DON26BZ01-NV009 — Open Architecture for a Low Volume Software Defined Radio (SDR) for Navy Aircraft

Award Maximum: $140,000 (Base) / $100,000 (Option) Period of Performance: 6 months (Base) + 6 months (Option) Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Design, develop, and demonstrate an innovative airborne radio system with a reduction compared to current airborne radios. The solution will incorporate a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies to ensure seamless integration across Navy and Marine Corps platforms including fixed wing, rotary wing and UAV aircraft.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy seeks an innovative, open-architecture airborne radio system optimized for a minimal Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) to ensure seamless integration across a wide range of NAVAIR platforms, such as the SH-60, F/A-18, E-2D, and MQ-4C. This system will leverage a MOSA to ensure future adaptability and significantly reduce the cost and complexity of radio upgrades. The goal is to provide a pathway for future modifications without impacting existing platform infrastructure.

Developing aircraft radio systems presents significant challenges due to stringent SWaP constraints, harsh environmental conditions, and demanding Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standards. Equally critical is robust cybersecurity, requiring adherence to standards like NIST SP 800-53 and the integration of security measures throughout the system design lifecycle.

The objective of this SBIR topic is to design, develop, and demonstrate an innovative airborne radio system optimized for SWaP efficiency. The system must satisfy current security and operational demands, while providing a modular, scalable architecture that accommodates future technology upgrades and supports evolving communication waveforms.

An open architecture is also critical to sustain radio systems through their lifecycle. The MOSA leverages a robust ecosystem of established standards, including Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) and Modular Open RF Architecture (MORA) that enable modularity and interoperability. Additionally, applying an MBSE to radio system design will enhance system understanding, enable early defect detection and improve documentation.

Additionally, the resulting radio system architecture should adhere to the following technical goals: Fit within the tight size constraints of two VNX+ standard cards (78 mm x 89 mm x 19 mm each); Support two separate Transmit and Receive RF channels — one capable of 30MHz to 6GHz and the other capable of supporting 30MHz to 31GHz; Support at least 60MHz instantaneous bandwidth; Support transmit power amplifier capable of reliably delivering an average 25 Watts of RF power on transmit channel 1 and 1 Watt of RF power on transmit channel 2; Interoperability with MORA devices for control and I/Q data sharing; Capable of Digital Pre Distortion (DPD); Capable of programmable RF waveforms including VHF/UHF communications waveforms including AM/FM, Air Traffic Control (ATC), Public Safety, Have Quick II, SATURN, SINCGARS, DAMA, MUOS, JPALS, and Automatic Direction Finding (ADF), Link-16; Capable of 1024-QAM OFDM modulation with 1000 subcarriers.

Work produced in Phase II may become classified.

PHASE I: Develop an initial design for a novel SWaP-optimized airborne radio system utilizing MOSA and MBSE principles that is readily integrable across Navy and Marine Corps platforms, encompassing fixed wing, rotary wing and UAV aircraft. Provide analysis to determine the feasibility of the design by meeting the technical goals defined in the Description. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop a prototype that includes the high-risk technology elements previously identified. Continue to refine the MBSE design developed in Phase I and demonstrate prototype functionality in a laboratory environment. Work in Phase II may become classified.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Further develop/refine the prototype(s) generated in Phase II for inclusion in a tactical radio for Navy and Marine aircraft that includes qualification and flight testing. By identifying radio technologies adaptable to harsh Navy and Marine aviation environments, this research benefits the private sector by enabling more reliable and robust commercial solutions. For example, technologies proven resilient in demanding military aircraft environments can be applied to industries such as mining, oil and gas exploration, or even emergency services communication.

KEYWORDS: Radio; Modular; Communications; Open; Signal