DAF26TZ01-NV004 — Low-Cost, Phased Array Antennas for Collaborative Jamming in sUAS Swarms

Award Maximum: $275,000 Period of Performance: 6 months Phase Type: Phase I (STTR)

OBJECTIVE: Develop a low-cost, phased array antenna system and associated signal processing techniques for collaborative jamming applications using small to medium-sized sUAS swarms (3-7 units).

DESCRIPTION: This topic addresses the need for affordable and scalable jamming capabilities leveraging sUAS swarms. Instead of focusing on individual, high-power jammers, this STTR seeks to develop a collaborative jamming approach using multiple sUAS equipped with low-cost phased array antennas.

The key innovation is the development of a low-cost phased array antenna system that can be precisely controlled to focus jamming energy on specific targets. By coordinating the signals from multiple sUAS in a swarm, the effective jamming power can be significantly increased. The focus on low to medium-sized swarms (3-7 units) allows for manageable coordination and control strategies.

This approach offers several advantages over traditional jamming techniques, including:

• Increased jamming effectiveness through beamforming.

• Improved resilience through redundancy.

• Reduced risk of detection and counter-attack.

• Lower cost compared to high-power jamming systems.

PHASE I: Develop a concept for a low-cost phased array antenna system suitable for sUAS-based collaborative jamming. The proposal should demonstrate the feasibility of achieving beamforming, low cost, and performance suitable for disrupting target communication systems. Documentation should include preliminary designs, performance simulations, and component selection rationale.

PHASE II: Develop, integrate, and demonstrate a prototype collaborative jamming system using a swarm of 3-7 sUAS equipped with the developed phased array antennas. Specific goals include:

• Demonstrate effective beamforming and jamming of target communication signals.

• Develop a software interface for controlling and coordinating the phased array antennas within the swarm.

• Utilize open-source software and off-the-shelf hardware components where possible.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Successful development of low-cost phased array antennas and collaborative jamming techniques will have significant applications in both military and commercial sectors. Potential applications include:

• Disrupting illegal drone activity.

• Protecting critical infrastructure from cyber-attacks.

• Enhancing communication security in contested environments.