Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: A17-126

Description

To address the Army’s need for a fire control radar for small UASs, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop an Advanced Fire Control Radar for Group 1 and 2 Unmanned Surveillance Systems (ARGUS). ARGUS is a compact, lightweight, and low power sensor that directly fits in the electronics or payload bay of Group 1 and 2 UASs. It interfaces with the platform’s flight computer through standard UAS buses, through which it transfers the high fidelity radar information to a remote operator or the ground control station for visual confirmation and countermeasure. ARGUS’ innovative system design and algorithms provide (a) a device with large computational capability within a small form-factor that consumes low power, which is sufficient to detect, identify, and track threats with a low false alarm rate using radar cross-section data; and (b) a system with a platform-agnostic, low SWAP design which can be used in both Group 1 and 2 UASs. In Phase I, POC will design ARGUS and develop limited-scale benchtop hardware to show component feasibility. In Phase II, POC will develop a field ready, TRL-5/6, UAV-mounted ARGUS with threat detection capability that can be demonstrated to a suitable customer for further transition.