CRFS

Cambridge Radio Frequency Systems (CRFS) is a leading developer of software-defined RF sensors and signals intelligence (SIGINT) payloads for military platforms and tactical unmanned systems (UxS). The company designs and manufactures hardware and software used to detect, monitor, record, and analyse RF activity in complex environments.

As spectrum congestion and signal density increase, CRFS’ technology supports operational and regulatory requirements across the spectrum domain. The company’s systems are used by defence organisations, national spectrum regulators, and security and intelligence agencies across the globe.

RFeye Technology for Multi-Domain Operations

CRFS’ RFeye technology provides SIGINT capability for NATO partners operating across land, air, and maritime domains. The modular, software-defined architecture is designed to support armed forces and defence integrators pursuing modernisation strategies that expand ISR capacity and incorporate RF sensor data into targeting and decision-making processes.

RFeye Node is a portable, rugged RF sensor engineered for continuous, real-time spectrum monitoring and transmitter geolocation. With frequency coverage up to 40 GHz, RFeye Node forms the core hardware platform within the wider RFeye ecosystem.

RFeye Nodes are modular SIGINT payloads designed to enable passive RF detection and geolocation without revealing platform intent, turning any unmanned system into an EW asset. Passive RF intelligence can be distributed to centralised command and control (C2) platforms or to tactical units operating in conflict environments.

RFeye is a TRL 9 technology and has been deployed by NATO partners and allied organisations in operational environments.

Operational Advantages of SIGINT Payloads for UxS

Rapid Deployment for Extended ISR Coverage
Rapidly deploy UAVs, UGVs, and USVs into hostile or denied areas to monitor the spectrum and stream data in real time. Increase observation range beyond line-of-sight to support surveillance and geolocation across land, air, and maritime domains.

Enhanced C-UAS & Air Defence Support with Persistent Coverage
Extend defensive perimeters and contribute to layered air defence architectures using manoeuvrable, SIGINT-enabled unmanned platforms. Maintain continuous spectrum monitoring, including long-endurance maritime operations supporting short-range and long-range early warning.

Operation in Degraded Connectivity with Comprehensive Operational Visibility
Reduce backhaul bandwidth requirements through in-built edge processing to support performance in low-bandwidth or contested environments. Record I/Q data at the edge for post-mission analysis while supporting real-time signal exploitation.

Faster Targeting & Modular Mission Adaptability
Detect and geolocate signals of interest in real time using edge processing and automated signal detection to support decision-making. Exchange EW payloads using modular architectures to accommodate changing mission requirements.

Optimised Vantage Points & Situational Awareness at the Edge
Use aerial and maritime positioning advantages to detect transmissions from UAVs, airborne systems, and surface targets across wide areas. Position autonomous platforms forward to provide real-time spectrum intelligence to ground forces and distributed command elements.

Battle-Proven RF Sensors for UGVs

Built for mobile and modular platforms, RFeye Node can be integrated onto tracked or wheeled UGVs operating in challenging environments. The passive EW payload is compatible with existing power and autonomy architectures and supports long-duration missions.

Integrating RF sensors onto UGVs can extend C-UAS and air defence coverage, providing early-warning RF detection as well as tipping and cueing other sensors and effectors within a wider defensive network.

RF Sensors for Tactical UAVs Across Groups 2 to 5

CRFS SIGINT payloads extend line-of-sight and support long-range detection and geolocation across fixed-wing, tethered, and rotary-wing UAVs. This enables operators to maintain situational awareness while remaining at distance from higher-risk areas.

Platform-aware integration techniques are used to mitigate platform-generated emissions, helping to preserve RF sensing performance and minimise the impact of onboard interference.

Passive Software-Defined RF Payloads for USVs

CRFS’ self-contained spectrum monitoring and TDoA system is engineered for tactical USV platforms, delivering real-time detection and geolocation without emitting signals. This enables covert operation while maintaining continuous situational awareness across the RF domain.

The RFeye sensor has been tested to Sea State 5 and provides 30G shock protection, supporting deployment in demanding maritime conditions. It can draw power directly from the host platform or operate as an independent unit, offering more than 105 hours of integral runtime for extended missions.

The company’s passive RF sensing payloads enhance maritime ISR operations in contested waters, with typical applications including coastal surveillance, grey zone monitoring, and early warning tasks where persistent, low-signature sensing is required.

Platform-aware integration techniques account for maritime antenna placement and platform-generated emissions, helping to preserve consistent RF sensing performance across varying sea states and vessel configurations.

RF Sensor Integration for Military UxS

CRFS works with customers to define system requirements and deliver tailored integration solutions, determining and engineering the features and functionality required for each application.