Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: N101-105

Physical Optics Corporation — SBIR Phase II award from Department of Defense.

Amount
$746,846
Agency
Department of Defense · Army
Program / Phase
SBIR · Phase II
Topic
N101-105
Solicitation
2016.0
NAICS
Place of performance
CA
Period
2017-08-11 → 2019-02-11

Description

To address the U.S. Army's need for a low-profile, ruggedized antenna that operates in the SINCGARS, ultrahigh-frequency (UHF), and L-band ranges and supports tactical radio waveforms (Soldier Radio Waveform and Wideband Networking Waveform) for vehicular-mounted applications, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new High-Isolation Transmit/Receive Antenna (HITRA) system based on an innovative broadband antenna design with an operating frequency from 20 MHz to 2 GHz. With an omnidirectional pattern, vertical polarization, and 75 W power handling in a small form factor <1 ft high, the HITRA system can provide a direct replacement for standard tall whip vehicular antennas. In Phase I, POC developed an ultrabroadband antenna that achieved a voltage-standing wave ratio (VSWR) <2.5 over the frequency band of 20 MHz to 8 GHz and isolation >63 dB, with peak gains 0.5-9 dBi and power handling capability of >100 W RF power. In Phase II we plan to develop and build a full HITRA system prototype and test it in a realistic environment to meet Army requirements.