Low-Cost, Phased Array Antennas for Collaborative Jamming in sUAS Swarms

PROJECTED CMMC LEVEL REQUIREMENT
Level 2 (Self)
TECHNOLOGY AREAS
Sensors
MODERNIZATION PRIORITIES
Microelectronics
KEYWORDS
Phased Array Antenna; Collaborative Jamming; sUAS Swarm; Beamforming; Electronic Warfare; Low-Cost; Agile EW
OBJECTIVE
Develop a low-cost, phased array antenna system and associated signal processing techniques for collaborative jamming applications using small to medium-sized sUAS swarms (3-7 units).
ITAR
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.
DESCRIPTION
This topic addresses the need for affordable and scalable jamming capabilities leveraging sUAS swarms. Instead of focusing on individual, high-power jammers, this STTR seeks to develop a collaborative jamming approach using multiple sUAS equipped with low-cost phased array antennas.
The key innovation is the development of a low-cost phased array antenna system that can be precisely controlled to focus jamming energy on specific targets. By coordinating the signals from multiple sUAS in a swarm, the effective jamming power can be significantly increased. The focus on low to medium-sized swarms (3-7 units) allows for manageable coordination and control strategies.
This approach offers several advantages over traditional jamming techniques, including:
Increased jamming effectiveness through beamforming.
Improved resilience through redundancy.
Reduced risk of detection and counter-attack.
Lower cost compared to high-power jamming systems.
PHASE I
Develop a concept for a low-cost phased array antenna system suitable for sUAS-based collaborative jamming. The proposal should demonstrate the feasibility of achieving beamforming, low cost, and performance suitable for disrupting target communication systems. Documentation should include preliminary designs, performance simulations, and component selection rationale.
PHASE II
Develop, integrate, and demonstrate a prototype collaborative jamming system using a swarm of 3-7 sUAS equipped with the developed phased array antennas. Specific goals include:
Demonstrate effective beamforming and jamming of target communication signals.
Develop a software interface for controlling and coordinating the phased array antennas within the swarm.
Utilize-source software and off-the-shelf hardware components where possible.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS
Successful development of low-cost phased array antennas and collaborative jamming techniques will have significant applications in both military and commercial sectors. Potential applications include:
Disrupting illegal drone activity.
Protecting critical infrastructure from cyber-attacks.
Enhancing communication security in contested environments
REFERENCES
Department of Defense, Unmanned Systems Integrated Roadmap, FY2013-2038., https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA592015.pdf
2021 U.S. Department of Defense Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Strategy., https://media.defense.gov/2021/Jan/07/2002561080/-1/-1/1/DEPARTMENT-OF-DEFENSE-COUNTER-SMALL-UNMANNED-AIRCRAFT-SYSTEMS-STRATEGY.PDF
Department of the Air Force Operational Imperatives., https://www.af.mil/Portals/1/documents/2023SAF/OPERATIONAL_IMPARITIVES_INFOGRAPHIC.pdf