EX-AEROBODY (WASP/N) TECHNOLOGY EXPLORATION

AEREON'S Wide Aperture Surveillance Platform (WASP) concept represents an effective, affordable solution to primary problems of airborne radar surveillance: 360 degree coverage, high altitude, long endurance and high power aperture. Very large phased array antenna panels, triangularly installed within a conformal platform, deliver unique capability for Cooperative Engagement and other Joint Service opportunities. Design studies and simulations by AEREON, under a USAF/ESD SBIR Phase I and II developed a preliminary design (WASP/AF) of this 200,000 lb. aircraft stationing its three 65 x 15 foot antenna panels above 30,000 feet for over 16 hours, unrefueled. AEREON proposes to use that technology to examine a carrier-based version, "WASP/N," a potent Navy EX candidate (EX-Aerobody). Phase I first will examine EX-specific aspects of the design: aerodynamic and structural issues raised by carrier basing; reduced size; and twin-engined configuration. Second, AEREON will examine trailing edge radome configurations and performance, critically important both to WASP/N and WASP/AF. Phase I efforts will utilize available CFD, FEA and EMR codes along with AEREON's performance and stability estimating software. A Phase II program to measure and evaluate trailing edge radome aerodynamic and electromagnetic performance and to perform experimental radar/radome investigations will be proposed.