High Precision Specialized Waveguides for Extreme Temperatures

Objective: Provide specialized waveguides capable of high temperature, high power, low loss, robust, and agile transmission of radio frequency (RF) signals within a hypersonic vehicle. Description: The use of RF cables has difficulty meeting environmental conditions while maintaining signal integrity and power requirements. Hypersonic surface temperatures can exceed over 1,000-degree C. Waveguides provide high power transmission and might be easier to manage under extreme hypersonic conditions. The Navy seeks RF transmission that focuses on high frequency, is consistent performance across a vast range of extreme thermal temperatures, and provides long durations of high thermal loads. The ability to produce complex and unique shapes while maintaining signal performance is required. The development of these waveguides should address extreme hypersonic conditions. The RF frequencies are across a large spectrum for different antennas/capabilities, but waveguides become too large at lower frequencies. To be successful, the waveguides should target frequency bands of X, Ku, K, and Ka. Any dielectric medium may be used within the waveguide. A successful dielectric material would have a permittivity near that of a vacuum, such as air, to ensure low-loss transmission, specifically at extreme temperatures. Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by 32 U.S.C. § 2004.20 et seq., National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) formerly Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor must be able to acquire and maintain at least a secret-level facility and Personnel Security Clearances. This will allow contractor personnel to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DCSA and SSP in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material during the advanced phases of this contract IAW the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), which can be found at Title 32, Part 2004.20 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Keywords: waveguides; advance manufacturing; RF transmission; high power; extreme temperatures; hypersonics; RF cables; ceramics; metals; conductors; advanced materials; ruggedized; specialized; custom; radio frequencies; additive manufacturing CMMC Level: Level 2 (Self)