Ambiguity-Free Chirp Waveform for Reconnaissance, Intelligence and Surveillance Protection (AFCRISP)

ABSTRACT:IAI's novel AFCRISP waveform integrates LFM and Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) capabilities and enables target detection (radar screen visibility) using LFM techniques and weak/strong target isolation with precise position and velocity determination using novel DSSS processing. Key characteristics of our proposed AFCRISP waveform are: (a) Integrate properties of direct sequence spread spectrum and LFM waveforms, (b) Remain orthogonal on both transmit (if MIMO) and receive; (c) Can be designed to be (or operate as) LPI while in contested environments. Two additional important features of the AFCRISP signals, when properly processed using our two-mode reception, are: (a) Exploitation capabilities of LFM waveforms (i.e., Doppler tolerant as it remain delay-orthogonal under arbitrary Doppler); (b) High bandwidth and high processing gain of DSSS, used to achieve high resolution imaging to separate weak from close-apart strong targets. Intelligent Automation, Inc. (IAI) proposes to develop and characterize the performance of the proposed AFCRISP waveform using analysis, simulation and experimentation over actual RF using IAI's RFnest test tool with hardware/RF-in-the-loop and model-based wireless environment emulation. In Phase II, we will develop exploitation algorithms for affordable ISR systems that could fully leverage the novel AFCRISP features to provide tactical edge advantage in A2AD contested environment. BENEFIT:This novel technology will enable extend the use of LFM waveforms to contested/anti-access area denial (A2AD) environment and will find wide use for military applications to improve the effectiveness of ISR systems by improved signal to clutter and noise ratio, while providing ultra high resolution to discern a weak target close to a strong target for both SAR and GMTI exploitation.