BAE FAST Labs to develop GaN PA module
$5M US Office of Naval Research contract to develop highest efficiency high power MMIC and module electronics
BAE Systems’ FAST Labs has won a $5 million contract for the COALESCE (Common-architecture Amplifier for Low-cost, Efficient, SWaP-Constrained Environments) program from the US Office of Naval Research (ONR).
The lab will develop a GaN-based monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) and module electronics, with the goal of being the world’s highest efficiency high power amplifier module in its frequency band for next-generation radar, electronic warfare, and communication applications.
The RF modules will transition to small form factor US Navy payloads, enabling longer range and greater effectiveness in active electronic warfare applications.
“The COALESCE program closes the gap between commercial electronics and customised electronics to meet the Department of Defense’s space and power requirements and enable next-generation solutions,” said Ben McMahon, technology development manager at BAE Systems’ FAST Labs. “Together with the Office of Naval Research, we will deliver these electronic solutions to increase survivability for our warfighters.”
MMICs and modules for the program will be fabricated at BAE Systems’ Microelectronics Center Foundry in Nashua, New Hampshire.
