Gun-hardened, Hypersonic-capable RF Components for Smart Munitions

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. OBJECTIVE: Investigate and develop innovative designs and technologies to incorporate RF transparent windows, conformal antenna technology, and supporting apertures on gun-launched smart projectiles with hypersonic capability. DESCRIPTION: Advancements in the development of electromagnetic railguns and extended-range cannon artillery are paving the road for cost-effective engagement of land, sea, and air targets at extreme ranges. To unlock this capability, projectiles must incorporate advanced RF components such as multifunctional conformal antennas. Given the extreme aerothermal environment (>1000 C) and the system-level integration of hypersonic projectiles, these components must reside underneath an RF transparent window to survive and operate for the duration of flight. All components, manufacturing techniques, and integration concepts must also endure gun launch acceleration as high as 30,000 g. PHASE I: Phase I will be a proof of concept study to determine the feasibility of RF transparent window and aperture assembly designs. Investigations should include analysis of potential aperture mounting configurations, ability of the antenna to transmit in S-Ku (2-18 GHz) band (gain, polarization, bandwidth, pattern coverage) through high-temperature compatible materials, survivability of window materials, and window application methods. RF performance shall be verified through simulation and breadboard antenna measurements. A final proposed concept design featuring a detailed description and analysis of both expected thermal and mechanical loads, shall be delivered at the conclusion of the phase I effort. PHASE II: The proposer shall deliver two prototype radome/antenna assemblies integrated with the prototype antenna apertures in an existing large caliber projectile form factor with the proposed integrated RF transparent window or thermal protection system (TPS) solution. The design should ensure survivability of high shock and thermal loads without additional thermal protective systems or layers. The materials shall be designed for minimal impact to wave front distortion and boresight error. The design should also minimize weight, volume, and specialized handling and processes. The design will feature high-performance TPS composites for hypersonic window and radome applications with wide pass bands in the L through Ku band range (1-18 GHz) for various functions, including GPS navigation and guidance and terminal homing. Also of interest is operation up to W-band (94 GHz). The proposer must demonstrate launch survivability of window materials. The proposer must also conduct multi-minute extreme thermal testing of window/aperture assemblies to include electromagnetic measurements during testing to ensure the apertures can avoid failure or degradation underneath a high-temperature window. Integration with system-level thermal protection systems should also be explored. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The proposer must coordinate with prime contractors and all service components to fully develop, integrate, and test the performance and survivability characteristics of the design for integration into extended-range Army platforms and joint development efforts. This technology with be a strong candidate for product improvements to munitions in service with the service components. REFERENCES: 1. Santamaria, Maj. Paul & Draheim, Capt. Steve. Acquisition, Army ALT Magazine. PEO Ammunition, ARDEC and the Army Rapid Capabilities Office come together at Picatinny Arsenal https://asc.army.mil/web/news-alt-jas-18-long-range-short-term/; 2. 256 120mm Smoothbore Gun, www.inetres.com/gp/military/cv/weapon/M256.html KEYWORDS: Hypersonic, projectile, radio frequency, communications, munition, artillery, sensors, high-temperature materials, antenna