SBIR/STTR Award attributes
In this proposal, we demonstrate that conventional large antenna sizes of current TACAN systems are not fundamentally necessary, and that a significantly miniaturized antenna array can still produce the requisite TACAN pattern modulation. The proposed system is of a size and weight easily ruggedized and transported by a single soldier, in a rucksack, and ideally suited to operations in austere environments. Furthermore, we introduce novel directive / sectorized modes of operation for the array, that enable covert low probability of detection/interception (LPD/LPI) operations while still compatible with all currently installed TACAN receivers. By controlling the direction of emissions from the ground transponder, while maintaining the required pattern modulations, security of ground operators is greatly enhanced.
