TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA-261 - CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopter Program, ACAT I; PMA-275, V-22

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 3.5.b.(7) of the solicitation.

OBJECTIVE: Develop an innovative low-cost antenna array and beamformer for Ka-band radar systems. The sensor system is to support the safe approach and landing during brownout, whiteout, and sea spray as well as improved safety for night and no/low visibility low altitude pilotage.

DESCRIPTION: Rotorcraft routinely operate in brownout conditions during their approach to landing and during take off in desert environments. Snow and sea spray can also produce similar degraded visual environments. The reduction in visibility presents a danger from unseen aircraft maneuvering nearby, uneven terrain, wires and other obstacles. Even in what is considered good visibility conditions, the visual detection of electrical power lines is difficult.

The antenna array and beamformer will be part of a Ka-band radar system being developed concurrently. The target cost and weight of the complete sensor system is $10,000 and ten pounds. The radar will be a non-imaging real-aperture system requiring coverage over 360 degrees in azimuth and variable elevation coverage dependent on range. The array and beamformer will need to support high resolution waveforms over a range extending from approximately 20 ft to 500 ft. The concepts to be considered should take into account variable field-of-view restrictions present on the wide variety of rotorcraft this system will be installed on. Consideration should be given to the design of an antenna array capable of supporting polarimetric detection algorithms as well as interferometric processing. Initial estimates indicated that an azimuth beamwidth of 5 to 10 degrees will be required. Multiple elevation beams may be needed in order to provide detection of near/far and above/below hazards.

PHASE I: Present in detail, novel designs for a low-cost and light-weight Ka-band array and beamformer assembly suitable for use with a brownout radar system. The analysis supporting each design should consider tradeoffs between cost, weight and performance. Aperture placement, number of apertures and sub-apertures should be explored. The additional complexity required to support polarimetric and/or interferometric operation should be included in the tradeoffs. Analyze the design in sufficient detail to support a down selection to the most promising option at the end of phase I.

PHASE II: Complete the detailed design of the beamformer and antenna array chosen by NAVAIR in Phase I. Design the beamformer to interface with the radar system. Produce a prototype beamformer and antenna array suitable for demonstration of all key performance parameters. Develop a manufacturing plan of sufficient detail to assess system production cost and weight.

PHASE III: Develop a plan and proceed with system production either alone or in partnership with another company.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: The sensor system developed will find widespread military and private sector use as a rotorcraft sensor. The sensor could be used by helicopters in the medical and new industries to aid in trying to land in adverse weather conditions with no or low visibility.

REFERENCES:
1. B. M. Keel and C. D. Bailey, "Electronic Bumper Trade Study, GTRI Contributions, Executive Summary" Technical Memorandum GTRI Project D5205.1.0.0.0, 31 Oct 2007.

2. Park, M. "Millimeter-Wave Polarimetric Radar Sensor for Detection of Power Lines in Strong Clutter Background" PhD Dissertation, University of Michigan, 2003.

3. http://www.darpa.mil/sto/solicitations/BAA06-45/index.html.

4. D. Nolan-Proxmire, M. Mewhinney "New Collision Avoidance System Helps Helicopter Pilots". NASA. December, 1996.

KEYWORDS: Brownout; RF sensors; Antenna Array; Array Beamformer; Radar; Cable Detection.

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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