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Manufacturing Technology for Conformal Arrays

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA8718-05-C-0007
Agency Tracking Number: F041-220-2129
Amount: $739,655.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: AF04-220
Solicitation Number: 2004.1
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2004
Award Year: 2005
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2005-05-12
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2007-05-12
Small Business Information
2780 Skypark Drive, Suite 400
Torrance, CA 90505
United States
DUNS: 106823607
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: Yes
Principal Investigator
 Jay Kudva
 PI
 (310) 891-2814
 jkudva@nextgenaero.com
Business Contact
 Jay Kudva
Title: President
Phone: (310) 891-2814
Email: jkudva@nextgenaero.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

The goal of our effort is to develop manufacturing technologies for conformal, load-bearing, antenna structures (CLAS). In Phase II, we are focusing on the design, development and fabrication of a dielectrically loaded, slot-coupled, GPS antenna array suitable for integration on a doubly curved surface of an aircraft. At the end of Phase II, the following will be completed: (1) design of a GPS antenna array on a doubly curved surface; (2) assessment of structural and RF performance; (3) fabrication of a 7-element GPS antenna using optimized manufacturing techniques; (4) antenna performance measurements (5) plans for commercialization. The key design features of our Phase II conformal antenna research include the use of digital beam forming (DBF), an aperture-coupled patch array, and a direct write system. The direct write system will ease manufacturing issues with ink-jet style printing of the patch elements, while the aperture coupling will eliminate through-the-thickness vias. Furthermore, DBF will facilitate anti-jamming, better penetration and 3-D orientation.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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