Spatial Link Analysis for Airborne Platforms (SLAAP)

PMA-265 seeks a comprehensive RF propagation modeling tool that exploits three-dimensional antenna patterns, complete platform location and orientation specification, and terrain data to model air-to-ground, air-to-air, and air-to-satellite links over a wide range of RF frequencies. The solicitation authors want a robust tool that completely defines the 3-D RF environment and performs multiple types of spatial availability analysis, while facilitating use by individuals that do not possess a deep knowledge of RF propagation theory. Barron Associates, Inc., proposes development of the Spatial Link Analysis for Airborne Platforms (SLAAP) software tool, which will address the myriad facets of a complex electromagnetic modeling problem. A key innovation will be the ability to incorporate 3-D antenna patterns and dynamic aircraft orientation to produce a complete spatial analysis of RF coverage. The result of the proposed work will be a user-friendly GUI that incorporates the various aspects of the modeling problem, permitting easy study setup and generating, as output, 3-D visualizations that are easy to manipulate and consume. Phase I deliverables include use case demonstration, documentation of propagation models and algorithms utilized in Phase I and under consideration for Phase II, preliminary GUI layouts, and the roadmap to product transition to the fleet.