Affordable Ka-Band Metamaterial-Based Electronically Scanned Array Radar for Test and Training
SBIR Opportunity Analysis
The Department of the Army is seeking SBIR proposals for affordable Ka-band metamaterial-based electronically scanned array radar to provide low-cost, high-performance systems for test and evaluation use. The work focuses on developing a radar that can emulate threat-representative systems by reducing reliance on expensive transmit/receive modules while maintaining AESA-like performance. Key technical targets include operation at 30 to 40 GHz, beam switching in the 10 to 20 microsecond range, switchable left- and right-hand circular polarization, and 20 km range, with Phase I centered on feasibility analysis, simulation, and experimental data. Phase I proposals may request up to $250,000 for a six-month period of performance, with the topic opening on April 15, 2026 and closing on May 13, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. UTC.