Airborne Remote Icing Condition Detection Navy SBIR FY2014.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2014.2 Topic No.: N142-101 Topic Title: Airborne Remote Icing Condition Detection Proposal No.: N142-101-0251 Firm: Physical Optics Corporation Applied Technologies Division 1845 West 205th Street Torrance, California 90501 Contact: Sivanesan Ponniah Phone: (310) 320-3088 Web Site: www.poc.com Abstract: To address the Navy's need for an atmospheric ice detection/avoidance system for fixed wing and rotary aircrafts, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Airborne Remote Icing Condition Detection (ARICOD) system. This proposed system solution is based on a microwave radiometer utilizing an optically controlled Ka-band conformable microstrip patch array antenna and monolithic microwave integrated circuit components. Specifically, the innovative design of the proposed microwave radiometer utilizing low power, miniature components, and optically steerable microstrip antenna will enable the proposed system to measure microwave radiance at different zenith angles and to determine potential icing conditions along a flight path. As a result, this system offers low size, weight, power, and cooling (SWaP-C) requirements for an airborne icing hazard detection system and compatibility with various fixed and rotary wing aircrafts, which directly address the Navy's requirements. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of the ARICOD system through the performance of system design analysis, view angle dependent radiative transfer modeling, cloud water retrieval algorithm development, and verification of system performance using simulated data. In Phase II, POC plans to build a complete prototype and conduct tests both in the laboratory and on a surrogate test aircraft. Benefits: The proposed ARICOD system will provide the military with an industry-leading low SWaP-C airborne remote ice detection system compatible with various aircrafts for improved flight safety and mission success. Specifically, the ARICOD system will provide significant benefits for rotary and fixed wing aircrafts, including UAV platforms, in terms of improved safety and survivability. All branches of the military will benefit from the use of ARICOD in their aircrafts. ARICOD's small size and low power is well suited for weather forecasting at military airports and fields. A modified version of an ARICOD with two-dimensional scanning will have applications in aerial surveillance. The many commercial applications for ARICOD include its use in lightweight and rotary wing aircrafts. The ARICOD technology can also be used in smaller airports for monitoring weather. A modified version of the proposed ice detection system can be installed in commercial aircrafts, replacing heavy high-power radar systems for more economical flights. Another potential application is use in smaller research aircrafts for ground moisture and ice detection. Return