RADS- Radar Disruption Systems

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Integrated 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. Applicants 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. Applicants are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. OBJECTIVE: This topic seeks to develop imaging radar disruption systems by using passive mechanical action for at least a portion of their functional mechanism. Mechanical motion is an alternative way to manipulate radar signals, as opposed to pure electronic means. The devices will disrupt/manipulate over a broad ground area on the order of 1km and over broad frequency ranges. DESCRIPTION: The Department of the Air Force is exploring capability for utilizing mechanical methods for disrupting radar signals. The devices typically use rotary motion to manipulate and disrupt electromagnetic signals, although this effort is not restricted to rotary motion as the underlying mechanism. These types of systems offer certain advantages such as broadband response, simplicity, and likely cost. Other possible advantages include ease of operation and set up, which along with the design and operation simplicity which provides a smaller logistical tail. The topic is expected to deliver at least one field ready prototype. The goal of this effort is to investigate concepts for these systems, perform realistic modeling of those concepts on real world data, and provide a complete integrated system at the end of effort that meets the Air Force specifications. End of effort should also provide the Air Force with a trusted industrial partner for further development and procurement. PHASE I: This topic is intended for technology proven ready to move directly into Phase II. Therefore, a Phase I award is not required. The applicant is required to provide detail and documentation in the Direct to Phase II proposal which demonstrates accomplishment of a Phase I-like effort, including a feasibility study. The applicant should have defined a clear, immediately actionable plan with the proposed solution and the AF customer. Phase I type efforts include modeling of the effectiveness of the mechanical systems on known RF systems utilizing real world data. Phase I type efforts would also include exploration of solution space and consideration of the known systems that the passive systems are expected to interact with. PHASE II: Eligibility for a Direct to Phase Two (D2P2) is predicated on the applicant having performed a Phase I-like effort predominantly separate from the SBIR/STTR Programs. These efforts will include development and evaluation of M&S tools, simulation of prototype concepts, and definition of the trade space. Phase II efforts shall conduct analysis, further M&S optimization and experimentation on prototype(s) to address military-unique requirements. Specific attention shall be paid to manufacturing readiness, preliminary costing, and Air Force logistical considerations. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Phase III or phase II enhancements shall include upgrades to the analysis, further M&S, test and evaluation results, and provide delivery of system concepts. Phase II E and Phase III shall provide a business and manufacturing plan including cost and further ruggedization if needed. Delivery of a field ready system for deployment at test ranges for testing purposes and blue force practice against such systems is desired, as well as a high manufacturing readiness enabling further procurement. REFERENCES: 1. Progress In Electromagnetics Research M, Vol. 48, 37 44, 2016 A Passive Suppressing Jamming Method for FMCW SAR Based on Micromotion Modulation Jia-Bing Yan* , Ying Liang, Yong-An Chen, Qun Zhang, and Li Su KEYWORDS: Imaging radar; passive radar; mechanical motion of radar signals