Common Aperture for Radar and Communications to Enable Swarming Munitions

During Phase I, IMSAR demonstrated the ability to perform communication functions using our high-TRL, low-SWaP radar systems and ESA antennas coupled with COTS communications radios for a US Air Force customer.  Based on our Phase I results and our AF customer’s need for coordinated seeker munitions capability, IMSAR LLC proposes to design a radar capable of both radar seeker and communications functions for use in coordinated munitions. Specifically, the radar’s aperture, or ESA antennas, will serve as an instrument for communications between several munitions working in a coordinated effort as seekers. The aperture, which will be designed to fit within the nose cone of each munition, will also be capable of transmitting and receiving radar intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data. The proposed solution will provide the AF customer with mesh network-type communications for swarming munitions, battle damage assessment, and improved targeting capability. Also, by using one system for multiple functions, the customer will meet low SWaP and cost constraints.