Directed COM & EW by Digital multichannel AESA

Purpose and goal:

Some of the identified conclusions from NFFP8 Call 1 are that directed links have the potential to satisfy modern air operation requirements such as: Long range (networked C2 connection), Full availability (Rx from any direction, with high gain), Low active signature (given output power adaptivity, narrow Tx lobes, and formation of Tx paths), Protocol and waveform transparency (software defined system to execute any radio protocol/waveform), Stability (multiple bootstrapping approaches), Adaptivity (MANET), Jamming resilience (one or a few out of many Rx lobes is targeted).

Expected results and effects:

Although first targeted as a national data link, several circumstances indicate the interoperable potential for the opted approach via the convergence of RF technology, digital components, and new protocols/waveforms, which will strengthen operations across all domains including drones and unmanned platforms. Basically, the trend of digitalization means that computational power is continuously increasing which enables handling large sets of data simultaneously enabling seamless interoperability among multiple domains in the continuation.

Approach and implementation: Performed analysis in project has identified the following milestones ahead

Integration of PHY layer waveform into simulator including a more realistic directed antenna model and smarter adversaries. Extension of (adaptive) FEC work from MSc thesis within planned PhD thesis.

Consolidated PHY layer waveform for double-dispersive channels in high mobility scenarios utilizing benefits of OTFS, ODDM, and AFDM.

Investigate transceiver complexity and practical imperfections of the PHY layer waveform for proof-of-concept demonstrations and experiments with Hw in-the-loop.