About
Applied Signals Intelligence (ASI) is a defense technology company specializing in miniaturized Radio Frequency (RF) Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISR-T) solutions for the modern battlespace. Their flagship product, SNITCH™, is a field-proven ultrawideband RF sensor that delivers precision 3D Direction Finding (DF) and geolocation from a single small platform — described as a 'Rivet Joint in the Palm of Your Hand.' Traditional RF ISR systems require multiple GPS-synchronized aircraft, real-time datalinks, and large specialized airframes. ASI redefines Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) by compressing this capability into a sensor package weighing just 3.5 lbs that fits in a 6-inch diameter cylinder consuming only 40 watts. Key capabilities include ultrawideband coverage from HF to 18 GHz, 200 MHz instantaneous bandwidth, passive 360° azimuth and 90°+ elevation field of view with no moving parts, and fully GPS-independent RF ISR. The platform-agnostic, MOSA-compliant design enables rapid deployment across Group 2 UAS, Launched Effects, High-Altitude Balloons, Tethered UAS, one-way UAS, ground vehicles, and maritime vessels. ASI's sensors support COMINT, SIGINT, and ELINT modalities, enabling real-time detection and targeting of communications signals, jammers, counter-battery radars, air defense radars, and agile/frequency-hopping waveforms — all from a single small UAS operating in denied environments with no external coordination required.
Key Features
- Ultrawideband RF Direction Finding: Covers HF to 18 GHz with 200 MHz instantaneous bandwidth for real-time detection of communications signals, jammers, radars, and agile/frequency-hopping waveforms.
- Single-Platform 3D Geolocation: Full 360° azimuth and 90°+ elevation passive DF from a single small UAS, eliminating the need for multi-aircraft FDOA/TDOA architectures or large ISR platforms.
- Low SWaP Tactical Design: Fits in a 6"D × 7"L cylinder weighing just 3.5 lbs at 40 watts average power, enabling deployment on Group 2 UAS, balloons, ground vehicles, and maritime vessels.
- GPS-Independent Operations: No GPS synchronization or external timing required for DF and geolocation, maintaining full effectiveness in contested, degraded, and GPS-denied environments.
- MOSA-Compliant Platform Integration: Modular Open Systems Approach design with open form, fit, and function interfaces enables rapid integration across diverse military and government platforms.
Use Cases
- Tactical RF direction finding and geolocation from Group 2 UAS operating in GPS-denied or electronically contested environments
- Real-time detection and targeting of enemy communications signals, jammers, counter-battery radars, and air defense radars during combat operations
- Autonomous Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) without mission crews, datalinks, or external platform coordination
- Replacing multi-aircraft TDOA/FDOA ISR architectures with a single low-SWaP sensor on a small UAS for cost-effective persistent surveillance
- Deploying RF sensing capabilities on non-traditional platforms such as high-altitude balloons, maritime vessels, or ground vehicles in denied or austere environments
Pros
- Single-Platform Capability: Eliminates multi-aircraft coordination requirements, drastically reducing operational complexity and cost while delivering precision RF geolocation from one small UAS.
- Contested Environment Resilience: GPS-independent passive operation ensures continued effectiveness in jammed, GPS-denied, and communication-challenged environments where traditional ISR systems fail.
- Broad Platform Compatibility: MOSA-compliant interfaces and modular design allow rapid deployment across a wide range of air, ground, and maritime platforms without custom integration work.
- Ultrawideband Multi-Mode Coverage: HF to 18 GHz passive coverage supporting COMINT, SIGINT, and ELINT provides comprehensive electromagnetic spectrum awareness without revealing the platform's position.
Cons
- Defense and Government Market Only: Designed exclusively for military and government customers, with no commercial or civilian applications, limiting the potential user base.
- Hardware Integration Complexity: Requires physical sensor hardware integration onto compatible UAS or vehicle platforms, which may involve complex procurement, certification, and installation processes.
- No Public Pricing or Availability: As a defense contractor product, pricing, acquisition pathways, and availability details are not publicly disclosed and require direct engagement with ASI.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SNITCH™?
SNITCH™ is ASI's field-proven ultrawideband RF sensor for tactical direction finding and geolocation. It fits in a 6"D × 7"L cylinder, weighs 3.5 lbs, and delivers precision 3D DF and targeting capability equivalent to much larger ISR aircraft — all from a single small UAS platform.
Does SNITCH™ require GPS to perform direction finding and geolocation?
No. ASI's sensors do not rely on GPS synchronization or external timing to track and localize RF emitters, making them fully operational in GPS-denied, contested, and degraded environments with high-latency or low-bandwidth conditions.
What platforms can ASI sensors be integrated onto?
ASI's MOSA-compliant sensors can be deployed on Group 2 UAS, Launched Effects, High-Altitude Balloons, Tethered UAS, one-way UAS, ground vehicles, and maritime vessels. The open interface standards simplify integration across diverse platforms.
What frequency range and signal types does SNITCH™ cover?
SNITCH™ covers HF to 18 GHz with 200 MHz instantaneous bandwidth, enabling detection and tracking of communications signals, jammers, counter-battery radars, air defense radars, and agile or frequency-hopping waveforms in real time.
What intelligence modalities does ASI support?
ASI's SNITCH™ sensor supports COMINT (Communications Intelligence), SIGINT (Signals Intelligence), and ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) modalities from a single platform, providing comprehensive electromagnetic spectrum awareness without mission crews or external coordination.
