DARPA is moving into the final phase of its project to map the radio spectrum.
The agency has awarded an $11.8 million contract to Lockheed Martin for the third and final phase of RadioMap. RadioMap will provide "real-time awareness of radio spectrum use across frequency, geography and time," according to a DARPA news release. "Akin to smartphone maps that show color-coded current traffic conditions, RadioMap is developing technology that visually overlays spectrum information on a map enabling rapid frequency deconfliction and maximizing use of available spectrum for communications and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems."
"RadioMap adds value to existing radios, jammers and other RF electronic equipment used by our military forces in the field," said DARPA program manager John Chapin. "This program doesn't require purchasing new spectrum-sensing devices. Rather, it uses existing radios and jammers that do double-duty. In the 'down' time when they aren't performing their primary function, the devices sense the spectrum around them and, through RadioMap technology, provide an accurate picture of what frequencies are currently in use and where."
The Marine Corps will test the system in 2016 and may take over the project in 2017.
