TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Battlespace
OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate an innovative compact, man-portable, ruggedized software-defined Doppler RADAR (Radio Detection And Ranging) system for the measurement of atmospheric winds and adverse weather features (e.g. thunderstorms, cloud fronts, etc…) that will have advanced characteristics such as adjustable RF waveforms allowing for versatile radar adaptability.
DESCRIPTION: There has been considerable interest and development in the use of software-defined radios for use in adaptable, multi-mission, micro-Radar development. Software-defined radar is a versatile radar system, where most of the processing, like signal generation, filtering, up-and down conversion, demodulation is performed by software. Most of the current efforts have been research oriented and have not delivered systems that are robust for practical field measurement. Within the Department of Defense, the U.S. Air Force have existing programs for development of portable Doppler RADAR systems but are operationally targeted less for direct tactical use in a local environment than to larger areas, typically out to 180km and large systems (>2000 lbs). The US Army has the need for real-time, high-resolution, short range tactical weather sensing that is critical for military applications such as forward-area Precision Airdrop (PAD), aviation operations including landing zones and weather hazard warning. There have been recent development efforts for the miniaturization of Coherent Doppler LIDAR (Light detection and ranging) sensor systems that can measure atmospheric winds in clear air but these systems fail to perform in degraded visibility conditions. Also, the range of these systems is not adequate for providing useful warnings of impending weather-related hazards. Man-portable Doppler RADAR systems, especially via software-defined technology, can improve the overall situational awareness within a tactical scale volume and can improve operational performance for aviation systems and mobility. The Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) required for man-portability into forward-areas will require systems with volumes less than 30L and weights less than 20kg to enable a single soldier to carry the system. This is the limiting size and weight for a single soldier to carry. Also, for these systems to gain practical use requires an efficient use of power for the sensor operation. Although the science involved in Doppler RADAR sensing is well developed, there still exists areas that pose barriers for successfully developing a man-portable RADAR. One of these barriers is in the use of novel waveforms that can allow for both detection of adverse weather and overcome potential problems with RF jamming. Also, as the overall RF power of the RADAR is reduced, novel methods will likely have to be employed for the efficient signal processing. There are complex technical barriers that will also have to be overcome for the successful development of a man-portable Doppler RADAR. As the size of Doppler RADAR decreases, the expected wavelength will also likely have to decrease due to the required size of the RADAR antenna to fit the man-portability requirement. This will likely force the system to operate in the X band of the RF spectrum. Also, most of the current Doppler RADAR's employ either a rotating antenna (single beam) or phased array for delivering the beam. Miniaturizing this component of the RADAR poses technical problems regarding both the optimal design to fit within the SWaP requirements and necessary functional constraints posed by the overall RF power and gain required for improving Signal to Noise(SNR). Another technical barrier is the development of compact signal processing/waveform generation electronics that ideally would be able to adapt to different sensing scenarios such as rapid update near field sensing, extended range sensing, and hard target detection.
PHASE I: Effort should be directed toward the development of initial design of the proposed miniature, software-defined MPDR system concept. Detailed algorithms for radar signal generation and processing should be evaluated, using a combination of real data and high fidelity simulation for effectiveness in wind and aerosol/cloud detection under various atmospheric conditions. Results should be documented. Strengths and deficiencies should be clearly identified. The preliminary design should be configured with optimized performance and ready to be implemented in hardware during Phase II. The man-portable design requirements are for the overall system to weigh less than 20Kg and have a volume less than 30L.The system should be designed to be capable of measuring atmospheric winds to 10km with adverse weather detected at 15km.
PHASE II: Develop a proof of concept breadboard prototype to demonstrate the technologies and capabilities identified and explored in Phase I. Upon completion and demonstration of proof of concept device, further develop the system to a prototype to reduce the size, weight and power (SWAP) of the MPDR sensor such that it weighs less than 20kg and does not occupy a volume larger than 30 L. The system should be capable of measuring atmospheric winds to 10km with adverse weather detected at 15km. Demonstrate the capabilities of the system in a field study. Expected maturity level at completion of Phase II is TRL 5.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The prototype should be further refined toward commercialization. The offeror should work with Army scientists and engineers, along with potential industry partners, to identify and implement technology transition to military and civilian applications. Civilian applications include aviation hazard warning for airports. Some specific military objectives under phase III could be operational testing with US Army Pathfinders supporting forward area aviation operations (such as precision air drop and landing zone support) as well as testing with US ARMY aviation operations providing support during landing and takeoff phases of flight which represent the greatest hazard for flight operations.
REFERENCES:
Debatty,T., ” Software defined RADAR a state of the art,” Proceedings of the 2nd International Workshop on Cognitive Information Processing, 14-16 June 2010, pp. 253-257, (2010).
Wiesback, W., “SDRS: Software-Defined Radar Sensors,”, Proceedings of the Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, 2001. IGARSS ’01 Conference, 9-13 July 2001, pp. 3259-3261 vol. 7 (2001)
Garmatyuk, D.; Schuerger, J.; Kauffman, K., "Multifunctional Software-Defined Radar Sensor and Data Communication System," Sensors Journal, IEEE , vol.11, no.1, pp.99,106, Jan. 2011
KEYWORDS: Atmospheric remote sensing, RADAR, Doppler, software-defined radio, Weather radar
TPOC-1: David Ligon
Phone: 301-394-1799
Email: david.ligon@us.army.mil
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