ARTEMIS, Inc. had developed a next-generation software-defined radar called the SlimSDR. We have demonstrated the system with a variety of low-probability-of-intercept / low-probability-of-detection (LPI/LPD) waveforms and operational modes. Additionally, ARTEMIS brings Machine Learning (ML) experience in optimizing waveforms and interference mitigation. The goal of this SBIR project is to design and develop advanced LPI/LPD radar techniques using artificial intelligence (AI) driven methods. The use of LPI/LPD radar techniques in adversarial environments has become common in recent years. Many techniques and waveforms have been used, such as wide-bandwidth, frequency-agility, adaptive control of signal power, sidelobe reduction, binary phase codes, polyphase codes, Barker codes, Frank codes, and Polytime codes. Many techniques are now used to counter LPI/LPD operation, some of which rely on machine- and deep learning-based detection and localization algorithms. These can dramatically reduce the effectiveness of conventional LPI/LPD radar techniques. Highly-adaptive, advanced, AI-based LPI/LPD radar techniques need to be developed for the Navy to maintain operational advantage in near-peer conflicts. ARTEMIS proposes to develop and demonstrate multiple synergistic LPI/LPD radar techniques that can quickly adapt in response to the tactical environment. We will leverage our LPI/LPD waveform and AI / ML experience, developed through years of work on our current and past radar projects, including our next-generation SlimSDR radar system development (Army C5ISR Airborne Radar Branch, SBIR, Phase II Sequential and AFRL/RWWI Phase II SBIR), to meet the requirement of this SBIR topic. In Phase I, ARTEMIS will create modeling and simulation (M&S) tools for exploration of LPI/LPD radar techniques. Additionally, counter-techniques will be employed to measure the ability of the newly-developed techniques to avoid detection and classification, aiding in the development of quickly adapting waveforms and operational modes. AI and/or ML frameworks will be developed to guide the waveform and system operation through AI-based decision engines to facilitate this high level of adaptability. ARTEMIS will show how the developed LPI/LPD techniques counter the advanced ML and deep-learning-based detection systems. ARTEMIS will also evaluate the computational requirements of the proposed solutions, as well as algorithm training requirements, as radar platforms vary greatly in processing capacity. The radar requirements will also be evaluated, as few radar systems are capable of operating in way that is compatible with highly adaptive LPI/LPD techniques. Also, employing these concepts will have an impact on radar performance, ARTEMIS will quantify this impact and use it as one of the metrics for measuring the AI-based LPI/LPD concepts. The SlimSDR will be used in Phase I as a stand-in radar to demonstrate the adaptive LPI/LPD techniques.
Benefit: The final result of the Phase I research will be the tested LPI/LPD waveforms and operational modes, including AI-based adaptability. The plans to increase fidelity, mature the LPI/LPD concepts, and to produce the prototype system in Phase II will also be generated. Additionally, the detailed system performance parameters to be tested on the 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 and testing it in the lab and on ARTEMIS test-bed aircraft. The development of adaptive LPI/LPD radar modes for use with various radars in multiple modes and functions will invite widespread use across DoD and government agencies. When paired with flexible systems, such as the software-defined SlimSDR, the LPI/LPD functions, with adaptability, put the system in a position to supplement and replace traditional systems (of various types) many times its size and cost. The new system will be applicable to many imaging applications and many aircraft (manned and unmanned) or missile platforms as well. Such applications include foliage penetration, pattern of life monitoring, targeting, and anti-terrorism. The goal of the LPI/LPD modes is to perform these required functions while avoiding detection and/or identification. ARTEMIS will develop the new capabilities 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 adaptive LPI/LPD technology. The LPI/LPD modes will be used on manned and unmanned aircraft and missiles. The weapons market is steady, and the ISR sensor market, especially for unmanned systems is predicted to significantly grow over the next decade, even though budgets around the globe are shrinking. The need to do more with less is forcing mission planners to seek methods and sensors that incorporate as much capability as possible. This positions the proposed LPI/LPD system to be an attractive option, with multiple intended modes and a light footprint. ARTEMIS will focus on several markets. For the military, in will be the maritime surveillance, force protection, weapons, UAS, and special mission market. For the civilian market it can be used effectively by emergency personnel, first responders, and disaster relief. The technology is suitable for UAS ISR and navigation, collision avoidance, weather, law enforcement, environmental monitoring, commercial aviation, border patrol, etc. We recognize that LPI/LPD modes have limited applicability in scenarios where there are no adversarial forces attempting to detect and disrupt our radar operations, but the concepts can be adapted to fit.
Keywords: Maritime Surveillance, Maritime Surveillance, Low Probability of Detection, LPI, Radar, Counter Electronic Attack, Low probability of intercept, LPD, Waveform Design
