Electromagnetic Localization, Interrogation and Disruption (ELID) Utilizing an Ultra-Wide Band Vivaldi Antenna Array

SARA’s ELID system is designed to provide a standoff surveillance and reconnaissance intelligence gathering capability to the Warfighter when advancing into or maintaining a presence within unsecured battlespace areas. Mounted on an advance-deployed Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) the ELID is expected to be the first to encounter electronic signals and transmissions which provides an opportunity to localize the sources of RF emissions and determine threat intent. Whether patrolling the perimeter of a secure area or while advancing at the front of the area-of-influence of an advancing company, the ELID UGV quickly and continuously monitors the electronic communication and surveillance environment for emission signals and reports tactical data relevant to the emission source. The warfighter can then utilize the ELID system to disrupt the emission signal or to develop a target. The Vivaldi ultrawide-band antenna array combines the native wide-band frequency measuring capabilities of single-element Vivaldi antennas with cross-element resonance artifacts of the array to enhance frequency measuring capabilities of the system. The capability to interdict and redress enemy emissions with a highly mobile, unmanned robotic system equipped with advanced modular sensors will enhance our warfighter’s strategic superiority in battlefield and provide an important capability in maintaining our military’s asymmetrical advantage.