Meshed Radar Network to Achieve Extended Coverage and Improved Performance from a Small, Lightweight, Low Power AESA for ATC in an Expeditionary Environment

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems OBJECTIVE: Rapid networking of low power radars to extend and enhance coverage volume DESCRIPTION: PROBLEM SUMMARY: Air Traffic Control (ATC) within the constraints of Agile Combat Employment (ACE) requires minimization of logistical support, and reduction of the deployment footprint to just a few pallet positions on transport aircraft. Reduced Size, Weight and Power (SWaP), however, results in reduced radar range, decreasing the coverage volume from any given radar. Networking individual radars together increases the effective coverage and is commonly achieved in the garrison environment where extensive logistic support is available, and time is less of a concern. Networking radars in an expeditionary environment drives the need for systems that can be rapidly set up and meshed with by multicapable airmen for whom radar systems may not be their primary skillset. CURRENT STATE: The Air Force has pursued development of a small, low power, multi-function X-band AESA radar under a Rapid Innovation Fund (RIF) initiative, the Multifunction Tactical Radar System (MTRS). The lead agency, Air Force Flight Standards Agency (AFFSA), strongly supports this effort, and the PMO has funded additional work under the ATC Future Technologies (AFT) program. In 2023, the PMO will receive a prototype surveillance radar comprised of multiple AESA panels. This configuration is conducive to a rudimentary meshing of the individual coverage volumes, out to the maximum range of each panel. PHASE I: Develop algorithm to ingest individual radar data and produce an integrated air picture suitable for core ATC Radar Approach Control (RAPCON) functions of aircraft sequencing and separation. Demonstrate this algorithm using the Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) prototype multi-panel configuration. Describe how this algorithm could be extended to more than one multi-panel systems to extend coverage. Describe also how individual panels might be separately deployed at distance, in linear or area patterns, then readily meshed to provide flexible coverage. PHASE II: Develop the meshing algorithm for extensible, scalable coverage as described in Phase I. Demonstrate rapid, ad hoc networking of multiple AESA systems distributed across the Area of Responsibility (AOR), both single panel and multi-panel systems, including widely separated systems communicating over tactical networks. Describe methods to share this air surveillance data for other applications, including counter UAS. Describe potential other modalities such as weather sensing. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Implement the algorithm in a system of AESA radars to be deployed as an expeditionary ATC capability to be procured under the future MTRS program (FY25 POM start). Make the algorithm available to other users of similar AESA systems to extend and enhance coverage volume. Such systems would be applicable to civil air traffic control, first responders and disaster recovery, both for traditional ATC as well as Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM). REFERENCES: 1. Service Branch: Air Force ; MAJCOM: AFMC ; Lead Agency for Requirements: Air Force Flight Standards Agency (AFFSA) ; KEYWORDS: Air Traffic Control; ATC; Radar; PSR; ASR; AESA; Phased Array; Sensor; Coverage; Surveillance; Detect; Track; ID; Identify; Identification; IFF; Network; Meshed; UAS; UAV; Weather