N121-076 TITLE: Adding Communications Mode Capability in the Periscope Detection Radar (PDR)

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems, Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO IWS 5E, Aircraft Carrier Tactical Support Center (CV-TSC), ACAT III

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: The objective is to develop a robust Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) communications mode in Periscope Detection Radar (PDR).

DESCRIPTION: Current PDR systems do not support a dual mode ASW search and communications capability. Because of the PDR's high gain and high bandwidth, it appears that communications to nearby ASW platforms can be added to the PDR. A review of current technology shows that microwave and radar towers are used to relay data and communications over short distances. This is a single mode versus the dual mode the Navy desires. The cost per tower for land based systems is high in comparison to other available transmission paths; however, there are not many radar communication systems because they are cost prohibitive in relation to other communication methods. Since the radar system already exists (i.e., AN/SPS-74, a PDR) it is possible to add this capability for just the cost of software without adding additional hardware. Innovation to add additional capabilities to existing hardware installed on naval vessels will help fill an ASW command and control need within the fleet, especially during hostile actions where US Forces do not have assured satellite access.

The Navy seeks innovative approaches to providing both communication and sensing modes while maintaining the sensing capability accuracy, probability of detection, and false alarm rate, but greatly increasing the functionality of the current system and the utility of its allocated bandwidth. Proposed solutions should support significantly lower costs and weights for shipborne ASW installations. The capability will include a communications mode using existing system components, although a nonrotating antenna which increases communications availability while maintaining or lowering cost is also acceptable. These systems will serve to both ensure timely distribution of the ASW Common Tactical Picture (CTP) to all surface combatants with higher bandwidth and lower latency than currently available, even in a satellite denied area. They will also support ubiquitous deployment of high performance ASW radars to all combatant ships.

Solutions that are compatible with the utilization of the allocated band spectrum of the PDR radar and support the existing bandwidth of that radar are preferred. Proposed approaches should scale to highly directional antennas to support robust communications, mitigate interference, and deliver required sensor resolutions. The research should focus on the unique requirements of adding a communications mode to an existing system with large antenna gain and high fractional bandwidth in order to deliver effective new military capabilities, new components, or even a new system. Some of the technical issues to be explored are signaling schemes, resource sharing concepts (time, frequency, and scan allocation), directional reception issues, platform-to-platform placement/visibility, nonrecurring engineering risk/impact, and impact on sensor operation.

PHASE I: The research shall develop detailed system concepts for the technology approach, including the radar and communications modes and the beamformer/control architecture that can meet the requirements of the high gain, high bandwidth system sought. A demonstration of the feasibility of the concepts and associated technology will be provided by developing rough order of magnitude cost estimates and technology roadmaps. A Phase II development plan with performance goals and key technical milestones will be provided.

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I, a communications mode that can communicate between two nodes at a minimum of 1 Mbps at 10 nmi with the existing PDR technology that can be scaled to full antenna and radar capability will be developed, fabricated, and evaluated. Discrete components may be utilized for array elements prior to development of any integrated components required for full scale prototype. The company will evaluate the prototype to verify that it meets the Navy�s requirements without degrading the PDR capabilities of the existing radar. System performance will be demonstrated through the evaluation and modeling of the prototype. The results will be used to refine the prototype into an advanced development model to verify that the system meets the Navy�s requirements. The company will prepare a Phase III development plan for the company to transition their technology into fielded Navy systems including life cycle cost estimates.

PHASE III: Should a Phase III contract be awarded after a successful prototype evaluation in Phase II, the company will complete the development of a full scale system and provide an advanced development model for test and evaluation. The company will support the Navy in test and validation to certify and qualify the system for Navy use and support the production and installation of their technology into fielded Navy Systems.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Dual use radars can support civil government applications including mobile communications for disaster response, maritime and border security, and weather and air control radars.

REFERENCES:
(1) Bookner, E. (2010) "Never Ending Saga of Phased Array Breakthroughs", 2010 IEE International Symposium on Phased Array Systems & Technology, 10/12/2010

(2) Ousborne, J, Griffith, D., Yuan, R. (1997) "A Periscope Detection Radar", Johns Hopkins APL Technical Digest, Volume 18, Number 1, 1997

(3) The AN/SPS-74 Periscope Detection Radar System, by Ian Barford, Mark Tadder, and Christopher Gorby, NAVSEA Leading Edge, Sensors Development, 2003

KEYWORDS: Communication; command and control; Radars; ASW Sensors; periscope detection; netted ASW

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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