Wideband Transmitter for Electronic Attack Aircraft

Trex Enterprises is pleased to submit this Phase II proposal to construct the prototype of a wideband, high-power solid-state amplifier deployable in airborne tactical counter-measure transmitters. Current counter-measure systems consist of many transmitters, with each responsible for only a narrow section of the total bandwidth. The development of an ultra-wideband high-power amplifier is needed to simplify the design of the transmitter, to reduce the system cost and to enhance system performance and reliability. The power amplifier is the heart of a transmitter and is the reason for the narrow-band response because power and bandwidth are two contradicting requirements. Trex proposes a novel amplifier topology that will enable the construction of a kW-class solid-state power amplifier which operates from 500MHz to 4000MHz in the near future. Specifically, in Phase II, Trex will design, construct, test and deliver a 300W solid-state amplifier, from 500MHz to 3000MHz. This amplifier will be constructed by combining four 75W basic power modules (BPMs). The elemental BPM can be utilized as is in the next-generation phased array systems, being contemplated at present. In turn, the 300W solid-state amplifiers can be utilized as building blocks for the constructions of kW-class power amplifiers in classical single-antenna systems.