Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N152-082

Description

To address the Navys need for high radar cross section (RCS) chaff for operation in the millimeter wave frequencies, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Graphite Fiber Dipole Chaff (GFDC). This proposed chaff is based on commercially available, inexpensive metal-coated graphite fibers. Specifically, the innovation in manufacturing technology and dense chaff packaging will enable its efficient dissemination, producing a dipole cloud with a RCS exceeding 500 m^2. The GFDC will provide platform protection within the frequency range from 33 GHz to 38 GHz with the potential to extend protection to lower frequencies. It will be fully compatible with existing chaff dispensing systems. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed technology by fabricating chaff elements, estimating the RCS of the dipole cloud, and demonstrating efficient dispersion of dipole elements without agglomeration. In Phase II, POC plans to mature the manufacturing process and fabricate full-scale chaff prototypes for flight testing at a Navy test range. These flight tests will elevate the GFDC to TRL-7.