Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Technology for Covert Airborne Radio and Other Applications

Advances in impulse, or Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology by ANRO Engineering, Inc. (ANRO) over the past 10 years now provide a firm foundation for advanced communication system applications, including video, voice, data and ranging information in an LPI/D waveform. A UWB data link is proposed to meet the requirements for a Wideband Covert Airborne Radio (WCAR) capable of providing wind dropsonde and two-way air-to-air communication requirements. ANRO has demonstrated the capability to transmit covert UWB data at a rate of 1 Mb/s for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle applications. Under UWB radar programs ANRO has developed certain novel components including a high power transmitter, CFAR receiver, and a high-gain, low-noise amplifier. These modules will be utilized in a combined theoretical and experimental program to prove WCAR feasibility. ANRO will perform an analysis of the performance and cost of a WCAR system. A brassboard model demonstrating the feasibility of a free space data link is proposed under Phase I. Under Phase II, ANRO will deliver hardware for flight testing and evaluation.