Tactical Body-Worn RF Antenna Vest

Today, SOF Tactical users normally must stop moving and setup equipment to perform radio frequency (RF) detection and direction finding (DF). This limits their effectiveness to other team members. The goal of SOCOM in the next generation is to permit onthe move hands free RF detection by way of a Body-Worn Antenna Vest. It is envisioned that the SOF user would attach a receiver and a power source onto his belt or in his backpack, then connect the receiver via a flexible coaxial cable at a single pointon the vest.The objective of this SBIR Program is to design the antenna into common existing SOF tactical web gear or protective vest, such as the SPEARS BALCS. The vest can contain a variety of antennas, with the RF combining into a single output that will meetfrequency range, VSWR, and directional requirements. Additional capabilities to be investigated include the abilities to transmit communications signals, to operate in the prone position, as well as to receive satellite transmissions (e.g. globalpositioning system).The effort in phase II will be directed toward the development of several functional prototypes: an initial vest antenna prototype constructed using production representative materials, followed by a fully DF-functional SOF version, and finally a civilianversion. Validation will be initially performed via an existing DF system test bed, then by integration with available COTS DF tactical receivers.