Structurally Integrated Wideband Low Profile Metamaterial Antenna (1000-161)

SI2 Technologies, Inc. (SI2) proposes an innovative solution to the Navy’s need for wideband antennas to support naval ships and Marine Corps’ vehicle communications, electronic warfare (EW), and radar functions. SI2 will develop efficient, broadband, metamaterial antennas for operation in the VHF-UHF frequency range. These antennas will initially be designed for integration with the composite topside structure of ships and tactical armored vehicles. SI2 has teamed with a non-profit corporation to develop the embedded antenna and a prime contractor for commercializing the technology. During Phase I, the wideband metamaterial antenna concepts will be refined using high fidelity numerical modeling and simulation tools. The performance of the antenna systems will be simulated and validated through the manufacture and testing of a coupon level hardware demonstrator. The structurally integrated antenna will be fabricated using Direct Write technology. A full scale prototype will be fabricated in the follow-on Phase II program. The prototype will be tested on a representative platform to demonstrate the antenna’s RF performance.