Electronically Scanned Phased Array Antenna (ESA)

It would be highly desirable for military aircraft to utilize low-power radar when operating in all-weather conditions and low altitudes. The problem with this class of radar is that it requires a large antenna to receive an acceptable return to conduct operations. While such an antenna is acceptable for fixed wing aircraft, it is not for rotary and tilt-rotor aircraft because on-board size and weight constraints. Electronically scanned antenna (ESA) technology could provide the solution to this requirement. However, since airborne ESA suitable for expensive fixed-wing aircraft is generally expensive and heavy, it is therefore desirable to develop a lightweight, low-cost ESA that will allow incorporation of low-power coherent type radar systems on-board rotary and tilt-rotor aircraft. As is well known, ESA's have been in use for about 30 years, but are still too expensive with a per-module cost of $300 - $500. For rotary and tilt-rotor aircraft, the use of ESA will likely be predicted on the advent of array modules costing $100 or less per element. In this proposal, WEO outlines an approach using its proprietary technology to develop a laboratory model to meet this low-cost requirements for ESA.