Evolving Onboard/Offboard Electronic Warfare Technology

The capability to precisely locate and identify radio frequency (RF) threats in real time is critical for warfighter system of systems environments that utilize multiple sensors. Developmental radar warning sensors such as the Precision Location andIdentification (PLAID) and special receiver collection systems determine precise threat location or identify by making extremely accurate parameter measurements of Doppler/phase shifts, angle-of-arrival (AOA), and time difference of arrival (TDOA).Open-air ranges cannot provide dense emitter environments, nor the controlled, repeatable conditions essential for valid and affordable testing. Current DOD laboratory testing facilities and commercial simulations cannot simulate all the detailed, finegrain signal characteristics required to effectively test PLAID technologies. Innovative simulation concepts are required that can generate appropriate RF signal modulations with an accuracy/resolution exceeding the measurement capability of PLAID sensors.This Phase II SBIR will develop and build a creative design concept called the Advanced TDOA, AOA, and Phase (ATAP) threat simulation that addresses the critical technology challenges of testing PLAID sensors. A prototype ATAP system, as designed in thePhase I will be fabricated and demonstrated in the AFRL/SN Integrated Demonstrations and Applications Laboratory (IDAL). Phase II will result in a simulator prototype single channel design, that is readily expandable into a multi-channel system withpotential applications as a commercial product. ATAP will have a high payoff by reducing development risk and testing cost by enabling rapdi prototyping of hardware design and softeware algorithms in a controlled environment. ATAP is adaptable tocommercial Automated Test Equipment (ATE) applications to test Air Traffic Control Systems, Microwave Landing Systems (MLS), cellulat telephones, Global Position (GPS), and VHF/UHF communications. It is also useful as a commercial tool for testing ECM/ESMsystems in aircraft (B-2, F-15, F-22, etc.) integration laboratories. With high gain amplifiers and antennas, ATAP has applications in open air range testing, and EW combat simulation and training.