Army asks industry for ideas on developing stealthy radio antennas for military SUVs
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md., 20 Nov. 2012. U.S. Army communications researchers are approaching industry for ideas on developing a stealthy ultra-wideband antenna system for sport utility vehicles (SUVs) )that to outward appearances is completely indistinguishable from the rest of the vehicles on the road.
The Army Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC) at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., issued a sources-sought notice (BAA-08-R-P415_) for the Antenna Research, Reduction, and Compatibility (ARRC) program, which seeks ideas on stealthy radio antennas for SUVs.
CERDEC researchers are asking industry for white papers on a concealed vehicle antenna compatible with Army radios using native vehicle structures and accessories for radiating antenna elements.
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CERDEC officials will ask successful bidders to design of several antenna elements to maintain compatibility with the existing radio systems installed on an SUV.
Stealthy SUV antennas, CERDEC officials say, must not be easily identifiable; should require minimum or no modifications to the SUV; must be compatible with a fielded Army radio; must not subject vehicle occupants to dangerous levels of electromagnetic radiation; and should resist shock, vibration, and other harsh operating conditions per MIL-STD-810G.
Companies interested should e-mail white papers no later than 29 Nov. 2012 to CERDEC's Henry Tsai at [email protected]. For questions or concerns contact Tsai by e-mail or by phone at 443-395-7449.
Also contact Contracting Officer David Greaves by e-mail at [email protected], or by phone at 443-861-4648. Also contact Patricia Edwards by e-mail at [email protected], or by phone at 443-395-5479.
More information is online at https://www.fbo.gov/notices/3cd265eadf7bafc35216a170a13907de.
John Keller | Editor
John Keller is editor-in-chief of Military & Aerospace Electronics magazine, which provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronic and optoelectronic technologies in military, space, and commercial aviation applications. A member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since the magazine's founding in 1989, Mr. Keller took over as chief editor in 1995.