Abstract: A system and method for a multi-panel multi-function active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar operation receives radar commands from individual aircraft systems and segments a plurality of AESA panels fixed (at variable azimuth/elevation about the aircraft) into a plurality of subarrays to carry out each individual function commanded by the individual aircraft system. Dependent on aircraft status and phase of flight, the and individual AESA are designated for use and the subarrays are sized based on desired radar function at the specific phase of flight and specific threat associated with the phase. The system dynamically shifts the designated AESA, subarray size, beam characteristics, power settings, and function to enable multiple simultaneous function of the suite of AESA panels.

Abstract: A system for calibrating ESAs calculates a taper based on ESA element coordinates, and stores the taper as a vector matrix of gain values. The gain values are normalized by accounting for known losses by measuring a central element at minimum attenuation. The normalized gain is then a reference for every other element in the array. The other elements are then measured at various attenuations to identify an attenuation to produce the desired gain. The measurements are performed according to a bisection algorithm. Attenuation may be embodied in a set of digital register values.

Abstract: A system and method for a multi-beam multi-function active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar operation receives radar commands from individual aircraft systems and segments a single AESA fixed panel into a plurality of subarrays to carry out each individual function commanded by the individual aircraft system. Dependent on aircraft status and phase of flight, the subarrays are sized based on desired radar function at the specific phase of flight and specific threat associated with the phase. The system dynamically shifts the subarray size, beam characteristics, power settings, and function to enable multiple function of a cost effective single AESA panel.

Abstract: A folded slot structurally integrated antenna is defined within the structure of the vertical stabilizer. The folded slot structurally integrated antenna comprises a first terminal with a flared portion, a substantially constant slot width potion, and a second terminal with a flared portion. The substantially constant slot width potion may include one or more curvatures to extend the length of the folded slot structurally integrated antenna within the vertical stabilizer. The antenna system may utilize reactive loading or dynamic slot length switching. A platform may include folded slot structurally integrated antennas in both a vertical stabilizer and horizontal wings or winglets. Horizontal and vertical folded slot structurally integrated antennas may be utilized to produce various polarization profiles.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide an antenna array with separately fed subarrays. The systems and methods provide optimized or improved physical embodiments of each sub-banded subarray in terms of radiating element type and physical implementation, radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) technology choice, RFIC packaging and interconnect implementation, and/or intra-subarray feed typology choice and implementation. The antenna array can include first elements within a first distance range from a point in a surface associated with the antenna array and configured for first signals in a first frequency range, and second elements within a second distance range from the point and configured for second signals in a second frequency range. The antenna system also can include an interconnect system comprising a first multichip module and a second multichip module region.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide an antenna array with separately fed subarrays. The systems and methods provide optimized or improved physical embodiments of each sub-banded subarray in terms of radiating element type and physical implementation, radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) technology choice, RFIC packaging and interconnect implementation, and/or intra-subarray feed typology choice and implementation. The antenna array can include first elements within a first distance range from a point in a surface associated with the antenna array and configured for first signals in a first frequency range, and second elements within a second distance range from the point and configured for second signals in a second frequency range. The antenna system also can include an interconnect system comprising a first multichip module and a second multichip module region.

Abstract: A system and method for applying an adaptive adjustment or taper to an electronically scanned array (ESA) weather radar based on feedback from the weather radar. To minimize ground clutter and enable the ESA to display hazardous weather phenomena, the system adaptively adjusts amplitude and phase of ESA elements to adjust the far field pattern shape and sidelobes to maintain a desirable signal to clutter ratio. The system identifies ground clutter as a strong ground return over several azimuths depending on the radar beamwidth. Once the system IDs the ground clutter, it adaptively adjusts on receive for for the upcoming azimuths. The system selectively suppresses sidelobe echoes while maintaining the signal to noise (SNR) for weather targets. The system adaptively adjusts in real time as well as adjusting using precomputed historically accurate tapers stored in memory.

Abstract: A system and method for real-time in-situ calibration of an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) utilizes an S-parameter matrix-based EM transfer function between an end fire, unobtrusive, near field probe radiating element to minimize AESA look angle blockage. A sniffer probe is integrated in the AESA aperture of mechanical mounting frame or embedded with the AESA aperture structure. Hadamard orthogonal coding is utilized to simultaneously energize AESA elements.

Abstract: A log periodic antenna system with conformal radiating elements includes a feed layer with phase shifters and filters associated with each radiating element. The filters may be low-pass or band-pass filters. The log periodic conformal radiating elements produce superior gain and bandwidth, and reduce directionality of the antenna at least along a radial axis of the antenna. Sets of conformal radiating elements are disposed on opposing sides of the antenna, or periodically around the surface of the antenna, to further reduce directionality.

Abstract: A low-profile, ultra-wideband, conformal antenna is actively driven by a four-port quadrature feed circuit for both cardioid and monopole radiation patterns. The quadrature four-port and differential two-port driven radiating elements are organized into a log periodic array that is driven without frequency dispersion. The log periodic array may produce circularly polarized beams. For radiating elements that do not operate via a ground plane, stepped artificial magnetic conductors isolate the drive circuitry.

Abstract: A system and method for cooperative aerial vehicle collision avoidance provides an ESA-based sensor network capable of high-resolution threat proximity measurements and cooperative and non-cooperative collision avoidance in the full spherical volume surrounding an aerial vehicle. The system incorporates a plurality of ESA panels onto the airframe where the conical scan volumes overlap leaving no gaps in spherical proximity coverage. The resulting received data is stitched together between the neighboring ESA panels and used to determine a position and vector for each threat aerial vehicle within range. The data is transmitted through a cooperative collision avoidance network to nearby aerial vehicles, and presented to the autopilot and flight crew to increase situational awareness. The system determines a maneuver for the aerial vehicle and a maneuver for the threat aerial vehicle based on relative maneuvering capabilities to maintain desired separation.

Abstract: An antenna array includes a printed circuit board including printed circuit board elements circumferentially disposed at locations on a surface of the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board elements are disposed in opposing pairs at diametrically opposite locations and include a first member and a second member. The first member intersects the second member which is curved. The antenna array can be an ultra-ultra wide band (UUWB) wavelength scaled array (WSA) tightly coupled dipole array (TCDA) active electronically scanned array (AESA) aperture.

Abstract: A radar antenna includes a plurality of horns in the annular space of a munition nose cone. The horns are disposed near the exterior surface of the nose cone. In a further aspect, the nose cone may be injection molded or additively manufactured so that the horns are embedded a known distance from the exterior surface. In a further aspect, the horns placed in either a transmit mode or a receive mode so as to maintain a minimum special separation between transmitting horns and receiving horns.

Abstract: A radar system and method for sharing threat data is configured to communicate with other radar systems in surrounding aircraft and share threat specific data. Each radar system may be configured to a specific task according to the priorities of the aircraft and the capabilities of the surrounding aircraft; the gathered data is then shared with the surrounding aircraft such that each aircraft may commit longer dwell time to individual tasks while still receiving data for all of the potential tasks. The radar system may identify a fault and send a request for radar threat data to nearby aircraft. The radar system may receive such data within the operating band of the radar and allow continued operation.

Abstract: A direction-finding antenna includes at least a first set of radiating elements configured to radiate at least a first wavelength (?1) and a second set of radiating elements configured to radiate at a second wavelength (?2) that is shorter than the first wavelength (?1). The first set of radiating elements defines a first circle having a first radius. The second set of radiating elements defines a second circle having a second radius that is smaller than the first radius of the first circle. The direction-finding antenna further includes a transmission line-based multiplexer configured to selectively couple the first set of radiating elements or the second set of radiating elements to a radio frequency (RF) feed line, or a plurality of switches configured to selectively couple selected radiating elements of the first set of radiating elements or the second set of radiating elements to the RF feed line.

Abstract: A system and method for ESA quadrant mechanical reconfiguration functions to shift some of the complexity from algorithmic manipulation of received radar data to mechanical transformation of a simple panel structure to achieve desired performance in a desired ESA boresight. The system receives a rotation trigger based on an external event such as altitude and mission and causes two or more simple ESA panels to rotate from a first azimuthal position to a second common azimuthal position without stopping at an intermediate azimuth. Once positioned, each individual rotational ESA panel is combined to function as a single aggregate ESA enabling desired performance in field of view, resolution, and range along a common boresight.

Abstract: An ultra-wideband (UWB) beam forming system is disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the UWB beam forming system includes a plurality of radiating elements forming a circular, cylindrical, conical, spherical, or multi-faceted array and a beamformer coupled to the radiating elements. The beamformer includes one or more transformable reconfigurable integrated units (TRIUNs) configured to independently control individual radiating elements or groups of radiating elements of the plurality of radiating elements.

Abstract: A system of high-frequency (HF) antennas is disposed on various aircraft body panels. The antennas are configured for orthogonal polarization such that NVIS may be operable no matter the state of the ionosphere. The antennas are disposed on substantially perpendicular body panels so that, when operated in concert, the resulting signals have opposite polarization and at least one signal will bounce off the ionosphere.

Abstract: A dual or quad aperture radar array switches between states in between radiation cycles to acquire both sum and difference beams. The beams are then processed together to produce a central lobe enhanced beam and a side lobe enhanced beam via difference computations. During interleaved cycles, beams may be processed by Taylor weighting, split Taylor weighting, or Bayliss weighting. Multiple sets of switching cycles may be processed together to refine results.

Abstract: A log periodic antenna system with conformal radiating elements includes a feed layer with phase shifters and filters associated with each radiating element. The filters may be low-pass or band-pass filters. The log periodic conformal radiating elements produce superior gain and bandwidth, and reduce directionality of the antenna at least along a radial axis of the antenna. Sets of conformal radiating elements are disposed on opposing sides of the antenna, or periodically around the surface of the antenna, to further reduce directionality.