Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: MDA15-017

Description

To address the Missile Defense Agency need for innovative antenna arrays to support existing/future transceiver technologies in missile defense applications, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) developed the new Beamforming Enhanced Antenna for a Missile Electronic Receiver/Transmitter (BEAMER), based on a wideband compact antenna design. In Phase I, POC successfully fabricated and tested a multiband (S, X, and K) microstrip patch antenna array conformally mounted to a cylindrical structure, and demonstrated at least 6 dBi of gain in each band, to support high-speed continuous communications between fire control and interceptor/kill vehicles throughout all stages of flight without reorientation. In Phase II, POC will optimize the antenna design for RF performance, SWaP requirements, and environmental capability, and will develop a full-scale prototype system for validation of hardness, reliability, and performance in a simulated environment to verify theoretical design assumptions. The final report will incorporate a detailed performance analysis of the experiment and an initial design of an engineering development model, to be delivered along with the prototype. The Phase II effort will focus on developing a plan for integration into a MDA missile platform, escalating discussions with three prime contractors, and laying out a commercialization plan to extend BEAMER to civilian markets. Approved for Public Release | 16-MDA-8951 (15 December 16)