BAE Systems to Develop Leap-Forward Technology for Next-Generation Radar and Communications Systems

Rhea-AI Summary

BAE Systems has secured a $17.5 million contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for the GRYPHON program, focused on developing compact, low-noise photonic oscillators. This innovative technology aims to shrink existing systems from mini-fridge size to that of a quarter, improving airborne sensing and communication capabilities. The program enhances size, weight, power, and cost efficiency, allowing deployment on smaller platforms. Collaboration with GenXComm will further drive advancements in RF signal processing.

Positive

• Secured a $17.5 million contract from DARPA for the GRYPHON program.
• Technological innovation could enhance airborne sensing and communications capabilities.
• Potential to significantly reduce system size from a mini-fridge to a quarter.

Negative

• None.

Technology can reduce the system from the size of a mini-fridge to the size of a quarter

MERRIMACK, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded BAE Systems’ FAST Labs^TM research and development organization a $17.5 million contract for the Generating RF with Photonic Oscillators for Low Noise (GRYPHON) program. The breakthrough technology developed through the program could enable an unprecedented combination of low noise, compact size, and frequency agility for next-generation airborne sensing and communications capabilities.

BAE Systems’ FAST LabsTM research and development organization awarded a $17.5 million contract for the Generating RF with Photonic Oscillators for Low Noise (GRYPHON) program. (Photo: BAE Systems)

Electronic oscillators are the vital technology driving virtually all microelectronic systems. Currently, high performance requires large, power-hungry systems – the size of a mini-fridge. BAE Systems’ approach will maintain or improve performance while reducing the system to the size of a quarter.

BAE Systems’ innovative solution combines the efficiency and agility of digital electronics, and the bandwidth and stability of photonics to deliver precision microwave sources in an unprecedentedly small form factor. This drastically improves size, weight, power, and cost, and allows this next-generation, mission critical technology to be deployed on smaller platforms, and creates a new category of systems.

“New science, thinking, and techniques allow breakthrough technology advances,” said Chris Rappa, chief technologist at BAE Systems’ FAST Labs. “The GRYPHON program is a great example of applying new concepts, such as incorporating photonics and digital electronics, to provide leap-forward innovation.”

Work on the program, which is part of BAE Systems’ advanced electronics portfolio, includes collaboration with subcontractor GenXComm. GenXComm is helping lead the photonics subsystem development for BAE Systems’ work on the GRYPHON program and specializes in the development of advanced microphotonics for RF signal processing to enable high throughput, ultra low latency, interference free wireless mesh networks. GenXComm was introduced to FAST Labs through the Technology Scouting arm of the organization. This group spearheads the company's goal to collaborate with start-ups, universities, and others in the innovation ecosystem, to leverage new technologies that have both commercial and defense applications and to rapidly deliver discriminating solutions.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220817005009/en/

For more information, please contact:

Paul Roberts, BAE Systems

Mobile: 603-521-2381

paul.a.roberts@baesystems.com



www.baesystems.com/US

@BAESystemsInc

Source: BAE Systems

FAQ

What is the GRYPHON program awarded to BAE Systems in 2023?

The GRYPHON program is a $17.5 million project awarded by DARPA to BAE Systems focused on developing low-noise photonic oscillators for advanced airborne sensing and communication.

How much is the DARPA contract for the GRYPHON program?

BAE Systems was awarded a $17.5 million contract for the GRYPHON program.

What technology advancements are expected from BAE Systems' GRYPHON program?

The GRYPHON program aims to combine efficiency of digital electronics with photonics, reducing system size and improving performance for airborne applications.

When was the BAE Systems GRYPHON program contract announced?

The contract for the GRYPHON program was announced in August 2023.

Which company is collaborating with BAE Systems on the GRYPHON program?

GenXComm is collaborating with BAE Systems on the GRYPHON program, focusing on developing photonics subsystems.