The Department of Defense, through the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), is seeking proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program focused on the development of a multiband in-flight communications antenna. The objective is to design an antenna that features ultra wide bandwidth (UWB) and enhanced power efficiency, capable of serving as a drop-in replacement for existing systems while ensuring compatibility with various interceptor communication bands. This initiative is critical for improving communication capabilities in austere environments, facilitating simultaneous communications with ground and space assets. Interested parties should note that the solicitation will be released on April 2, 2025, with applications due by May 21, 2025. For more information, please visit the official SBIR website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.

## Description

This topic seeks to design and develop a multiband communications antenna featuring ultra wide bandwidth (UWB) and enhanced power efficiency. The program desires to create drop-in, or near drop-in replacements of existing antenna systems to enhance communication capabilities of interceptors across multiple bands with which the interceptor communicates. The antenna must be survivable against the austere environments of interceptor flight while maintaining simultaneous communications with ground and space assets. Specific communication bands would be provided after award. Moreover, the antenna must be adaptable to the existing systems in terms of size, weight, and power (SWaP) to simplify qualification and adoption steps. No specific antenna types are preferred for this effort; however, the Offeror should state which type of antenna is being chosen and justify how their solution results in a compliant final design.

## Objective

Design and develop a multiband antenna for in-flight ground and space communications.

## Phase I

The purpose of Phase I is to determine the engineering feasibility of designing an antenna with multiband performance within large portions of each band. An engineering study would be conducted to explore the options and the design space of what is possible from a SWaP and antenna performance perspective. The trade space would include frequency bandwidth, antenna gain, and antenna efficiency versus the antenna SWaP requirements (with preference for UWB behavior). Projected radiation patterns and polarization predictions are also required. The Missile Defense Agency needs adequate antenna parameters and characteristics to predict how well the antenna would perform at the installation points. The primary objectives of Phase I are:a. Determine the feasibility of designing an interceptor capable antenna for multiband operation.b. Develop a preliminary antenna design that would be compatible for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, Patriot Advanced Capability-3, or future interceptor concepts utilizing supporting assets such as AN/TPY-2, Long-Range Discrimination Radar, and Ka-band space communications.c. Develop a concept of operation showing how the antenna could be utilized in simultaneous multiband radio frequency (RF) scenarios (i.e., link distances and incident angles with respect to the interceptor).The Phase I deliverables should include a feasibility report outlining the gaps and path forward needed for implementation and cover all three areas listed above at a minimum before warranting further consideration.

## Phase II

Produce a prototype antenna capable of demonstrating RF link performance in the desired bands. Deliverables should include functional antenna hardware, completed antenna design, and antenna test results including radiation patterns, gain, and input reflection coefficient (S11) versus frequency in a ground test environment. Phase II must reach at least TRL 5 and commercial viability would be quantified.

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

Produce a prototype capable of flight testing in an operational environment, whether on an interceptor or similar flight vehicle. Additional reduction a common SWaP performance while integrating additional communication band is a technology applicable across the defense and commercial spaces is encouraged. The small business is expected to obtain the funding from non-SBIR government and private sector sources to transition the technology into viable commercial products. Specific military applications may include those listed above.

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