Lightweight Wideband Spectrum Monitoring Payload for Coherent EM Propagation Characterization (1000-302) Navy SBIR FY2014.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2014.2 Topic No.: N142-114 Topic Title: Lightweight Wideband Spectrum Monitoring Payload for Coherent EM Propagation Characterization (1000-302) Proposal No.: N142-114-0097 Firm: SI2 Technologies 267 Boston Road North Billerica, Massachusetts 01862 Contact: Randall Lapierre Phone: (978) 495-5322 Web Site: www.si2technologies.com Abstract: SI2 Technologies, Inc. (SI2) will develop a lightweight spectrum monitoring payload for the ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with custom wideband antennas and a lightweight low power electronics package. SI2 will leverage recently flight tested wideband technology developed for the RQ-21a Blackjack to provide instantaneous coverage of the full band of interest with a minimal number of sub-bands and components. The antenna system will have omni-directional well characterized pattern coverage which is ideal for the intended end use. The payload will allow for integration of other atmospheric sensors, such as a humidity gauge and functions, such as direction finding or angle of arrival estimation. SI2's experience developing UAV payloads enables a laboratory scale demonstration on Phase I and a full-scale flight test prototype during Phase II. Benefits: The specific objective of this research is to provide a size, weight and power (SWaP) optimized spectrum monitoring payload to aide in coherent atmospheric characterization by utilizing the altitude and standoff distance of a small UAV, such as the ScanEagle. SI2's custom antenna design approach provides wideband capability without additional drag or changing the outer mold line of the payload bay. The inclusion of lightweight front end computing provides advanced capabilities in small form factor. This combination of advanced technologies enables the deployment of spectrum monitoring and intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance (ISR) payloads for small UAV with minimal impact to range and endurance. The prototype demonstrated for this effort would be suitable for direct transition to the RQ-21a Blackjack, as well as to other manned and unmanned platforms. Return