N121-036 TITLE: Advanced Processing Electronic Attack (EA) Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM)

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Ground/Sea Vehicles, Sensors, Electronics

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA 208

RESTRICTION ON PERFORMANCE BY FOREIGN CITIZENS (i.e., those holding non-U.S. Passports): This topic is "ITAR Restricted". The information and materials provided pursuant to or resulting from this topic are restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120 - 130, which control the export of defense-related material and services, including the export of sensitive technical data. Foreign Citizens may perform work under an award resulting from this topic only if they hold the "Permanent Resident Card", or are designated as "Protected Individuals" as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). If a proposal for this topic contains participation by a foreign citizen who is not in one of the above two categories, the proposal will be rejected.

OBJECTIVE: Develop advanced processing methods to lead to state-of-the-art advancements in real-time threat-representative electronic attack (EA) Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) test emulators.

DESCRIPTION: A new EA DRFM capability that uses advanced computing technologies that significantly extend the instantaneous bandwidth and spectral purity of the transmitted waveform beyond what is possible using conventional RF technology; efforts to anticipate and emulate next generation EA capabilities, are sought.

Current DRFM technology utilize an RF translation to baseband, RF sampling, storing digitized samples into memory and then reversing the process to reconstruct the RF signal prior to transmission to the victim radar.  This allows for both time domain and frequency domain manipulation of the radar signal.  In contrast, implementing advanced high-speed digital signal processing technologies, perhaps using optical computing for DRFM applications, may eliminate the characteristic RF sampling byproducts (spectral impurities) as well as provide extremely wide instantaneous frequency bandwidth response with an unlimited number of simultaneous (time coincident) false target outputs.

New technology should provide instantaneous ultra-wide bandwidth EA DRFM responses which are currently not possible. Improved Electronic Protection (EP) system performance of Fiber Optic Tow Decoys and significant improvement in signal spectral purity over that of conventional RF DRFM systems are needed. RF spectrum characteristics unlike traditional DRFMs which may compound the identification process would be considered. The use of COTS technology for affordability, and significant cost savings as a result of reduction in delicate RF electronics that are subject to frequent damage during mission operations are all areas of interest.

PHASE I: Determine the feasibility for implementing advanced processing technologies to EA DRFM systems. Develop a system design approach and establish the associated requirements for implementing a lab bench prototype for testing in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and build a lab bench prototype advanced processing EA DRFM. Perform bench tests in order to validate the basic technology.

PHASE III: Finalize and build a flight qualifiable production prototype advanced processing EA DRFM and perform airborne tests in order to validate the technology on actual fighter aircraft on outdoor Test and Evaluation ranges.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Potential Dual Use in support of both DoD and Homeland Security. This project will provide a self-protect jamming capability for use in airborne platforms.

REFERENCES:
1. Nguyen, L. (2003). Photonic Radio Frequency Memory - Design Issues and Possible Solutions. DSTO Research Report DSTO-TR-1491, Australian Defense Science Technology Organization. http://www.dsto.defence.gov.au/publications/2592/DSTO-TR-1491.pdf

2. Stearns S.D. & Hush D.R. (1990). Digital Signal Analysis. Prentice Hall.

KEYWORDS: Optically-based digital signal processing (DSP); Fourier Optics; Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM), Real-Time DRFM DSP; Electronic Attack (EA); Optical Computing

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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