Wideband Wide Scan Low Profile Antennas for Intra-flight Communications and Data Links (1000-251)

ABSTRACT: SI2 Technologies, Inc. (SI2) will design and develop a form and fit upgrade for the existing data link antennas on F-35. By leveraging a novel wideband low profile array architecture, significantly lower scan loss is achieved; this provides stronger links and longer ranges over a wider field-of-view. SI2"s array technology is inherently wideband enabling the extension of operational frequencies to other data links. The proposed array development could potentially provide new capabilities to the F-35 in terms of creating data links at other frequencies to enable data transfer to/from other platforms such as: F-22, B-2, smart weapons, UAV, etc. Phase I will culminate in a hardware demonstration of a small-scale array optimized for RF requirements identified by the Air Force and reviewed by a supporting prime contractor. BENEFIT: The specific objective of this research is to provide improved and advanced functionality to the F-35 data link system. Development of a wide scan array capability has applications to many airborne platforms. The high efficiency and low cost of the proposed array architecture makes it a good candidate for high data rate communications, RADAR, ISR, EW/EA functions and more. SI2 is committed to advancing the state-of-the-art of active electronically steered arrays (AESA) for defense applications. The results of this program will influence future research and be applied to solutions for other wide scan wideband array needs.