CRFS, an innovator of radio frequency (RF) technology, has won the 2024 Army Technology Excellence Awards. The award celebrates groundbreaking achievements and innovations in the defense industry, recognizing companies that have made significant technological advancements and set new standards. CRFS won the award thanks to the innovative design and exceptional RF performance of its RFeye Node 100-18 LW sensor: a breakthrough in UAV sensing technology.
A NATO member requested that CRFS design this product to enable effective signal management and signals intelligence operations in a conflict zone. The end user already used the TRL-9 RFeye Node 100-18, which delivers transformative capability through its advanced RF performance. However, this sensor was not designed with smaller unmanned system integration in mind, so CRFS rapidly designed the same capability into a much-reduced form factor with no loss of performance.
“On receiving this urgent requirement, our engineering team worked hard to develop a sensor that not only meets the rigorous demands of our military customer but also excels in the harshest environmental conditions. The company’s ability to quickly deliver this hugely valuable tool for modern military forces in record time is very impressive,” said Matt Hunt, VP of Global Sales.
The RFeye Node 100-18 LW’s low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) enhances UAV mission endurance, enabling extended electronic warfare and ISR missions. It contains an upgraded GNSS chipset supporting multiple bands to help maintain operational effectiveness in GNSS-disrupted environments. Also, its advanced RF performance means it can monitor a wide range of signal types, including low-power, low probability of intercept (LPI), and low probability of detection (LD) signals.
One key design feature, particularly important for unmanned systems with limited bandwidth at range, is the sensor’s in-built edge processing, which reduces the burden of backhauling data, allowing it to deliver clear and accurate RF data for spectrum intelligence.
“The fact that the RFeye Node 100-18 LW weighs less than 2kg, along with its superior phase noise, channel re-tune time, noise figure, and spurious-free dynamic range, underscores its advanced design and engineering. Although it’s an ideal solution for small to large UAV platforms, the sensor can be integrated into any unmanned platform—a UGV or a USV,” said Tina Ross, Global Awards Manager.
CRFS’ achievement in winning the Innovation Award at the 2024 Army Technology Excellence Awards demonstrates the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of RF technology and delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of NATO members.
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