N121-075 TITLE: Submarine Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Digital Radio for Ad-Hoc Networked Communications

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems, Ground/Sea Vehicles

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Combat Control System AN/BYG-1, PMS-425, ACAT IV

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: To research innovative approaches to provide digital radio and ad-hoc networked communications between a submarine and a very small (~2.5 pound) unmanned aerial vehicle.

DESCRIPTION: Submarines currently do not have a fielded capability to obtain unmanned aerial system (UAS) data/video. The radio systems currently being used for UAS demonstration are limited in range to line of sight (LOS), are easily intercepted, and can only control one unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at a time.

The Navy is seeking innovative high data rate RF communications for existing very small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to allow video and data to be collected and transmitted from over the horizon (OTH). This will provide submarines the capability to receive OTH data from multiple UAVs without compromising their position . The video and command and control (C2) channels are digital and can support the operation of encryption for data/video to prevent easy access by hostiles in the collection zone.

Ultimately, this radio system would possess the following characteristics: 1) The equipment on board the submarine will be capable of controlling multiple types of UAVs. 2) The UAV equipment would be able to relay C2, video and data through other UAVs enabling the submarine to utilize an UAV that is not within its RF line of sight 3) The equipment on board the UAV will have a small form factor and weight so it does not affect the flight performance of the UAV.

PHASE I: The company will develop concepts for an ad-hoc networked digital communications system for small UAVs meeting the requirements described above. The company will demonstrate the feasibility of developing the concepts into a useful product meeting Navy needs. Approaches should consider the use of existing systems, new technologies, modeling and simulation in the assessment. The company will provide a Phase II development plan with performance goals and key technical milestones.

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I and the Phase II development plan, the company will develop a prototype. The prototype will be evaluated to determine its ability to provid submarines with digital radio and ad-hoc networked communications links to a very small deployable UAV as identified in Phase I. The company will demonstrate a full bench deployment of each prototype to evaluate system performance. Final design work, development of the materials and methods for production, and demonstration of a proof-of-concept prototype are to be completed. The company will provide a Phase III development plan to transition the technology to Navy use.

PHASE III: The company will support transition of the technology into Navy use. The company will provide three sets of equipment that can be incorporated into UAVs and submarines for at-sea deployment and demonstration. A set is defined as equipment for one submarine and five UAVs. The company will support test and validation to certify the system for the Navy including environmental qualification.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Has applicability to emergency disaster responder where traditionally heavy radio usage would hinder communications. A network of UAVs would cover a large disaster area providing timely information without endangering the ground control station or human flight crews.

REFERENCES:
1. Basso, B., Love, J., & Hedrick, J. K. (2011, April). Airborne, Autonomous & Collaborative. Mechanical Engineering. Retrieved from memagazine.asme.org

2. Elston, J., Frew, E. & Argrow, B (2006, 22 August). Networked UAV Command, Control and Communication. Presentation retrieved from http://recuv.colorado.edu/netuas/data/publications/2006-%5Belston%5D-networked_uav_c3_presentaiton.pdf

KEYWORDS: Digital; Radio; Network; Ad-hoc; UAV; Communications

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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