SI2 TECHNOLOGIES, INC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: N101-069

Description

SI2 Technologies (SI2) proposes to enable submarine Ka-band communications links with Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites by developing a radome-integrated Ka-band antenna system for submarine masts. The proposed solution leverages SI2’s expertise in antenna system design and manufacturing along with team submarine mast integration experience. SI2’s approach builds on a prior Phase I effort (N101-069), where we demonstrated the feasibility of providing Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) capability in a small diameter photonics mast. We will develop a radome-integrated, additively manufactured frequency selective surface (FSS) based antenna system that operates at Ka-band, while still allowing existing X, K, and Q-band antenna systems to function in the same mast. Current submarine communications systems use line-of-sight or rely on geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellites for long distance communications. Recent advances in communications system technology have made smaller, LEO, or MEO satellites attractive platforms for tactical communications links. Ka-band is typically used in these platforms, and current submarine communications masts do not provide Ka-band transmit capability. SI2’s solution fills the need for a novel submarine mast antenna system capable of multiple beams and rapid beam steering to track fast-moving satellite platforms, while at the same time maintaining existing functionality.