CRFS

RFeye Technology: Designed for Versatile Applications

CRFS’ RFeye technology delivers SIGINT capabilities for NATO partners conducting operations across the land, air, and maritime domains. The modular, software-defined architecture is well suited to armed forces and defence integrators developing modernisation strategies that increase ISR mass and integrate RF sensor data to accelerate targeting cycles and reshape operational environments.

RFeye Node is a portable, rugged, high-performance RF sensor engineered for continuous real-time spectrum monitoring and transmitter geolocation. Covering frequencies up to 40 GHz, the RFeye Node forms the core hardware platform underpinning the company’s wider RFeye ecosystem.

This TRL-9 technology has been integrated onto unmanned systems and is currently deployed in some of the most challenging operational environments across the globe by NATO partners and allies.

Whatever the mission or platform, RFeye Nodes are highly sensitive, modular SIGINT payloads that turn any unmanned system (UxS) into an EW asset. They rapidly detect and geolocate emitters without revealing platform intent. Passive RF intelligence can be sent to where it is needed, from centralised C2 to small tactical units operating in conflict zones.

Operational Advantages of SIGINT Payloads for Unmanned Systems

• Extended ISR coverage
  Increase observation radius beyond line-of-sight to enable comprehensive surveillance and geolocation over land, air, and maritime environments
• Rapid deployment
  Deploy UAVs, UGVs, and USVs quickly into hostile or denied areas to monitor the spectrum and stream data in real-time for immediate operational decisions
• Enhanced C-UAS & air defence
  Extend defensive perimeters and support layered air defence architectures with manoeuvrable, SIGINT-enabled unmanned platforms
• Persistent coverage
  Maintain continuous spectrum monitoring, including long-endurance maritime operations for short- and long-range early warning
• Operation in degraded connectivity
  Reduce backhaul data bandwidth requirements through in-built edge processing, ensuring reliable performance in low-bandwidth or contested environments
• Faster OODA loop & targeting cycle
  Detect and geolocate signals of interest in real-time using edge processing and AI-enabled signal detection to accelerate decision-making
• Modular mission adaptability
  Rapidly swap EW payloads in and out of platforms using modular payload architectures to adapt to evolving mission requirements
• Comprehensive battlefield visibility
  Record I/Q data at the edge for detailed post-mission analysis while enabling real-time signal exploitation
• Optimised vantage points
  Leverage aerial and maritime positioning advantages to detect transmissions from UAVs, airborne systems, and surface targets across wide operational areas
• Situational awareness at the edge
  Position autonomous platforms forward to provide real-time spectrum intelligence directly to ground forces and distributed command elements

SIGINT Payloads for UAVs

Advanced RF sensors for fixed-wing, tethered & rotary UAVs (Groups 2–5)

SIGINT payloads provide passive signal detection, onboard processing, and real-time geolocation capabilities for emitters of interest across a wide range of mission scenarios.

Integrating a CRFS SIGINT payload onto a UAV extends line-of-sight and enables long-range detection and geolocation. This provides operators with enhanced situational awareness while they are situated far away from high-risk areas.

Platform-aware integration techniques mitigate platform-generated emissions, ensuring RF sensing performance is preserved, and the mission is unaffected by onboard interference.

SIGINT Payloads for UGVs

Battle-proven RF sensors for integration into unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs)

Equipping UGVs with RF sensors is a cost-effective way to extend C-UAS and air defence coverage. UGVs with passive sensing capabilities can deliver early-warning RF detection, tipping and cueing other sensors and effectors.

Designed for mobility and modularity, the RFeye Node integrates easily onto tracked or wheeled UGVs. CRFS’ passive EW payload works with existing power and autonomy architectures, supporting long-duration missions.

SIGINT Payloads for USVs

Passive software-defined RF payloads for unmanned surface vehicles (USVs)

Integrating a passive RF sensing payload onto a USV enables maritime ISR in contested waters, supporting missions from coastal surveillance to grey zone monitoring and early warning. CRFS’ self-contained spectrum monitoring and TDoA system is purpose-built for unmanned surface platforms, providing real-time detection and geolocation without revealing the vessel’s intent.

Tested to Sea State 5 with 30G shock protection, the RFeye sensor integrates easily into existing USV architectures. It can draw power from the platform or operate independently, with more than 105 hours of integral runtime for long-endurance operations.

Platform-aware integration techniques account for maritime antenna placement and platform-generated emissions, ensuring consistent RF sensing performance.

RF Sensor Integration for Unmanned Systems

From concept to deployed capability

CRFS works closely with customers to define precise system requirements and deliver tailored solutions, determining, engineering, and developing the specific features and functionality needed for each application.

1. Define the mission
   Discuss the capability requirement, platform constraints, and integration requirements with a sales engineer.
2. Integration design & feasibility assessment
   Confirm technical fit, define integration architecture, and agree program scope (including cost and schedule), with a clearly defined Statement of Work.
3. Rapid prototyping, test & adoption
   Deliver a prototype payload integration, progressing through Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and User Acceptance Testing (UAT) within 12 weeks before transition to production.