Variable Coverage Wide Field of View Metamaterial Antenna for Satellite Communications (1000-136)

SI2 Technologies, Inc. (SI2) proposes an innovative solution to the Air Force need for a variable coverage wide field of view satellite antenna operating from Ku and Ka bands, to support intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions as well as communications on the move. SI2''s integrated antenna and metamaterial system will provide the satellite with a broad and narrow field of view coverage, and robust communications link to increase mission effectiveness. Further, SI2’s proposed approach of implementing an integrated metamaterial for the antenna system will result in several benefits, such as light weight, wide bandwidth and very low profile when compared to the conventional antenna systems. During Phase I, the low profile antenna concept will be refined using high fidelity numerical modeling and simulation tools. The performance of the antenna system will be simulated and validated through the manufacture and testing of a coupon level hardware demonstrator. A full scale prototype will be fabricated in the follow-on Phase II program. The prototype will be tested on a representative platform structure to demonstrate the antenna RF performance. BENEFIT: Applications of the proposed antenna array include Air Force''s SATCOM program, satellite communication links, electronic and signal intelligence (ELINT/SIGINT), space radar warning receiver applications, manned and unmanned air, surface and sea vehicles, and a number of other DoD platforms, such as multi-mission warfighter. Commercial applications of SI2’s technology are numerous and include aircraft, satellite and wireless base station applications.