Low CSWAP Multi-Beam TCDL Antenna System
Navy SBIR FY2013.2


Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2013.2
Topic No.: N132-089
Topic Title: Low CSWAP Multi-Beam TCDL Antenna System
Proposal No.: N132-089-1257
Firm: Applied Radar, Inc.
315 Commerce Park Road
North Kingstown, Rhode Island 02852
Contact: William Weedon
Phone: (401) 295-0062
Web Site: www.appliedradar.com
Abstract: Applied Radar proposes to develop a high-gain low cost, size, power and weight (low-CSWAP) tactical common data link (TCDL) antenna for the Firescout and Predator UAVs. The improved TCDL antenna will support 6 or more nodes of high-gain full-duplex communication at 21.42 MBPS in a star network configuration with 360 degree coverage out to 110 nm slant range. In Phase 1, we will design, fabricate and test a medium-gain multi-beam antenna that can close a 21.42 MBPS UAV-Ground link out to 110 nmi and a UAV-UAV link out to 50 nmi, which is equivalent in gain to the antenna currently being used, but which supports 6 simultaneous links and has built-in electronic beam switching. In Phase 2, we design, fab and test a high-gain antenna that can close the 21.42 MBPS UAV-UAV link out to 110 nmi, including the Az/El beam switching and control, for both uplink and downlink.
Benefits: The proposed TCDL antenna is relevant to the Firescout MQ-8B/C as well as the Predator/Reaper MQ-9B/C UAVs. Additional commercial applications include homeland security and border security, as well as pipeline monitoring/surveillance.

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