High Sensitivity RF Spectral Monitor/Detector Payload for ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial System

The predictive understanding of Radio Frequency electromagnetic propagation is critical for the performance of Navy systems. To acquire the necessary data, the Navy needs a system integrated with the ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) capable of analyzing distant signals of opportunity while meeting strict Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) requirements placed on hardware payloads. To meet this need, Nokomis will provide a fully integrated system by leveraging existing Hiawatha capabilities and in-house experience developing small UAV antenna systems on platforms including the Silver Fox and Scheibel Camcopter. The Hiawatha system provides sensitive long range automated spectrum analysis and integrated Angle of Arrival (AoA) capabilities and signal source classification through a suite of detection and identification algorithms. Hiawatha is capable of covering 30 MHz to 18 GHz and a lightweight (1.7 lbs) version of the system has been flight tested over 30 MHz to 3 GHz. Under the Phase I Nokomis will demonstrate Hiawatha capabilities from a UAV through an outdoor range-based hang test, develop an azimuthally independent antenna system suitable for integration with the ScanEagle, and develop a system design and associated trades for an enhanced Phase II prototype expanding system frequency range and meeting SWaP and interface requirements.