Captive Carry External Space Enabled Antenna/Transponder for Existing Interceptors

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Microelectronics; 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: Develop a solution for modifying the existing Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor with an external device that would allow the interceptor to communicate with the Space Layer (Ka band) and convert the received communications from the Space Layer to X-band (which is the current band of communication for the interceptor). DESCRIPTION: The THAAD Project Office (TPO) is seeking a solution for an external transmitter/receiver for communicating with the space layer. The current interceptor communicates in the X-band with the AN/TPY-2 radar. The concept is for the captive-carry external antenna to receive messages from the Space Layer in Ka band and convert and transmit those messages to the Interceptor antenna in X band. The process would operate in reverse when the Interceptor has to transmit to the Space Layer. The device should have the ability to transmit status and health to monitoring devices when queried. This would have to be done on its own power. The device would have to be self-sustaining for 15 years, before it is reconstituted with the interceptor. PHASE I: Demonstrate feasibility of a captive carry system that has minimal impact on THAAD flight dynamics and could maintain radio frequency communications with space assets Ka band (required) in addition to ground assets in X band (required). PHASE II: Create a captive carry demonstrator prototype in at least the subscale (required) or full-scale (preferred). Demonstrate communications via ground testing in anticipated flight environments (required); flight testing of subscale demonstration hardware preferred. Coordinate with program office and manufacturer to assess requirements to transition to Phase III. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Manufacture and perform full flight demonstration of the technology (technology readiness level of 6+) of the captive carry communications system. REFERENCES: 1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265091408_An_X-to-Ka_band_MMIC_up-converter_in_GaAs_pHEMT_technology_for_Ka-band_broadband_satellite_communications 2. https://wv-comm.com/products/udc/frequency-converter-ka-x-band KEYWORDS: RF converter; Antenna