Applications of Universal Beamforming Technology
Abstract
Universal Beamforming Technology (UBT) has been developed and matured by TRMC through the Spectrum Efficient Technologies (SET) office at Edwards AFB as a lightweight, flexible Telemetry (TM) resource for the Range of the Future. The shape shift capability of the antenna technology conformally adapts to the physical shape of the installation and allows focusing G/T to where it is most needed within the field of view. UBT demonstrator versions have been installed and flown on UAS craft to successfully support remote S-band TM collection at a fraction of the cost of conventional methods. A second generation of the UBT antenna is coming into existence and is targeted for demonstration in late 2022, and will be capable of acquiring and tracking several very dynamic sources in the L, S and C-band TM spectrum. The first multi-band application will be a ground-based antenna system using physical shaping to distribute G/T to coincide with specific classes of missions. Technical challenges, successes (and myths) encountered during the development phases are presented for consideration along with the and integration and test methodology.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 27, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1168657
Entities
People
- Anand Kelkar
- Mark Radke