KPP Memo — RFDF (Draft, 28 Jul 2026)¶
MEMORANDUM FOR ECE 463 Capstone Team – Fall 2026/Spring 2027 FROM ECE 463 Capstone Mentor SUBJECT Radio Frequency Direction Finding (RFDF) Requirements
This memorandum outlines the Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) and deliverables for Radio Frequency Direction Finding (RFDF), developed by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (DFEC) for the 463 Capstone during Fall 2026/Spring 2027. These requirements were formulated in consultation with the Capstone Course Director, Lt Col Nick Uptain.
KPPs¶
RF Detection and Geolocation Performance The RFDF system shall detect and geolocate an RFD900x telemetry radio transmitting at 915 MHz (1 W ERP) at ranges up to 15 km under line-of-sight conditions. The system shall meet a threshold localization accuracy of no greater than 50 m Root Mean Squared (RMS) horizontal radial error over a minimum of 50 independent samples. When operating in the coordinated two-UAV configuration, the system shall have an objective localization accuracy of no greater than 20 m RMS horizontal radial error over a minimum of 50 synchronized measurement sets.
Platform Integration and Cooperative Multi-UAV Operation The RFDF payload shall integrate with one or two Hexsoon EDU-450 V2-class UAVs while maintaining stable autonomous flight, including waypoint navigation and constant-altitude hold, during RF detection operations. The system shall support concurrent control and RFDF data collection from two UAVs through a common Ground Control Station (GCS).
Cooperative Geolocation and Positioning Optimization In the two-UAV configuration, the system shall fuse measurements from both UAVs to improve target geolocation accuracy and automatically generate coordinated waypoint updates that improve the sensor-to-target geometry. Beginning with poor geometry in which the angle between the two UAV-to-target lines of bearing is 10 degrees or less, the system shall reposition one or both UAVs to achieve an angle of at least 30 degrees, when operationally feasible, and demonstrate reduced target-location error relative to the initial geometry.
Telemetry Downlink and Data Latency Each UAV shall downlink time-synchronized platform telemetry and RFDF measurement data to the GCS at a minimum rate of 1 Hz. At a minimum, the downlink shall include UAV position, altitude, heading, measurement timestamp, RF bearing or measurement data, and system status. The estimated target geolocation coordinates shall be displayed within 5 seconds of initial RF detection. Once data fusion capability is validated, track data shall be provided to the cUAS Fusion team for integration.
Deliverables¶
Deliverables shall comply with all specifications detailed in the ECE 463 syllabus. The KPPs shall be successfully demonstrated no later than 1 April 2027. Any deviations from the stated requirements or deliverables must be formally approved by the Capstone Mentor before implementation.
Contact¶
Madison John Montgomery, Maj, USAF — Capstone Mentor madison.montgomery@afacademy.af.edu · 333-7785
Source: 20260728 - KPP Memo_RFDF - Draft.docx, 28 Jul 2026.