Affordable Active Phased Array Sensor Systems

In this Phase I effort, FIRST RF will develop and evaluate concepts enabling Ku and Ka band phased array missile seekers. Phased array systems eliminate all moving components reducing the likelihood of mechanical failures. As an added bonus, phased arrays provide a measure of graceful degradation in case of failure in a single component. To achieve tactically-significant power levels, innovative thermal management solutions are required. This problem becomes significantly more complex at Ku and Ka bands. FIRST RF proposes a very innovative approach which has been specifically designed around thermal management. The novel phased array solution is based on our innovative architecture with an enhanced self-contained thermal management system to mitigate the high power densities in Ku and Ka band.