Enhanced SM3 Communications

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Network Systems-of-Systems 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: Design and develop tri-band (S, C, and X-band) communications antennas for on-missile body use. DESCRIPTION: This topic seeks to design and develop an on-missile body tri-band (S, C, and X-band) communications antenna. This program desires to create drop-in, or near drop-in replacements of existing antenna systems to extend the communication capability of a missile across the common RF bands of S, C, and X. No specific antenna types are being recommended for this effort. Proposer is encouraged to propose and explore any of the myriad of antenna concepts (1) (2) (3) that may result in a compliant final design. The goal of this proposed effort is to design and demonstrate a set of proof of manufacturing prototype antenna elements to serve as drop-in replacements. These elements would match existing antenna systems in terms of size, weight, and power (SWaP) to minimize the impact on the existing qualification. The objective would be a single antenna aperture capable of communicating on all three stated bands. The threshold is an antenna system consisting of no more than two distinct apertures capable of being drop-in replacements of current systems. PHASE I: Conduct a study to determine the feasibility of the design concepts. The feasibility would be demonstrated, at a minimum, with modeling results demonstrating antenna gain, return loss, and patterns. The final deliverable produced would be a report containing design concept plots indicating antenna performance across the entire S, C, and X-bands. Trades between antenna performance and band coverage should be explained. No performance requirements are stated for this phase, but a detailed explanation of the trade space illustrating feasibility will be required. PHASE II: Develop, refine, and mature the initial concepts demonstrated in Phase I to meet refined performance requirements provided by the government at a program kick-off meeting. A preliminary design review would be held 12 months after award. Design would be fabricated and demonstrated to a technology readiness level of 5 or greater by the end of the 24 month Phase II effort. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Reducing or maintaining a common SWaP performance while integrating additional communication band is a technology applicable across the defense and commercial spaces. In particular, the greater commercialization of Space would lead to an increased need for communication redundancy of these platforms. REFERENCES: 1. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9708507; 2. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8943886; 3. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8748427; KEYWORDS: Missile Antenna; Tri Band (S, C, & X) Communications