Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: A16-097

Description

To address the Army’s need for innovative RF countermeasures compatible with the limited size, weight, and power (SWaP) of rotary-wing aircraft to counter advances in radar threat systems, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposed and developed in Phase I a new Digital RF Expendable Active counterMeasure (DREAM), to replace traditional passive radar countermeasures. The DREAM comprises a low-SWaP, 2-18 GHz RF transceiver with commercial off-the-shelf RF components and a field-programmable gate array to form the digital RF memory (DRFM); a novel wideband conformal antenna; a lightweight power supply; and an aerodynamic enclosure. This innovative integration enables a low-SWaP, DRFM countermeasure that fits within the size constraints of conventional passive countermeasure launch systems and weighs <200 g. Based on successful modeling and testing of the Phase I DREAM system, POC proposes in Phase II to design and develop a system prototype applicable for real-world applications and characterize its performance through testing and demonstration. The Phase II efforts will focus on optimizing the DREAM electronics, aerodynamic design, and long-shelf-life power supply to enhance the overall system capabilities. RF signal processing and functional testing under operational conditions will establish a technology readiness level (TRL) of -5/-6.