FA865621C0126

Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase II

Low SWaP Passive Direction Finding/Geolocation Seeker

Weapons Pitch Day

This effort leverages ASI's proven (TRL-7) low SWaP direction finding (DF) and geolocation sensor technology to deliver a small passive seeker for integration onto 6 diameter missiles/munitions. The seeker delivered closes the gap on passive seekers able to target adversary counter-stealth radar operating between 100 MHz and 2 GHz (VHF and L-band). Additionally, it is readily extensible to target higher frequency search and engagement radar (S to X band) and the data and voice links that network and integrate them within an air defense complex. The capabilities of the seeker include wide field-of-view to enable missile launch from non-line-of-sight and beyond the horizon air platforms with target acquisition during ingress. The passive nature of the seeker enables extended range by homing on the radar's powerful emissions and increases munition survivability by reducing/eliminating the missile's own RF signature. The small size increases the number of missiles/munitions that can be stored in internal carriage. The size of the seeker is compact enough to allow a complementary imaging or active RF sensor to counter radar shutdown. The passive seeker of this effort is based on ASI's recent advance in small form-factor, ultrawideband (UWB), HF to 18 GHz, vector sensor technology for DF and geolocation that has been demonstrated in flight tests on manned aircraft, small UAS and tethered UAS. The technology is implemented with miniature, Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS), semiconductor components to achieve small size and low cost without sacrificing capability. The Phase 1 effort completed initial design and electro-magnetic modeling and simulation to layout a straight line path to further reduce the size of ASI's technology to fit onto a 6 diameter missile/munition within the time and investment scope of the proposed Phase 2 effort. The proposed Phase 2 effort delivers two passive seekers to Air Force that have been ground tested integrated onto a surrogate missile/munition (open air, pedestal mounted to rotary table) against representative waveforms and ready for flight tests.

The goal of phase II is to continue the R&D efforts initiated in Phase I. Funding is based on the results achieved in Phase I and the scientific and technical merit and commercial potential of the project proposed in Phase II.

AF203-001

F203-001-0182

20.3

Martin Rofheart