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Buoyant Cable Array Antenna (BCAA)

High data-rate two-way submarine connectivity at speed and depth.

Approach:

• Adaptively combined signals from multiple, floating, inter-connected antenna elements to provide high data-rate submarine connectivity.

Top Technical Challenges:

• Adaptive beamforming
• Size (performance vs. stealth)
• Power and signal in compact system

User:

• Navy

Accomplishments:

FY01:

• Demonstrated 25 Kb/s (UHF).
• Demonstrated L-Band connectivity.

FY02:

• Demonstrated 1.544 Mbps (T1) UHF LOS on transmit and receive.
• Completed at-sea technical validation from surface platform.
• Conducted operational demonstration from submarine.
• Transitioned BCAA technology to Navy for follow-on development.