Advancing Radar Technology: How WBI Matured Radar Technology and Inspired a Dayton-based Startup
In an age where technological superiority is key to the success of many different defense missions, the need for advanced radar systems is at an all-time high. However, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in radar technology to ensure it remains effective, adaptable, and ahead of the threat landscape can be expensive and complex.
Radar is a critical tool for air dominance and mission effectiveness. Ineffective radar leaves assets exposed to attack.
To minimize these risks, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) was eager to advance existing low-Cost and Size, Weight, and Power (C-SWaP) radar technology by increasing the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2 to TRL 4+ with mature prototypes and demonstrations of a Continuous-Wave Frequency Diverse Array (CW-FDA) radar concept. CW-FDA radar enables more accurate range and angle estimation, better target tracking, and improved situational awareness, at a fraction of the cost of expensive when compared to traditional pulse-Doppler radar systems. Due to the continuous wave (CW) nature of the CW-FDA system, the transmitter is simpler than other radars. The result is a unique, range-dependent, gain pattern that provides an autonomous scanning feature, useful in many sensing scenarios, at a lower cost. The radar technology, initially conceptualized in a joint patent between the United States Air Force (USAF) and the United Kingdom’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), required substantial development to achieve commercialization and transition. Wright Brothers Institute (WBI) acted as a strategic partner driving the technology’s maturation and transition pathways.
Enhanced Capabilities: AFRL's CW-FDA concept offers advanced radar sensing capabilities that enhance operational effectiveness in military and commercial applications.
Operational Readiness: The technology’s advancement to TRL 4+ positions it closer to deployment in real-world environments, improving overall readiness.
Commercial Potential: The radar system’s dual-use nature opens up opportunities for commercialization, creating new revenue streams and market opportunities.
Aside from advancing the technology’s maturity, WBI worked to identify viable commercialization pathways, navigating the complex landscape of dual-use technologies that could serve both military and commercial markets alike. C-SWaP radar technology is highly valuable across several industries.
With a patent-pending, co-inventor Dr. Aaron Jones wanted to be actively involved in AFRL CW-FDA radar concept's commercialization. One pathway for Dr. Jones included AFRL’s Entrepreneur Opportunity Program (EOP). From AFRL’s 2021 article, the program “helps AFRL scientists and engineers set up private businesses or licensing arrangements around AFRL technology — sometimes even technology they have developed as an AFRL employee. There are three paths AFRL employees can take with their EOP idea":
License Air Force technology.
Create a new company using that technology to address Air Force needs.
Join a business already licensing Air Force technology.
Dr. Jones worked with WBI to understand the market and complete his proposal for the EOP program. Jones founded the Dayton-based startup, Raider Technologies, because of his commitment to see technology reach operational environments.
“The team at WBI provided the much-needed and outstanding coaching to enable a successful AFRL EOP proposal. The team also added unique value in asking the probing questions to help drive towards an MVP (minimum viable product) for the USAF and potentially other commercial entities. I would give my highest recommendation to other EOP prospects and program candidates to collaborate with WBI to help provide a more complete picture of the tech landscape, fill in gaps for tech maturation, and prep for a successful EOP run.” — Dr. Aaron Jones, Former Technical Advisor, AFRL/RY / Founder of Raider Technologies
As a trusted and unbiased advisor, WBI’s role was to facilitate connections, provide market insights, and guide the AFRL team through the commercialization process. Through our efforts, WBI not only addressed the immediate challenges but also set the stage for significant advancements in radar technology,
Sources: