Low SWAP-C Multi-function Multi-band Antenna Payload

The vision for this STTR Direct-to-Phase II effort is to develop a prototype system that is low SWAP-C, frequency agile and software defined such that it can perform radar sensing, passive RF sensing, communications, and jamming in multiple frequency bands (X, Ku and/or K for example) on board a small attritable autonomous vehicle.áááSuch a solution would enable aerial, ground, or surface vehicles to be tasked according to mission needs ľ for surveillance, communications, or electronic warfare ľ and to operate in contested environments using state of the art small form factor phased arrays technology (directed energy).ááThis capability is a key enabling element behind theáReplicatoráconcept that MatrixSpace is well positioned to provide new innovations for.ááOver the past two years, MatrixSpace has developed an innovative mmWave software defined phased array system called DopplerSpace, which is a dual mode radar plus mesh network device that operates at 24GHz.ááThe dual-mode capability was demonstrated to AFLCMC/HBUM (PEO Digital) in a Phase II SBIR for use in base defense/force protection scenarios.ááIn the demonstration, DopplerSpace was used for ground-to-air radar (detecting drones), air-to-ground radar/air-to-air radar (on-board a drone), as well as ground-to-air, and air-to-air (on-board drones) directional mmWave mesh networking.ááSince that demonstration, MatrixSpace has brought the radar function to market for commercial applications in low-airspace operations that include detect, alert and avoid (DAA), drone as a first responder (DFR), and in the future urban air mobility (UAM).áá In this Phase II SBIR, MatrixSpace will collaborate with customer and end-user stakeholders to extend the baseline DopplerSpace modular hardware and software architecture beyond dual-mode operation to include full multi-mode support for passive sensing, active sensing (radar), communications, and jamming/EW in a UAV compatibleáLow SWAP-C Multi-function Multi-band Antenna Payload.ááThe DopplerSpace architecture includes a software defined baseband processor capable of interfacing with multiple phased array antenna front-end modules.ááThe small form-factor and low-cost baseband processor with selectable front-end module/frequency can be integrated with UAVs, UGVs, or USVs and will play a key role in supporting multi-mission, multi-function, multi-domain operations in mass as envisioned byáReplicator.ááThe team will demonstrate a prototype capability and present findings for implementing a full solution capable of spanning all desired frequency bands in a follow-on Phase III program.áá