Exploiting Agile Waveforms and Sampling for Compressive Sensing Radar Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Topic No.: N112-161 Topic Title: Exploiting Agile Waveforms and Sampling for Compressive Sensing Radar Proposal No.: N112-161-1104 Firm: Arete Associates P.O. Box 2607 Winnetka, California 91396 Contact: David Relyea Phone: (818) 885-2200 Web Site: www.arete.com Abstract: Over the past decade, enormous advancements in the field of compressive sensing have provided a new framework for reconstructing signals from incomplete measurements, thus offering feasible mathematical tools for efficient data collection. Applying compressive sensing to sea-based radar could result in a number of distinct advantages, including power conservation, larger search area, and clutter suppression. Aret� proposes to assess the feasibility of applying compressive sensing to modern radar systems with the goal of enabling low-power or high-search area detection, tracking and imaging of small maritime targets. In Phase I, we intend to do this in a proof-of-concept by approximating the waveform as a series of delta function frequencies and applying a quadratic residue mask to them. Returns using the masked waveform will then be reconstructed using Aret�'s Waveform Correction algorithm (analogous to Orthogonal Matching Pursuit). Aret� also has a vetted Radar Simulation Code capable of providing extremely realistic SAR or RAR images from ocean or littoral scenes. This code will be used along with a small craft injector to test our compressive sensing algorithm on realistic scenarios. Benefits: A primary market for low-power or multi-mode radar systems exists in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market, where size/weight/power requirements are most stringent. This market has been growing appreciably, in light of the successes of the RQ-1B Predator and RQ-4A Global Hawk in the Afghanistan conflict. Serious investments in new UAV technology like the Boeing X-45 strike aircraft are continuing. Maritime UAV assets include the Navy's Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) and the Coast Guard's Deepwater UAV program (which has been postponed due to funding issues, but is scheduled to acquire UAVs by FY2014). Upon completion of the Phase II SBIR, Aret� Associates intends to license our software to Northrop Grumman for use in the Fire Scout Tactical SAR payload as well as to CBP/Raytheon for use in the SeaVue or other radars being integrated into the Predator B. In addition, Aret� proposes to pursue licensing of the completed system to any additional Navy/USCG/Marine maritime UAV assets or for other Fire Scout radar payloads. Return