control system, the unmanned aircraft control system, and to the Navy vehicle/sensor operators. In Phase II, a prototype system will be built and demonstrated on our testbed aircraft. Performance will be measured and validated through comparison with modeled performance results. A Phase III transition plan will also be prepared.
Benefit: The final result of the Phase I research will be the demonstrated, simulated autonomous control of the SlimSDR as a multi-function, multi-modal, airborne RF system for use on Vertical Takeoff Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in an Anti-Submarine Warfare mission and for Tier 2 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in an Anti-Surface Search mission. Additionally, the detailed configurations required to build and demonstrate the system as a Phase II prototype will be provided. ARTEMIS will also complete a full work plan for Phase II so that work can begin immediately for building the prototype system and implementing the autonomous control system. Phase I will lay the foundation necessary for significantly mitigating the risk of Phase II. The design work will be complete, with modeling/simulation and a completed workplan in place, so ARTEMIS will be ready to immediately start Phase II. The development of small, affordable, autonomous radar and RF technology with multiple modes and functions put the SlimSDR is a position to supplement and replace traditional systems (or various types) many times its size and cost. The new system will not only provide the maritime modes and functions from the specified vehicles as described, but is applicable to other imaging applications and many other aircraft (manned and unmanned) as well. Such applications include foliage penetration, pattern of life monitoring, and anti-terrorism. The technology will also be much easier to manufacture than traditional radar and traditional electronic warfare system, due to the fact that the design is well suited for automated electronics manufacturing. This all will contribute to providing the capabilities that multi-mode RF offers to new markets that were not achievable with previous radar designs. ARTEMIS will develop the new multi-mode, multi-function system to incorporate US and International standards, such as STANAG and JAUS, to ensure the system will easily integrate into existing and future platforms. For commercialization, ARTEMIS will use its 20 years of radar development, manufacturing, and sales/customer base to quickly bring the system to market. ARTEMIS is strongly positioned to fully realize the market for this new radar/RF technology.
Keywords: Unmanned Aircraft, Unmanned Aircraft, Multi-Function RF, Autonomous Systems
