Design of Airborne Efficient and Disruptive Advanced front-end for Long range Unlimited Secure systems (DAEDALUS)

Programme(s): European Defence Fund (EDF)
Topic(s): EDF-2023-LS-RA-SMERO-NT
Type of action: EDF Lump Sum Grants
Project ID: 101168087

Objective: DAEDALUS will develop technologies to provide the 5th & 6th generation fighters with SATCOM systems based on a disruptive cyber hardened RF front-end subsystem (applicable to EW, Datalink or RADAR subsystems). Existing bulky and vulnerable systems are not suitable, so research needs to focus on miniaturization and robustness of the electrical architecture; on the ultimate cybersecurity update demanded by the real imminence of effective quantum attacks; and on the need to ensure EU technological sovereignty. For this reason, DAEDALUS will research and validate technologies enabling the development of an efficient, robust, lightweight, miniaturized RF front end, that can be integrated into new, quantum resistant SATCOM systems that the new generation of multi-purpose combat fighters will carry. Technological innovations are: - High efficiency and light weight dual Ka band miniaturization, by performing technological advances in GaN MMICs, innovative filtering, ultracompact power combining, topological optimization with FEM and additive manufacturing - Enhanced vibration-induced phase noise resistance by new oscillator topologies and shock absorbing techniques to withstand high G vibrations - Disruptive cooling and thermal design by ionic solution with corona effect and additive manufacturing - RISC-V based optimized M&C, to enable strategical adoption of European-based processor architectures and customized HW acceleration of security features - Post-Quantum (PC) cryptography and PC Blockchain for a realistic and efficient integration of RF links with Quantum Key Distribution infrastructure, to enable effective quantum safe communication and update of the air combat cloud (ACC) assets DAEDALUS team (6 SME, 1 Industrial, 1 University and 1 from National Public sector) will also bring EDTIB autonomy and technological independence, by creating a fully EU supply chain for a superior SATCOM solution for ACCs to overcome current scenario, controlled by overseas companies.