RF System Response and Analysis

TECH FOCUS AREAS: Directed Energy TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Electronics; Air Platform OBJECTIVE: Analysis performed under this topic will be used to develop the capability to utilize these detailed predictive models for systems of interest to the Air Force and other DoD entities. The Air Force seeks tools capable of evaluating system performance of an actively tracking RF seeker system subject to HEL irradiation. DESCRIPTION: This topic explores the current state of the art related to RF tracking systems. Offerors will select a surrogate system to conduct testing and measure response of damage testing. Utilizing high fidelity modeling and simulation tools selected, support system analysis related to degradation and mission level impact and conduct active system testing to evaluate utility of predictive capability conducted prior to test activity. End goal is to have a robust predictive capability. PHASE I: Selecting a system of interest, develop a model using currently available RF models to develop a system performance simulation. Simulation will run expected HEL engagements, developing test matrices for Phase II efforts. PHASE II: Conduct HEL engagement tests to evaluate simulation results providing necessary data critical for developing robust simulation capabilities. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Develop a robust predictive capability to support HEL engagement of RF systems used for both red and blue analysis and response supporting mission utility studies and AoA analysis efforts. NOTES: 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 proposed tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the Announcement and within the AF Component-specific instructions. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. Please direct questions to the Air Force SBIR/STTR Help Desk: usaf.team@afsbirsttr.us REFERENCES: 1. https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/774310.pdf 2. Slip-Cast Fused Silica Radomes for Hypervelocity Vehicles: Advantages, Challenges, and Fabrication Techniques, Ibram Ganesh and Yashwant Ramchandra Mahajan https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007%2F978-3-030-16347-1_55); 3. https://patents.google.com/patent/US8765230B1/en; 4. https://artes.esa.int/sites/default/files/05_1210_Russo.pdf 5. http://www.iaeme.com/MasterAdmin/Journal_uploads/IJMET/VOLUME_8_ISSUE_3/IJMET_08_03_005.pdf 6. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2452321619300125 KEYWORDS: RF missiles; HEL response; RF system response; mission analysis