Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF191-051

Description

To address the Air Force’s need for a micro-single target track (STT) ground-to-air radar system for use on unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) to improve target tracking over water ranges, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop an advanced Ground-to-air over Horizon Single Target Tracking (GHOST) Radar. GHOST is a compact, lightweight, and low-power sensor that directly fits in the payload bay of the USVs (6×12×12 in.). It interfaces with the platforms through standard buses by transferring the high-fidelity radar information to a remote operator or the ground control station. GHOST’s innovative system design and algorithms provide (a) a large computational capability within a low-power small form factor that is sufficient to detect and track targets with a low false alarm rate using radar cross-section data, and (b) a platform-agnostic, low-size, weight, power, and cost design that can be used in USVs. In Phase I, POC will design GHOST and develop limited-scale benchtop hardware to show component feasibility. In Phase II, POC will develop a field-ready, technology readiness level (TRL)-5/-6, platform-mounted GHOST prototype with a target detection and tracking capability that can be demonstrated to a suitable customer for further transition.