The Radio Agnostic Phased Array 361 (RAPA 361) is an electronically steered antenna that can manage communications with multiple unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) simultaneously. It improves upon previous designs because it can change directions at a rate of greater than 100 Hz, whereas even the best mechanical system is limited by its ability to physically move. Furthermore, it is comparatively small and portable. This makes it suitable for mobile operations. It is made to be used in a 12V van with a BlackSwift base station. We implemented the design using a phased array which can run on the 902MHz-928MHz band. This frequency range is advantageous for long distance communications and it is very common for UASs to communicate over these frequencies. The design is radio agnostic and modular, making it flexible enough to conform to a variety of applications.
We would like to thank the following:
- First RF
- Blackswift Technologies
- Prof. Brian Argrow
- Xetawave
- Atollic
- Analog Devices
- CU Boulder
This project would not have been possible without their assistance and generosity.