VHF DF Antennas for SUAS

ABSTRACT: In this program, QFS proposes to develop and demonstrate a miniature VHF direction finding (DF) system integrated on a small unmanned aircraft system (SUAS) platform. This DF system will feature an antenna developed under our Phase I program that is suitable for signal reception in the VHF frequency band. We will integrate this antenna along with receiver and communications hardware on a representative SUAS vehicle. In addition, we will develop software running on a ground-based laptop to perform DF and geolocation of the collected signals. This analysis software will be based on the algorithms we developed under our Phase I program. The system will be demonstrated using RF transmitters operated by personnel on the ground. This demonstration will illustrate the DF and geolocation accuracy of the developed system. BENEFIT: For DoD applications, a compact RF direction finding/geolocation system mountable on a SUAS. Commercial applications exist in Homeland Security (mainly border surveillance), First Response, and Search and Rescue.