Department of the navy (don) 18. 1 Small Business Innovation Research (sbir) Proposal Submission Instructions introduction

Achieving an innovative UAV solution provides two specific benefits to the warfighter. First, it enables a greater proliferation of geographically diverse network nodes enabling data routing around EMI sources. Secondly, it can provide a relay functionality that supports sustained network connectivity between geographically diverse nodes. In both cases the system performance can be improved while avoiding deployment of high-cost tactical assets or deploying manned systems for these functions.

The Navy is seeking an airborne, small SWaP, half-duplex, C-band active antenna subsystem that achieves 39dBW directional effective radiated power (EIRP) while minimizing sidelobes in transmit, and maximizing gain minus noise figure (G-F) and dynamic range in receive. This high EIRP is required in order to close links to the horizon in a variety of weather and EMI conditions while the high dynamic range is required to discern distant signals in the presence of nearby signals and noise. Rapid beam steering is necessary to support large network sizes with a highly directional array. On other platforms, this combination of requirements has resulted in antenna subsystems that have a large SWaP footprint. Accomplishing all the above on a UAV while minimizing SWaP will require utilization of modern technologies and technical innovation. The platform for this project will be the MQ-8C Fire Scout. It is critical that the architecture developed for the antenna is scalable from this design point to alternative configurations, enabling lower or higher performance based on available SWaP. For example, the primary components of the design could be scaled down to 50% of the SWaP or up to 200% based on a future design point. The driving requirements for the needed technology advances should result in a scalable, light-weight, high-efficiency, air-cooled antenna subsystem and must achieve high directivity and rapid beam steering in a small antenna, should achieve an overall transmit efficiency of no less than 25% and be capable of a transmit duty cycle of 50%.

The antenna subsystem will provide interfaces that include: Radio Frequency (RF)-Transmit (Tx), RF-Receive (Rx), digital control, and power. Digital control commands to the antenna will include a trigger signal, azimuth beam-steering angle, RF frequency information, Tx power level, Tx or Rx switch control, and diagnostic queries. All antenna control functions such as power level adjustments, phase and amplitude control, and Tx and Rx switching will be processed within the antenna subsystem. Any necessary power conditioning and cooling will also be included within the antenna subsystem. The antenna subsystem is not required to perform any up or down conversion or signal processing. The antenna subsystem developed under this SBIR will also be required to interface to the MQ-8C Fire Scout for both power and physical attachment. The antenna architecture should be scalable for different levels of RF performance and SWaP so that the basic building blocks can be used across multiple applications (although each application would be expected to have a unique design).

The antenna should be a steerable active phased array that operates in C-Band, and is able to rapidly form beams in any azimuth position at any frequency within the operating bandwidth (BW). Additionally, the antenna pattern must provide good coverage for all body orientations during flight with a goal of no more than 3dB of loss relative to maximum gain, in the absence of body blockage, within an elevation of ±10 degrees to the horizon. The gain roll-off for elevation angles less than -10 degrees should be proportional to gain loss with slant range. To minimize body blockage, the antenna will be housed into two pods, each with a 180° azimuthal coverage. The payload weight and volume available on UAVs is similarly constraining; therefore, a maximum weight limit of 75lbs. per pod should be assumed for the antenna subsystem. The antenna and supporting equipment housed in each pod is allocated a maximum payload dimension of 43.0” long x 10.3” high x 10.3” deep and an available power of 250W at 28VDC. Each antenna will include a self-contained cooling systems using ambient air with parameters based on worldwide operational conditions at altitudes from 1kft-15kft, and any necessary power conversion/filtering equipment.

The company should identify how they plan to achieve their design and provide supporting evidence for the feasibility of its Phase II design. This should include an engineering notebook that details all calculations and assumptions used, drawings and graphics to clearly communicate the design, performance predictions and supporting model(s), and material that clearly identifies scalability and substantiates predictions.

Background documents such as the interface control documents and the Phase II antenna subsystems performance specification will be provided by NAVSEA. The Phase II effort will likely require secure access. NAVSEA will process the DD254 to support the contractor for personnel and facility certification for secure access. The Phase I effort will not require access to classified information. If need be, data of the same level of complexity as secured data will be provided to support Phase I work.

Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. Owned and Operated with no Foreign Influence as defined by DOD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of this contract as set forth by DSS and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advance phases of this contract.

PHASE I: Define and develop a concept for a scalable, directional C-Band active array antenna subsystem. Demonstrate the feasibility of the concept in meeting Navy needs and establish that the concept can be feasibly produced. Feasibility will be established by some combination of initial analysis or modeling. Feasibility will also be established by analysis of the proposed SWaP footprint, suitable for Group-IV UAV platforms. The Phase I Option, if awarded, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype in Phase II. Develop a Phase II Plan.

PHASE II: Based on the Phase I results and the Phase II Statement of Work (SOW), develop and deliver a prototype that will demonstrate the performance parameters outlined in the description. Testing, evaluation, and demonstration are the responsibility of the small business and should therefore be included in the proposal. Validation of the prototype will be through comparison of model predictions to measured performance. Prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology for Navy and potential commercial use.

It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology to Navy use and further refine the prototype according to the Phase III development plan to determine its readiness for system integration and qualification testing. This will be accomplished through platform integration and test events managed by PEO IWS to transition the technology into Navy Group-IV UAV systems with an initial integration onto the MQ-8C Fire Scout.

The efforts of the research in scalable, high-performance antennas will have direct application to private sector industries that involve directional communications between many small nodes over large areas. These applications include transportation, air traffic control, and communication industries.

REFERENCES:

1. Akbar, F. and Mortazawi, A. "Design of a compact, low complexity scalable phased array antenna." 2015 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium, Phoenix, AZ, 2015, pp. 1-3. doi: 10.1109/MWSYM.2015.7167107. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281069226_Design_of_a_compact_low_complexity_scalable_phased_array_antenna

2. Mayo, R. and Harmer, S. "A cost-effective modular phased array." 2013 IEEE International Symposium on Phased Array Systems and Technology, Waltham, MA, 2013, pp. 93-96. doi: 10.1109/ARRAY.2013.6731807. http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=6731807

3. Neumann, N., Hammerschmidt, C., Laabs, M. and Plettemeier, D. "Modular steerable active phased array antenna at 2.4 GHz." 2016 German Microwave Conference (GeMiC), Bochum, 2016, pp. 333-336. doi: 10.1109/GEMIC.2016.7461624. http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=7461624

4. “Autonomous Vehicles in Support of Naval Operations, Chapter 4, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Capabilities and Potential.” The National Academic Press, 2005, ISBN 0-309-09676-6; https://www.nap.edu/catalog/11379/autonomous-vehicles-in-support-of-naval-operations

5. Agrawal, A., Kopp, B., Luesse, M. and O’Haver, K. “Active Phased Array Antenna Development for Modern Shipboard Radar Systems.” Johns Hopkins APL Technical Digest, 2001, Vol. 22, No. 4. http:// www.jhuapl.edu/techdigest/TD/td2204/Agrawal.pdf

KEYWORDS: Rapid Beam Steering; Directional Airborne Systems; Scalable Directional Antenna; Small SWaP; Phased Array; Group-IV Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Battlespace, Electronics, Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Combined EO/IR Surveillance and Response System (CESARS) FNC

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

OBJECTIVE: Develop a video camera that operates in the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) band and is highly compact, lightweight, and affordable.

DESCRIPTION: Small, affordable, digital video camera technology has seen a dramatic decrease in cost over the past several years. These cameras have benefitted from the proliferation of cell phone technology and the popularity of digital photography. However, these cameras operate in the visible light band where the commercial market has driven advances in the technology. Video cameras have widespread military use. However, military applications often demand video imaging in the infrared (IR) wavelength bands.

Shipboard situational awareness (SA) systems would benefit from highly compact, extremely lightweight, high performance, and inexpensive cameras that operate in the MWIR band. Lightweight cameras are faster to aim and quicker to stabilize. Shipboard cameras are not easily repaired so inexpensive cameras could become viable as essentially disposable items. In addition, other small, highly mobile military platforms (for example, unmanned vehicles and man-portable systems) could benefit from the technology, thereby encouraging economy of scale in further reducing cost.

Availability of such a camera is inhibited by three things: 1) lack of a commercial market comparable to the visible band, 2) special technical considerations arising from the particular nature of MWIR imaging, and 3) stringent military performance requirements. However, recent advances in MWIR focal plane array (FPA) technology, including smaller pitch pixels, higher operating temperatures, advanced readouts, and high dynamic range should enable the development of a compact MWIR camera.

Chief among the technical considerations are the MWIR FPA, the cryo-cooler required for the FPA to function, and the optics that must be designed and ground for the MWIR band (here we define the MWIR band as 3.7 to 4.8 microns wavelength). Added to this are requirements of adjustable field of view (i.e., zoom), high sensitivity, high dynamic range, and high resolution that are met on commercially available cameras; however, for the intended application, the additional demands of ultra-compactness, minimal weight, and ruggedness are paramount. Cost is also a deciding factor because it can be assumed that the risk of loss during the mission is high (for example, drones crash, man-portable equipment is often damaged in combat, and equipment in maritime deployment corrodes quickly). Objective goals are volume less than 120cm3, mass under 200g, and cost less than $5,000.

The Navy seeks development of a compact, lightweight, highly portable MWIR video imaging camera for shipboard and mobile deployment. The innovation may come in any of the component areas (MWIR optics, FPA, etc.) or, most preferably, in the combination of multiple technologies. Distributed apertures are permitted provided the combined volume, weight, and cost address the goals described. For general functional objectives, an image format exceeding 512 by 480 pixels is a threshold requirement. In addressing the FPA, smaller pitch pixel technology may prove desirable. However, noise equivalent temperature difference in high-sensitivity mode should be comparable to current MWIR cameras – that is, better than 0.025°K. Noise equivalent irradiance shall be minimized within the overall objective of optimizing size, weight, and affordability. The camera shall incorporate high dynamic range readout (HDR) capability in two software selectable modes: 1) imaging in normal thermal backgrounds (nominally -10°C nighttime to 45°C daytime) and, 2) imaging with greater than 100 times the nominal flux level of a 25°C (daytime) environment. The camera must be capable of capturing and providing a 64 by 64 (minimum) pixel image at a frame rate of 1000Hz. This “window” must be able to relocate anywhere in the field of view at 50Hz intervals. The full-field frame rate shall be, as a threshold, 30 frames per second and the readout circuit should be able to switch between full sensor and “window” mode with minimal (sub-microsecond) latency. Video output should be in an open, standard (non-proprietary) format, as the image processor and display are not considered part of the camera.

PHASE I: Define and develop a concept for a compact, lightweight, and affordable MWIR camera, meeting the objectives provided in the description above, and suitable for shipboard deployment in programs deriving from the Combined EO/IR Surveillance and Response System (CESARS) Future Naval Capabilities (FNC)—specifically Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block 4. Demonstrate the feasibility of its concept in meeting Navy needs and establish that the camera can be feasibly and affordably produced. Establish feasibility through a combination of initial concept design, analysis, and modeling. Establish affordability by analysis of the proposed components and manufacturing processes. The Phase I Option, if awarded, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype in Phase II. Develop a Phase II plan.

PHASE II: Based on the Phase I results and the Phase II Statement of Work (SOW), produce, test, and deliver a prototype compact, lightweight, and affordable MWIR camera for evaluation. Evaluate the prototype by testing accompanied by appropriate data analysis to confirm the prototype meets the parameters in the description. Address affordability by refining the affordability analysis to reflect the camera concept developed in Phase I, taking into account materials, components and manufacturing techniques. The affordability analysis will propose best-practice manufacturing methods to prepare the camera technology for Phase III transition.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology—first to CESARS and then to SEWIP Block 4. Refine the MWIR camera interfaces and packaging for insertion into CESARS and SEWIP Block 4. Demonstrate the technology in an advanced CESARS or initial SEWIP Block 4 prototype system to validate camera effectiveness and reliability in an operationally relevant environment. Support system tests and validation in order to certify and qualify initial production cameras. Produce the final product itself or under license and provide for insertion into the program baseline in partnership with the CESARS and SEWIP Block 4 prime contractors.

Infrared imaging technology is pervasive in military, security and surveillance, law enforcement, and scientific use. Advances made in this area have wide application in these fields.

REFERENCES:

1. Marcotte, Frederick, et al. “High-dynamic range imaging using FAST-IR imagery.” Proc. SPIE 9071, Infrared Imaging Systems: Design, Analysis, Modeling, and Testing XXV, 90710E, May 29, 2014. http://spie.org/Publications/Proceedings/Paper/10.1117/12.2053810

2. Fraenkel, Rami et al. “Cooled and uncooled infrared detectors for missile seekers.” Proc. SPIE 9070, Infrared Technology and Applications XL, 90700P, June 24, 2014. http://proceedings.spiedigitallibrary.org/proceeding.aspx?articleid=1885345

KEYWORDS: MWIR Camera; MWIR Imaging; MWIR Focal Plane Array; Video Imaging; Lightweight Cameras; MWIR Optics

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Battlespace, Electronics, Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS 435, Submarine Electromagnetic Systems

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

OBJECTIVE: Develop a cognitive algorithm that automatically analyzes 360-degree periscope imaging and recommends optimal camera settings to the operator.

DESCRIPTION: The Integrated Submarine Imaging System (ISIS) (AN/BVY-1) is the submarine system’s Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR) periscope sensor suite with the associated inboard hardware and software. The Advanced Processor Build (APB) program is the current software modernization process for submarine combat systems. This system and program provide for improvements to periscope photonic systems used on U.S. Navy submarines. Current periscope photonic systems are manually adjusted to achieve optimal performance when camera settings are properly set and image enhancement algorithms are tuned to real-time environmental conditions. However, current automatic camera settings for photonic cameras do not properly account for all conditions experienced by submarine periscopes. Specifically, submarine masts must function in all weather conditions. Many maritime conditions such as overcast environments are rarely sought by commercial photographers and are not included in commercially available cameras. Automated image quality recognition with recommended settings for improvement that covers all maritime conditions is needed. These recommendations would include changing gain, exposure, gamma, and color balance; insert polarizers and neutral density filters; and apply histogram equalizations and local contrast enhancement. This would relieve periscope operators of the need to continuously monitor image quality and make appropriate imaging adjustments. Effective image enhancement automation would free operators to examine imagery for contacts of interest and improve system performance to detect, classify, and identify contacts.

An innovative approach will provide cognitive recommended changes to the operator for optimizing the maritime imaging settings in the visible and infrared bands. Cognitive maritime imaging is envisioned to be similar to cognitive radar. Cognitive radar builds knowledge of the environment and makes recommendations to adjust the sensor parameters to maximize probability of detection while reducing false alarms. Applying this same type of cognitive framework to imaging would require continuous image quality assessment of attributes for contrast, resolution, noise, color, saturation, defocus, and blur to increase probability of detection while reducing false alarms. This process would make initial periscope camera setting recommendations and continually reassess these settings as conditions evolve. While this process provides for optimized settings, imaging stability will be maintained.

The Phase II effort will likely require secure access, and NAVSEA will process the DD254 to support the contractor for personnel and facility certification for secure access. The Phase I effort will not require access to classified information.

Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. Owned and Operated with no Foreign Influence as defined by DOD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of this contract as set forth by DSS and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advance phases of this contract.

PHASE I: Define and develop a concept for a Cognitive Maritime Imaging capability, and demonstrate the feasibility of that concept. The concepts for the capability must meet the requirements discussed in the description. Demonstrate the feasibility of the concept in meeting Navy needs and establish that the concept can be integrated into Navy periscope imaging systems. Establish feasibility through analytical modeling. The Phase I Option, if awarded, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype in Phase II. Develop a Phase II plan.

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I and the Phase II Statement of Work (SOW), develop and deliver a software prototype of the Cognitive Maritime Imaging capability for evaluation. Demonstrate the prototype’s capability in meeting the performance goals defined in the description through prototype evaluation and modeling or analytical methods. The demonstrations will take place at a Government- or company-provided facility. Prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology for Navy production and potential commercial use.