SI2 TECHNOLOGIES, INC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF161-145

Description

ABSTRACT: SI2 Technologies, Inc. (SI2) will enable next-generation direction-finding capability on Air Force (AF) platforms with our innovative ultra-wideband, conformal, dual-polarized antenna aperture. The extremely-low-profile antenna will provide an expanded field of view while maintaining angle-of-arrival accuracy across a wide instantaneous bandwidth to support evolving software-defined direction-finding systems. The proposed aperture is based on SI2s proven wideband antenna architectures and novel antenna miniaturization techniques. Our proposed solution uses a single, conformal aperture to meet the platform requirements.In PH I, SI2 will simulate and optimize aperture performance. We will also simulate the achievable performance in a direction-finding system, and develop a manufacturing plan for the conformal direction-finding aperture technology. SI2 will validate our design and manufacturing approach via fabrication and test of a proof of concept hardware demonstrator to demonstrate TRL 4 at the conclusion of the PH I program. In PH II, we will refine and optimize performance of the ultra-wideband dual-polarized aperture and will also work to integrate it with next-generation direction-finding electronics to develop a full system solution.; BENEFIT: Evolving electronic threats faced by the AF require direction-finding platforms that are able to detect over a broad frequency range and with polarization diversity. Key to achieving this performance is the development of antenna technology that provides ultra-wideband, dual-polarization performance over a wide field of view, in a form factor that is appropriate for airborne applications. SI2s proposed innovative ultra-wideband structurally integrated aperture technology is a key enabling technology for addressing the next generation of RF threats.In addition to integration onto AF airborne platforms, there are many other military applications for a compact, low-profile, ultra-wideband direction-finding system. As an example, US Navy submarine direction-finding ability is currently limited due to lack of space for upgraded platforms that would require larger antennas. Military operations requiring covert or low-observable operation (such as SOCOM) could also benefit from enhanced direction-finding ability in a small package.