Echodyne received its award for its Metamaterials Electronically Scanning Array (MESA) technology. Metamaterials is a field of study that involves engineering artificial materials to have properties that are not found in nature. MESA uses metamaterials to build a new architecture for fully electronic scanning radar systems.
“Cost, size, weight, and power (C-SWaP) is always a concern when deciding on technology investments,” said Tim Bennett, Air Based Technologies Program Manager in S&T. “Legacy radar arrays require an expensive, complex, and often heavy phase shifter to direct radar beams. Echodyne developed MESA to electronically steer a radar beam with high fidelity and fast directional changes with lower C-SWaP.”
By not requiring large electronics, the MESA radar has the potential to integrate into small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) and to be used in other DHS missions. This integration could enhance the capabilities of end-user operators, such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents.
