RF Analog Imaging for Dual Multi-static Radar and Radar Warning Receivers

The realization of practical multi-static RADARs could provide significant deployment flexibility to modern Air Force operations by decoupling the transmitter from the high value platforms. However, the realization of such systems requires highly coordinated receivers capable of track the transmit beam as it propagates across the receive arrays field of regard. New photonic approaches to spatial beam formation could enable practical tracking and synchronization of these cross-track returns. Under the effort proposed herein, PSI will optimize and build imaging receiver arrays customized for this purpose and evaluate their utility for dual function RADAR warning receivers and multi-static RADAR receivers. Additionally, PSI will develop models to evaluate system performance and link budget requirements, develop software/firmware to enable the processing of such cross-track returns, and develop testing techniques to enable concept validation in the lab. The effort will culminate in a field test to demonstrate concept viability.