P. Bayley, K. Jackson, D. Henderson, R. Nuguru
Forward Edge-AI, Inc.,
United States
Keywords: secured communications, electronic warfare, phased array beamforming, electronic beam steering, real-time AI inference, quantum-resilient encryption
Summary:
SmartBeam QRC™ is an advanced secure communications solution engineered for autonomous naval, aerial, and ground platforms in electronically contested environments. It integrates AI-driven adaptive beam steering, RF deception, and quantum-resistant cryptography (QRC) to minimize detection, tracking, and interception risks. At the core of the system is a Phased Array Beamformer built from Direct RF Sampling Data Converters, enabling extremely wide bandwidth and universal waveform generation. This supports complex functions such as radar signature mimicry, decoy signal injection, and false-flag RF emissions across programmable spectral bands. These capabilities allow SmartBeam QRC™ to serve as a deceptive emitter or custom transceiver while maintaining directional control over RF signatures. Using a combination of spread spectrum, frequency hopping, and Low-Probability of Detection / Low-Probability of Intercept (LPD/LPI) methodologies, SmartBeam QRC™ adapts in real time to threat conditions. It supports resilient, secure communications for USVs, UUVs, mobile SCIFs, and distributed command posts. The system incorporates Isidore Quantum® inline encryptors for low-Size, Weight and Power (SWaP), quantum-resilient data protection. SmartBeam QRC™ directly supports the U.S. Navy’s missions of sea control, maritime security, and power projection across multi-domain operations. Objective: To demonstrate an AI-driven, quantum-resilient beamforming architecture capable of maintaining covert, low-detectability communications for unmanned and tactical systems in contested electromagnetic environments. SmartBeam QRC™ aligns with NAVAIR’s need for resilient, protocol-free communications supporting JADC2 and Ghost Fleet Overlord initiatives, offering a TRL 6 pathway under NAVAIR SBIR Phase II Contract N68335-25-C-0170. Methods: The system integrates a radiation-hardened neuromorphic FPGA, an embedded AI/ML inference engine for adaptive beam steering, and CNSA 2.0–compliant Isidore Quantum® encryption for post-quantum resilience. Direct RF sampling and FPGA-based beam control loops enable dynamic nulling, signal obfuscation, and deception functions that enhance EW survivability. SmartBeam QRC™ autonomously adjusts transmission characteristics to evade detection, eliminate reliance on PKI/key loaders, and maintain link integrity across MUOS, MANET, and SEE-THERNET waveforms. The device’s modular low-SWaP-C design supports scalable integration—from handheld configurations to embedded shipboard and UxS payloads. Results / Expected Results: SmartBeam QRC™ has achieved a 3× improvement in LPI/LPD performance and a 60× increase in instantaneous bandwidth compared to standard SDR radios. Its non-CCI, PKI-free encryption eliminates crypto management overhead while ensuring post-quantum security. Integration and field testing under multiple Navy-led maritime autonomy and electronic warfare exercises demonstrated continuous, low-signature connectivity in contested environments. Additional validation under NIWC Atlantic and NAVWAR testing has confirmed reliable performance for JADC2-aligned UxS missions. Significance and Impact: SmartBeam QRC™ enables secure, adaptive, low-observable communications essential for distributed maritime operations and autonomous swarms. It enhances survivability by making tactical links four times harder to detect than conventional systems and provides a scalable path toward TRL 7–8 integration by FY27. Beyond defense applications, the architecture’s AI-driven LPI/LPD and PQC techniques extend to 5G/6G telecommunications, energy infrastructure, and autonomous logistics markets. SmartBeam QRC™ represents a dual-use innovation—merging advanced AI, EW resilience, and quantum-resistant cryptography to deliver mission-ready secure communications for the Navy and industry partners.