Planar Wideband Phased-Array Element For VHF RADAR

FIRST RF proposes a compact, broadband, highly integrated VHF SAR antenna array which consists of several key enabling technologies demonstrated during Phase I of this program. FIRST RF took an aggressive design approach in Phase I to prove that the conformal wideband antenna array can be used in conjunction with a robust, wideband beamforming network to steer a SAR beam over the desired angular sector. FIRST RF also verified high power beamformer performance. Finally, with the support of USAF, FIRST RF was able to complete a site visit for the C-130 for installation review. FIRST RF aggressively developed working hardware during Phase I, and is ready to begin platform integration and installed testing in Phase II. The primary objective of the Phase II SBIR program is to develop a thin (low-profile) wide-band phased array element for use in low-band VHF foliage penetrating radar applications. The Phase II program will expand on the work completed in Phase I in the area of numerical modeling and antenna design. The effort will culminate in the fabrication, test, and delivery of a full scale flight-like antenna array demonstrated on a representative aircraft model.