SBIR-STTR Award

In this Phase I SBIR, we will perform system-level engineering to evaluate integrating Harris Corporation's RT-1944/U with Fidelity Comtech's commercial off-the-shelf phased array, the Phocus Array System. The RT-1944/U is a proven design, as is the Phocus Array System. We will do system engineering to show the anti-jam performance that can be achieved with this approach. Furthermore, we will develop a concept design for a variant of the Phocus Array that will be designed specifically for the RT-1944/U radio.

Benefit:
The most popular wireless networks are based on the IEEE 802.11 network, and it is being used for mission critical applications beyond those for which it was originally intended. Interference between 802.11 networks is becoming an increasing problem, and jeopardizing the reliability of these networks. The technology developed here can be applied to mission-critical commercial networks to improve their reliability.

Keywords:
phased array, phased array, Wireless Networks, Antenna optimization, anti-jamming

The Phase 1 SBIR project addressed a significant vulnerability of the SeaLancet RT-1944/U Communication System: its susceptibility to jamming. This vulnerability can affect the ability of the Navy to provide Mine Countermeasures because the SeaLancet is being used as part of the Mine Countermeasures Mission Package in the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program. The overall objective of this Phase II effort is to develop and demonstrate an operational prototype of an Anti-Jam (AJ) phased array antenna for the RT-1944/U capable of operation and deployment with the Remote Multi-Mission Vehicle (RMMV). The following technical milestones have been identified: 1. Finalize the integration strategy for the RMMV. 2. Integrate the noise monitoring receiver and signal processing hardware required for anti-jam capability into the FCI-3740 antenna head. 3. Refine anti-jam algorithms that were developed in Phase I and produce production code. 4. Extend the frequency range of the FCI-3740 antenna head to match the range of the RT-1944/U radio. 5. Repackage the FCI-3740 hardware for the NAVSEA environment and mission. 6. Demonstration in a relevant environment. The objective of the Phase II Option is to enable Anti-Jam capability to the other end of the communications link, that of the attendant LCS.

Benefit:
The null steering capabilities developed through this effort will find application in our commercial wireless networks. We currently provide commercial, mission critical, wireless networking solutions for the ports industry using unlicensed spectrum. One of the key attributes of improving the operation of these networks is our ability to minimize interference from neighboring ports that also use WiFi technology in unlicensed bands. The null steering technology developed through this SBIR is used to minimize interference for specific jammers in the unlicensed bands, which in turn improves throughput and performance to our commercial customers. As the nation moves to increase the amount of spectrum available for broadband applications (c.f. the National Broadband Plan and the Executive Memorandum) this technology will enable better sharing of spectrum between DoD services and commercial broadband services in the 3.6 GHz bands currently being considered by the FCC and NTIA. Our technology, which has been expanded and improved through the development undertaken by these SBIR awards, will enable better sharing by utilizing smaller exclusion zones, between DoD radar applications and proposed commercial broadband applications. This increase of spectral efficiency will enable the country to provide more broadband services, which then drives the economy for the nation.

Keywords:
electronic countermeasures, Phased Array Antenna, anti-jam, Remote Multi-Mission Vehicle, Littoral Combat Ship