Micro Radio-Navigation Aid

The Air Force is seeking to develop a two-man-packable, man-portable, air-deliverable, covert tactical navigational aid system that is interoperable with all models of current tactical navigation systems (TACAN). To address this Air Force need, Intellisense Systems, Inc. (Intellisense) proposes to develop a new Micro Radio-Navigation Aid (MIRANA) that is based on novel implementation of a light-weight, electrically scanned TACAN antenna packaged as a rugged, highly portable system. The proposed MIRANA will be capable of high power radio frequency (RF) transmission to users within 20 nautical miles of the device at altitudes up to 30,000 feet. This capability will be enabled by innovative signal processing electronics bundled in a densely packed, battery-powered, single kit weighing less than 35 lb. This design takes advantages of Intellisense’s strong track record of developing and fielding low size, weight, and power (SWaP) tactical equipment for the Air Force. Specifically, the innovations in antenna design and tightly integrated, high-speed digital electronics for RF signal generation with novel, rugged packaging design will provide equivalent or better transmission range to existing mobile VORTAC stations in a significantly reduced form factor. The MIRANA will also be capable of rapid setup and tear-down in support of remote, first-in operations and other temporary deployments. Users interface with the MIRANA via a local display tablet that provides on-site configurability, system status, and tracking capabilities. As a result, this system will offer the desired bearing and range functionality found in VOR, DME, TACAN, or combined station VORTACs, in a man-portable package, which directly addresses the Air Force requirements. Further, the MIRANA is designed to flexibly augment TACAN standard signaling with additional covert operational modes upon user reconfiguration with options for encryption, use of frequency hopping, and RF directional configuration. In Phase I, Intellisense will establish the feasibility of the MIRANA by modeling and simulation, as well as proof-of-concept experimentation on test hardware, establishing a preliminary design leading up to Phase II. In Phase II, Intellisense plans to develop the MIRANA as an initial functional prototype, followed by a fully integrated solution which will be procured, assembled, and demonstrated in a fielded environment. This prototype will be used to perform experiments, analyze performance results, and fully establish the adequacy of the solution and minimize transition risk. Throughout the Phase II effort, Intellisense will contact potential customers as well as transition partners to support Phase III activities as well as refining the path forward for FAA certification as a part of commercialization. Regular communication will be provided to the government sponsor throughout Phase II to ensure understanding of the required solution and to discuss risk mitigation strategies.