In the long-term, the Navy is moving toward a multifunction submarine mast (or family of masts) supporting communications, electronic warfare (EW), and radar functions in a common aperture to alleviate, as much as possible, the clutter of masts (see Inset Pictures) on a typical submarine sail. In order to accomplish this objective, innovative wideband antenna technologies are required as the key step in developing a multifunction submarine mast. For this Phase I program, Spectra Research and its team members will leverage its recent accomplishments in advanced antenna designs (and those of its research partner) to investigate the application of fragmented aperture technologies, possibly in concert with non-resonant based meta-material substrates, to develop a broadband antenna specifically in the topology required for mounting on a submarine mast. The technical objectives of the program are to demonstrate that fragmented aperture or fragmented volume antenna designs can be utilized to great advantage in meeting the requirements of the solicitation. Specifically, the research team will utilize our advanced antenna technologies to produce a broadband antenna (bandwidth of 10:1 or greater) that demonstrates superior performance over a selected frequency range with a predetermined polarization capability over a full 360 degree azimuthal field.
Benefit: The proposed Phase I effort is an important step toward continued commercialization of broadband communication antennas for military and civilian use. There is a significant civilian market for low cost communication antennas, particularly for mobile satellite communications applications. Assuming the technical challenges are resolved, our commercialization strategy involves the following: [1] continue to identify likely end-users of the technology, and determine their specific product needs through direct communication and site visits; [2] develop prototypes using existing R&D resources, and get them into the hands of potential customers as quickly as possible for evaluation; [3] establish partnerships with existing manufacturers for packaging and fabrication advice.; and [4] sell directly to equipment manufacturers, with an internet presence to increase customer awareness of our technology and product line. There is a clear market pull for advanced communication antennas for both military electronics and the commercial broadband wireless and satellite communications arena. The key features offered by fragmented aperture and fragmented volume antennas are extremely low cost and versatility over a wide range of frequencies by virtue of the wide tunability 0x9D of the devices. We are confident that this common aperture antenna project can help achieve an instant market through numerous applications in the Military and Homeland Security markets.
Keywords: Fragmented Apertures, Fragmented Apertures, Wide Spatial Coverage, Mast-mounted Antennas, Ultra Wideband, metamaterials
