FIRST RF CORPORATION — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: SB153-006

Description

With the emergence of new-evolving super-sonic anti-ship missiles and ship defense systems, effectiveness could be greatly enhanced by the incorporation of precision-guided projectile technology. The ability of individual projectiles to track and intercept deadly threats significantly enhances the survivability of the defended asset and results in fewer shots fired and a reduction in overall intercept cost.However, integrating seekers onto these medium-caliber projectiles is challenging due to the need for advanced sensors to provide high-gain, forward-looking coverage, while withstanding extremely harsh gun launch environments and being integrated into highly space-constrained platforms. FIRST RF proposes a novel antenna concept that incorporates advanced conformal antenna technology along with innovative material science and robust mechanical packaging techniques to realize an extremely low-profile seeker aperture capable of providing high-gain, forward-looking radiation pattern coverage. The design incorporates materials and construction techniques compatible with extreme mechanical and thermal loads.The FIRST RF solution is adaptable to a wide variety of projectile diameters (20+mm) and supports all potential seeker tracking modes.