ADV MMW RAM (Advanced Millimeter-Wave Radar Absorbing Materials)

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Advanced Materials The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. OBJECTIVE: The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. Design & develop Radar Absorbing Materials (RAM) optimized for use at Millimeter-Wave (MMW) frequency bands (primarily Ka & W-Bands) in indoor anechoic chambers and outdoor range Radar Cross Section (RCS) measurement applications. DESCRIPTION: Radar Absorbing Materials are used to control or suppress (attenuate) EM wave reflections in various test & measurement environments. Existing RAM's are available in various shapes/sizes (block, pyramidal, convoluted, wedges) and materials (foam, rubber, paint) which are loaded with different electrical and magnetic properties. The proposed topic is not to develop advanced stealth or LO technology for military platforms, but to provide practical absorber capabilities in the MMW bands to suppress unwanted EM interference in indoor anechoic chambers and on outdoor RCS measurement ranges. High performance RAM can achieve levels of 40-50 dB attenuation depending on the frequency bands of interest. Lower performance, broad-band outdoor materials can range from 10-15 dB. Outdoor RAM's are desired to be rugged, UV and water resistant. There are numerous commercial applications for RAM in industry anechoic chambers (antenna and RCS measurements, EMI/EMC chambers). PHASE I: Perform an in-depth evaluation and analysis of current RAM design/development techniques for use in indoor and outdoor RCS measurement facilities. Focused on practical, rugged field use and indoor anechoic chambers with materials optimized for performance at Ka & W frequency bands. Determine feasibility of methods required for development of various types of loaded foams (size, shape, waterproofing, fire suppression) and carpet type matting. PHASE II: Based on the results of the Phase-1 feasibility the Phase-2 will prioritize several different material designs for both indoor and outdoor applications, model projected performance, fabricate sample batches of materials, measure performance and demonstrate use/utility. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Building from results of a Phase-2 effort, if successful, implement the unique technology in AF and civilian labs and ranges. There are numerous commercial applications for RAM in industry anechoic chambers (antenna and RCS measurements, EMI/EMC chambers). REFERENCES: 1. "Radar Absorbing Materials: From Theory to Design & Characterization" KJ Vinoy, RM Jha, 1996 ed.; 2. "Radar Cross Section", (Chapter 8-RAM), Michael T Tuley; 3. "RAM Design", Kemal Yuzcelik, Thesis, Naval Postgraduate School, Monteray CA. KEYWORDS: Radar Absorbing Material; RAM; Millimeter-Wave