Micro Airborne Relay Technology

ABSTRACT: Lexycom is proposing to design a miniature software-defined radio (SDR) transceiver for Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) installations to support over-the-horizon TSPI/video relaying capability. Depending on the data traffic requirements, the proposed SDR can be equipped with several RF sections for simultaneous processing/relaying of independent data streams.Being an SDR, the proposed transceiver would minimize ownership costs and development risks because of: (i) its permissiveness of future waveform updates, (ii) it can be used not only as a relay, but also as an end-node transceiver. In compliance with the DoD"s data ciphering requirements, the proposed SDR is envisioned to be able to sustain real-time FIPS/NSA algorithm(s). Optionally, the transceiver can control a lightweight Self-Structuring Antenna (SSA). The SDR-SSA combination would improve link quality by optimizing the antenna"s aperture in response to node movements and to compensate for RPV motions. Lexycom plans to utilize its field-proven platform of designing and manufacturing miniaturized SDRs. Towards the end of the PhaseI, Lexycom will use one of its production SDRs as a test-bed: hardware-in-the-loop to derive/confirm attainable system parameters. Preliminary analysis shows that, within the specified limitations, the proposed data/video 5Watt SDR may incorporate as many as four RF sections and would weigh ~8 ounces. BENEFIT: A miniature Software Defined Radio (SDR) relay system for small Remotely Piloted Vehicles (RPV) could be put to use in a variety of applications such as range/field exercises, missile testing, border patrol, search and rescue, intelligence/information gathering, remote monitoring, and public safety. The ability to fly over a specific geographic region and provide real time, multi-service data and situational information to ground patrols, fixed base stations, and field operations would be extremely beneficial to both military and civilian applications. The use of small Remotely Piloted Vehicles for border patrol would be an effective tool to curb unofficial entry of people and/or goods in to the United States. Search/Rescue teams would benefit greatly from the use of Remotely Piloted Vehicle Systems by greatly reducing the search time with the ability to locate missing and/or injured parties via a fly over. Additionally, critical information could be relayed back to first responders and care providers thus saving valuable prep time for those that have been injured. Remote monitoring in desolate hard to reach areas would serve as an early warning system in the event of natural disasters. Main concerns for police, fire, and emergency medical personnel are the ability to react swiftly, efficiently, and safely to both natural and man-made disasters. Multi-service real time communications with fly-over capability would be extremely beneficial in emergency situations when first responder activities need to be highly coordinated between several different groups.