Multifrequency Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Antenna Solution

KEYWORDS
Antenna; Multi-GNSS; Signals of Opportunity; Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT); Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR)
OBJECTIVE
Develop a multiple Radio Frequency (RF), aka Multifrequency, configurable patch antenna that can be utilized in cannon and missile-based Precision Guided Munitions (PGM) to support Multi Global Navigation Satellite Systems (M-GNSS) Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) signals and PNT Signals of Opportunity (SoOp), with minimal impact to received signal power.
DESCRIPTION
The modern battlefield includes Electronic Warfare (EW) targeting a variety of RF signals, making single-frequency systems vulnerable to brute-force jamming. PGMs require frequency diversity in small, gun hardened, PGM Form Factor (FF) patch antennas to support a variety of M-GNSS and SoOp PNT signals and ensure successful operations in a contested EW environment. To maximize the capabilities of PNT systems, the Multi-frequency antenna should be tunable (or configurable) such that desired frequency bands can be determined at the time of mission execution. As an objective requirement, support continuous frequencies from UHF to X-band.
PHASE I
This topic is accepting Phase I submissions for a cost limit up to $300,000 and a 1-6-month period of performance.
In Phase 1, modeling and simulation (M&S) should be used to show expected performance of a candidate multifrequency antenna design. Analysis should be performed to show the capabilities and limitations that are inherent in such a design. Analysis should also show related design trade-offs. For example, analysis might show that more frequency bands that can used effectively by limiting peak antenna gain, or that increasing the frequency selectivity of the antenna affects gain or phase linearity.
At the end of Phase I, firms will provide the results of their analyses and M&S, showing anticipated performance of their prototype design, overall mechanical/physical dimensions, a ROM unit cost for the candidate design, and a risk assessment for a potential Phase II effort.
PHASE II
In Phase 2, prototype antennas should be fabricated and tested to confirm the accuracy of Phase 1 M&S results. Testing should show the ability of the antenna to operate effectively in multiple bands based on its configured settings. Testing should include, at a minimum, full pattern & gain, Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR), and gain/phase linearity vs frequency. Three (3) prototype antennas will be delivered to the sponsor for testing under extreme environmental conditions.
At the end of Phase 2, firms will provide documented test results, updates to M&S conducted during Phase 1, an updated ROM cost estimate, and a risk assessment for production of their design.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS
Law enforcement, first responders, and other emergency management personnel could use this technology to ensure that they are able to maintain situational awareness of their location when responding to emergencies, particularly when there are disruptions to civil infrastructure or when located in remote areas.
REFERENCES
https://www.symmetryelectronics.com/blog/what-are-tunable-antennas-a-completeguide-symmetry-blog/
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS