Luneburg Lens Enabled Broadband RF Signal Detection, Direction Finding and Geolocation System in a Drone Network (FALCON-LED)

Electromagnetic (EM) spectrum monitoring and signal source localization play a crucial role in the Army's efforts to maintain situational awareness, secure communication, conduct electronic warfare operations, detect threats, gather intelligence, and efficiently manage the EM spectrum. These capabilities directly contribute to the Army's overall operational effectiveness, safety, and mission success. As the demand for RF spectrum continues to grow and the spectrum becomes increasingly congested, RF spectrum monitoring becomes even more critical and challenging. This is due to the diverse range of signal frequencies, varying signal strengths, and complex environmental conditions found in both DoD and commercial domains. Furthermore, the widespread use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in DoD missions and commercial applications presents an opportunity to leverage their autonomous, robust, and versatile capabilities for RF spectrum monitoring and signal source localization. This offers the potential for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in addressing the challenges posed by the ever-evolving RF landscape. With the rapid advancement of semiconductor integrated circuits (IC) technology, digital electronics, including high-speed ADCs and DSPs, have become increasingly capable of handling signals with a wide frequency range and dynamic range. However, the performance of antennas, which serve as critical interfaces between the free space propagation of EM waves and ICs, remains a challenging limitation. Presently, antenna technologies are constrained by their limited frequency ranges, restricted field of view (FOV), and time-consuming calibration procedures, necessitating the use of multiple antennas to provide satisfactory system performance. This leads to increased system size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) requirements. Additionally, even the most broadband antenna solutions currently available lack the required accuracy and precision in azimuth and elevation for applications such as direction finding and geo-location. To address this Army needs, Lunewave proposes a Luneburg Lens Enabled Broadband RF Signal Detection, Direction Finding and Geolocation System in a Drone Network (FALCON-LED). This is made possible by a 3D printed Luneburg lens antenna which is renowned for its unique design, offering a range of advantages such as wide bandwidth, simple beam forming, and complete angle coverage.