Compact Passive Millimeter Wave Sensor for GPS-denied Navigation

ABSTRACT: FIRST RF has teamed with University Research Foundation (URF) and Radiometrics Corporation to develop a passive radiometer-based geolocation system for use with a wide variety of USAF platforms. The system will be comprised of a ruggedized, near-COTS radiometer system by Radiometrics Corporation, augmented with a robust 2-D scanning beamsteering antenna by FIRST RF Corporation and enhanced algorithms by URF which will allow the system to rapidly create a 3D mapping of terrain in the aircrafts vicinity.; BENEFIT: The proposed system will provide at least three important benefits to joint forces operating in conditions where GPS denial/deception is of potential risk: 1. Reduced or possibly zero dependency on the GPS system for geolocation services, allowing navigation in GPS degraded/denied/deceived environments. 2. Capability to provide geolocation services to non-equipped systems due to network-enabled sharing of geolocation data (e.g. as a GPS pseudolite). 3. Increased flight availability/range for equipped fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, even under extreme conditions, due to the ability to sense and avoid airborne icing hazards continuously during takeoff, flight, and landing.