IDI-Systems has completed the Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract for the Advanced Combat Radio Environment (ACRE). The two-year contract from the US Army's SBIR office and Ground Vehicle Systems Center in Detroit, MI advanced ACRE from a collection of technical prototypes into a cohesive experimentation and demonstration framework, delivering significant progress in radio modeling, mesh network simulation, and visualization tooling.
The first year established the foundation through framework improvements, experimental propagation model investigations, propagation visualizations, and early mesh networking prototypes. Highlights included phased array antenna modeling for MIMO simulation, multipath model improvements using Unreal Engine 5, signal coverage map visualization tools, antenna radiation pattern editors, and a satellite communications orbital model.
The second year shifted focus toward MANET simulation and the Virtual Modem system, building a robust network simulator stack capable of over 50 Mbps throughput on modest hardware. A multiplayer demonstration environment was developed that showcases ACRE's in-game RF modeling for UAV control in a combat environment, featuring real-time propagation modeling, dynamic signal degradation, adversarial AI, and team-based gameplay across high-fidelity terrains.
The project concluded with the definition of the ACRE Network eXperimentation Framework (NXF), which consolidates the virtual modem stack, Docker-based deployment tooling, and visualization systems into a cohesive platform for conducting software-in-the-loop simulations. Key innovations include a custom Docker network plugin that dramatically simplifies deployment, a new WebRTC-based IPC system, and multiple interface modes for connecting systems under test to the simulated RF network.
ACRE NXF represents a clear path toward commercialization, with external interest already expressed from commercial partners and ongoing follow-on work with GVSC. Future development will continue refining the demonstration environment, expanding the NXF framework, and pursuing partnerships across defense, research, and commercial simulation markets.
IDI-Systems is an engineering research and development company focused on RF communications, software engineering, IT solutions, space/aerospace, and defense. Headquartered in Seattle, WA, its goal is to bring the best engineering talent worldwide to solve complex problems and develop innovative solutions for its customers.