Shared apperture modem (SAM) with directional antenna for unmanned airborne networking

The proposed Shared Aperture Modem (SAM) is an innovative communication solution for future Unmanned Airborne Networking Waveform (UANW), which enables seamless transfer of a large amount of information (such as uncompressed image sensor data) among a group of airborne nodes in a stealthy, reliable, low-latency, and mission-driven manner. SAM supports burst-mode communications using directional antennas and is capable of withstanding attempts by enemy to detect, disrupt or intercept communication signals. The benefits of SAM in UANW scenarios include its support of communication with directional antennas, burst mode rates from 400 Kbps to 80 Mbps, powerful LPD/AJ design capable of closing a link at negative signal-to-noise ratio (to −20 dBm), and high mobility with up to 600 mph speed and 3.5 G acceleration. SAM operates at 38 GHz frequencies and can accommodate other higher frequencies depending on the selected RF front-end module. High-frequency RF technologies are desirable because they require small sectorized or steerable antennas placed on different locations of the airborne node. SAM is also capable of sharing the same aperture to simultaneously support radar and communication functionalities. This multi-RF functionality is desired in future unmanned airborne nodes ranging from hand-launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV's) to Joint Unmanned Combat Air System (J-UCAS) vehicles, enabling the economical integration of communications and radar systems.