Small Business Innovative Research Award
| Topic Number: | A02-120 |
| Proposal Title: | X-Band Interferometric Radar (XBIR) for MMR Precision Tracking |
| Firm Name: | Applied Radar, Inc. |
| Phase I/II: | II |
| Technical Abstract: |
| An X-band interferometric radar (XBIR) system employing
digital beamforming (DBF) is proposed to supplement the S-band multi-mission
radar (MMR) phased array currently under development by Syracuse Research.
This auxiliary X-band array will bolt onto the approximate 1.5 x 2.0 meter
MMR array and provide a precision tracking capability for fire control.
The two radars will operate cooperatively in various modes of operation
handing off targets between the two radar systems and the fire control system.
This dual-frequency capability will allow the MMR to realize the long-range
target detection and all-weather performance offered by the S-band system
with a precision tracking and targeting capability offered by an X-band
array.
Digital beamforming will be utilized to achieve the full potential of
the X-band aperture through the use of dynamic array calibration, adaptive
beam shaping, null steering, and improved target tracking. However, significant
technical challenges exist in the design of the X-band antenna aperture,
T/R modules and DBF processor. A modular MMIC-based approach will be used
and attempts will be made to reduce the hardware cost and complexity.
This project will draw upon Applied Radar's on-going X-band DBF and T/R
module development for another DoD customer. |