Carbon Fibers Dipole Chaff for Millimeter Waves

To address the Navys need for high radar cross section (RCS) low-cost chaff for operation in the millimeter wave frequencies, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to continue development of a new Graphite Fiber Dipole Chaff (GFDC). This proposed chaff is based on commercially available, inexpensive metal-coated graphite fibers. Specifically, the innovation in manufacturing technology and dense chaff packaging will enable its efficient dissemination, producing a dipole cloud with a RCS exceeding 500 m^2. The GFDC will provide platform protection within the frequency range from 33 GHz to 38 GHz with the potential to extend protection to lower frequencies. It will be fully compatible with existing chaff dispensing systems. In Phase I, POC demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed MMW chaff through theoretical modeling and experimental measurements of dipole RCS, fabrication of experimental prototypes and demonstration of efficient chaff dissemination. In Phase II, POC will mature the fabrication technology, fabricate several batches of chaff assembled in standard cartridges and measure the RCS of the ejected dipole cloud. Multiple cartridges of MMW chaff will be produced in partnership with a major chaff manufacturer and delivered to the Navy for flight testing. These flight tests will elevate the GFDC to TRL-7.