Innovative ECM System for Tilt Rotor/Rotary Wing Aircraft

Innovative Defensive ECM (DECM) techniques are required to reduce the number of shots a threat SAM/AAA can accurately fire on VERTOL/VSTOL aircraft to improve their survivability. This project is focused on providing innovative self-defense DECM solutions to protect tilt rotor aircraft that offer a large RCS target to SAM/AAA weapons in close-in engagements. The RF aspect of the problem is addressed for large RCS, slow moving, non-maneuvering targets during take-off and landing, and selected ingress/egress profiles. The project investigates DRFM signature control techniques, high speed/high power switiching devices, waveform systhesis, Active Element Arrays (AEA), fiber optics, wideband LNA's HFET and HBT solid state devices and emerging technology on DECM concept designs. The project in Phase I develops a DECM concept design, and recommends a prototype laboratory system to be developed for Phase II validation, closed loop simulation, or advanced technical demonstration.