FIRST RF CORPORATION — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: N131-007

FIRST RF CORPORATION — SBIR Phase II award from Department of Defense.

Amount
$1,499,422
Agency
Department of Defense · Navy
Program / Phase
SBIR · Phase II
Topic
N131-007
Solicitation
2013.1
NAICS
Place of performance
CO
Period
2018-07-27 → 2019-07-31

Description

In this Phase I effort, FIRST RF will develop and evaluate concepts enabling highly directive multi-beam TCDL communications using phased arrays integrated on the Fire Scout UAV platform. Phased array systems allow for dynamic beam steering with graceful degradation. Wide elevation patterns desirable for air-to-air or air-to-ground communications are achieved by using a linear array topology. These arrays also have the benefit of a narrow azimuth radiation pattern conducive to point-to-point communications and networking waveforms. Highly selective filters isolate TCDL uplink and downlink channels and allows for multi-beam functionality as well as the ability to simultaneously transmit and receive on each channel. FIRST RF proposes an innovative approach that leverages innovative phased array architecture to provide a highly functional TCDL communications node with multi-beam capability. Commercial applications of this technology have also been identified.