Research Area 14: Multi-Function, Multi-Mode Radar Research

RW is looking to sponsor research on innovative radar frequency (RF) component and system technologies and associated software to offer improved performance or reduction in Cost, Size, Weight, and Power (CSWaP). Future multifunction radars will need to provide a wide range of sensory and communications functions. These functions may include altimeter, navigation-aiding, communication (1-way or 2-way datalink), mid-course guidance, target selection and non-target rejection, terminal tracking, and Guidance Integrated Fuzing (GIF) and aimpoint selection. The radar would require the ability to track moving and stationary targets and would employ Ground Moving Target Indication (GMTI), High Range Resolution (HRR), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Doppler Beam Sharpening (DBS), and endgame target engagement. The general cooperative radar integrating concept would be of a software-defined radar which could transmit and receive signals from distributed apertures over various center frequencies and bandwidths to accomplish the desired objectives. Any hardware or software system or subsystem would require associated software models for integration into Hardware-In-The-Loop (HWIL) and Software-In-The-Loop (SWIL) simulations to evaluate the merits of the proposed components, subsystems, and/or systems. Target applications could include seekers small enough to be incorporated into a larger munition and dispensed to engage multiple targets in a target-rich environment, as well as nose-mounted gimbaled and/or body-fixed, including conformally mounted apertures for a munition body ranging in diameter from 2.75″ to 14″ or more. Technologies should consider compatibility with wide-bandwidth waveforms, including noise-like waveforms for minimum interference to other radars. The desire is to extend operating range in adverse weather and to handle high-speed environments and the temperature extremes of high-altitude cold-soak and the aerodynamic heating associated with hypersonic speeds. Special emphasis should be place on engaging targets in a steep dive trajectory where the target will have minimal range separation from the clutter background. Note that all hardware and software subsystems/systems should address the ability to function in a real-time processing environment consistent with real-time target engagement.