Developing a New Generation of Engineering with Cutting-Edge Knowledge in Resilient Navigation and Communication Systems in Contested Electromagnetic Environments
Abstract
Abstract:Problem:The ability to navigate and coordinate operations in the absence of reliable GPS signals can be pivotal to the success of Navy missions. Military operations take place in contested electromagnetic environments and rely heavily on GPS ~ a potential single point of failure. The Navy must have resilient and accurate positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) capabilities at all times. Another capability of critical importance is rapid deployment of robust ad hoc mesh wireless networks for secure, reliable, and low-latency broadband wireless communication. In wartime, mobile network infrastructure may no longer be relied upon. Even satellites could be physically attacked and hacking, jamming, and malicious signals become abundant.Few universities have formal curricula in navigation systems, and the integration of navigation and communication systems in contested electromagnetic environments is not systematic. This project will address the Navy~s need for training a new generation of engineers with capabilities in this critical area by redesigning curriculum, integrating classroom instruction with research opportunities and real-world experience (including collaborations with theNaval Surface Warfare Center in Corona), and disseminating our approach as a template for other electrical engineering programs to use.The University of California, Irvine (UCI) ~ one of America~s most diverse research intensive universities, and an accredited Hispanic Serving Institution ~ proposes to develop an integrated training and research program aimed at producing a generation of engineers capable of assuring readiness in contested electromagnetic environments. Our program will develop undergraduate and graduate courses and accompanying laboratories that willenable students to (1) Analyze the plenitude of ambient signals of opportunity in the environment (most of which are not intended for PNT).(2) Design algorithms for opportunistic and collaborative extraction of relevant information.(3) Build software-defined radio and hardware prototypes that are capable of fusing the extracted information with GPS signals (when available) and with onboard sensors with multiple modalities, detecting multimode signals and using opportunistic spectrum for networking. (4) Detect and localize signals transmitted with a malicious intent (e.g., jammers and spoofers).(5) Build mesh wireless networks that are reliable, broadband, and with low-latency.Complementing the coursework will be hands-on research opportunities at UCI and internshipopportunities at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division (NSWC-Corona).Anticipated OutcomesWe anticipate that this project will place a steady stream of students into Navy internships andengineering careers. More broadly, it will formalize instruction in navigation and radio frequencycommunications so more graduating U.S. engineering students are ready to fulfill the Navy~sneed for expertise in this area.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2019
- Source ID
- N000141912613
Entities
People
- Zaher M. Kassas
Organizations
- Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy