Ultra Wideband Electronically Steered Multi-Beam Array (1000-224) Navy SBIR FY2012.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2012.1 Topic No.: N121-104 Topic Title: Ultra Wideband Electronically Steered Multi-Beam Array (1000-224) Proposal No.: N121-104-0344 Firm: SI2 Technologies 267 Boston Road North Billerica, Massachusetts 01862 Contact: Thomas Goodwin Phone: (978) 495-5300 Web Site: www.si2technologies.com Abstract: SI2 Technologies, Inc. (SI2) will leverage our demonstrated expertise in efficient, high power, wideband array design to develop a low-cost, electronically steered multi-beam array for multiple shipboard Information Operations (IO) applications. We will build on prior Navy phased array efforts to extend the performance initially to 1 - 10 GHz, and then to 1-21 and 1-50 GHz with high efficiency at targeted frequencies. We will also investigate an array configuration that will extend the available frequency coverage down to 300 MHz, a range already successfully designed, built and tested utilizing similar array architecture. This approach enables simultaneous generation of multiple beams at multiple frequencies to improve overall system performance. This represents a significant improvement over the currently envisioned single beam dish-based solution. In Phase I, SI2 will develop a 10:1 bandwidth electronically steered multi-beam array, and validate our design and manufacturing approach. In Phase II, we will extend the bandwidth to 20:1 - 50:1, and we will team with an industry partner for transition. Benefits: Navy surface ships provide protection against an array of threats from ballistic missile launches and cruise missile attacks to swarming boats and submarines. In order to counter these threats and provide mission success, Navy ships are outfitted with a variety of IO and self-defense systems. A currently deployed IO system provides wideband, high power transmit capability using a dish antenna; however, this system can only produce a single beam at any given time. There is an identified need for a wideband, high power transmit array capable of producing multiple simultaneous beams at multiple frequencies to support this IO system as well as other shipboard systems. SI2's proposed array enables this multi-functional capability. In addition to the SIGINT/IO and self-protect functions, the SI2 phased array antenna can be targeted toward a solution that combines multiple single function antennas into a single multi-function antenna. In the shipboard environment, the single multi-function antenna can be used to combine the low duty cycle transmit SIGINT/IO and self-protect EA functions with other functions such as Link-16, CEC, TACAN, IFF, and DWTS, as well as the functions of the low duty cycle fire control radars such as the SPG-62 and the Sea Sparrow illuminator. Return