SBIRPre-Release

Silencing with Acoustic Rainbow Emitters (SWARE)

Solicitation ID25.4
Agency
DOD
SOCOM
Deadline
May 13, 2026
29 days left
Posted Date
Sep 3, 2025
Classification
SBIR
Phase: BOTH

SBIR Opportunity Analysis

USSOCOM, through its SBIR program, is seeking innovative research and development for a low-cost Acoustic Rainbow Emitter (ARE) to reduce the acoustic signature of unmanned aerial systems and improve survivability for ARSOF operations. The work focuses on a Phase I feasibility study to evaluate viable system designs that can redirect sound away from the ground, push emissions toward the atmosphere, and meet the stated size, weight, visual signature, and adaptability targets. The topic emphasizes at least a 50% acoustic reduction, low-noise output toward the ground, and compliance with ITAR and EAR controls, with Phase II intended to develop, install, and demonstrate the most feasible prototype on a UAS. The opportunity is pre-release, with the solicitation opening on April 15, 2026 and closing on May 13, 2026 at 4:00 PM UTC.

SBIR Documents

15 Files
PDF.html
HTML23 KBSep 4, 2025
AI Summary
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1762382892290.pdf
PDF55 KBNov 5, 2025
AI Summary
The SOCOM254-008 topic, “Silencing with Acoustic Rainbow Emitters (SWARE),” seeks innovative research for a low-cost acoustic rainbow emitter (ARE) to significantly reduce the acoustic signature of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The objective is to redirect and change the frequencies of UAS acoustic signatures, making them inaudible to the human ear and maintaining stealth for ARSOF operations. Key requirements for the ARE include at least a 50% acoustic signature reduction, redirection of sound away from the ground, filtering of frequencies, easy application, a weight limit of 1kg for Group 1 UAS and 3kg for Group 2 UAS, and a low visual signature. The technology is subject to ITAR and EAR regulations. Phase I involves a feasibility study to assess viable design options, risks, and potential payoffs, leading to a recommended solution. Phase II will focus on developing and demonstrating a prototype system. Phase III aims for dual-use applications in military operations where Special Operations Forces require stealth.
1762387308230.pdf
PDF55 KBNov 6, 2025
AI Summary
The SOCOM254-008 topic seeks innovative research for a low-cost Acoustic Rainbow Emitter (ARE) to significantly reduce the acoustic signature of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The objective is to develop an ARE that redirects and filters UAS acoustic signatures to levels inaudible to the human ear, particularly for Special Operations Forces (ARSOF) operating in non-permissive environments. Key requirements include a minimum 50% acoustic signature reduction, redirection of sound towards the atmosphere, filtering of ground-emitted frequencies, easy application, low weight (under 1kg for Group 1 UAS, 3kg for Group 2), low visual signature, and adaptability to multiple UAS systems. Phase I will involve a feasibility study to assess viable design options and their risks, aiming for Technology Readiness Level 3. Phase II will focus on developing and demonstrating a prototype system. This technology is restricted under ITAR/EAR regulations, requiring disclosure of any foreign national involvement. The ultimate goal is to enhance ARSOF stealth at the tactical edge.
1762560139503.pdf
PDF55 KBNov 8, 2025
AI Summary
The SOCOM254-008 topic, "Silencing with Acoustic Rainbow Emitters (SWARE)," seeks innovative research for a low-cost acoustic rainbow emitter (ARE) to significantly reduce the acoustic signature of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The objective is to develop a device that redirects UAS acoustic signatures towards the atmosphere, changes frequencies, and filters ground-emitted sound to inaudible levels for humans. Key requirements include a 50% acoustic signature reduction, easy application to UAS, low visual signature, adaptability to multiple UAS systems, and weight limits of under 1kg for Group 1 UAS and 3kg for Group 2 UAS. This effort aims to enhance the stealth and survivability of ARSOF UAS in non-permissive environments. Phase I will involve a feasibility study to assess potential solutions, while Phase II will focus on developing and demonstrating a prototype. The technology is restricted under ITAR/EAR regulations.
1762646519838.pdf
PDF55 KBNov 9, 2025
AI Summary
The SOCOM254-008 topic,
1762819319991.pdf
PDF55 KBNov 11, 2025
AI Summary
The SOCOM254-008 topic, titled "Silencing with Acoustic Rainbow Emitters (SWARE)," seeks innovative research for a low-cost acoustic rainbow emitter (ARE) to significantly reduce the acoustic signature of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The objective is to develop an ARE that can redirect and change the frequencies of a UAS's acoustic signature, making it inaudible to the human ear from the ground, thereby enhancing stealth for Special Operations Forces (ARSOF). Key requirements include at least a 50% acoustic signature reduction, redirection towards the atmosphere, filtering frequencies to inaudibility, easy application, a weight limit of 1kg for Group 1 UAS and 3kg for Group 2, a low visual signature, and adaptability to multiple UAS systems. Phase I involves a feasibility study to assess potential solutions, while Phase II focuses on developing and demonstrating a prototype. The technology is subject to ITAR/EAR regulations due to its defense-related nature. This effort supports military applications requiring discreet UAS operations.
1762905705977.pdf
PDF55 KBNov 12, 2025
AI Summary
The SOCOM254-008 topic seeks innovative research for a low-cost Acoustic Rainbow Emitter (ARE) to significantly reduce the acoustic signature of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The objective is to redirect and change the frequencies of a UAS's acoustic signature, making it inaudible to the human ear and enhancing stealth for Special Operations Forces. Key requirements include a 50% reduction in acoustic signature, redirection towards the atmosphere, filtering of ground-emitted frequencies, ease of application, weight limits (under 1kg for Group 1 UAS, 3kg for Group 2), low visual signature coloring, and adaptability to multiple UAS systems. This technology is restricted under ITAR/EAR. Phase I involves a feasibility study to assess viable options and risks, while Phase II focuses on prototype development and demonstration. Phase III envisions broad military applications for Special Operations Forces.
1762992134325.pdf
PDF55 KBNov 13, 2025
AI Summary
The SOCOM254-008 topic seeks innovative research for a low-cost Acoustic Rainbow Emitter (ARE) to significantly reduce the acoustic signature of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The objective is to develop an ARE that redirects and filters UAS acoustic signatures to levels inaudible to the human ear, particularly for Special Operations Forces operating in tactical environments. Key requirements include a 50% reduction in acoustic signature, redirection of sound towards the atmosphere, inaudibility on the ground, ease of application, lightweight design (under 1kg for Group 1 UAS, 3kg for Group 2), low visual signature, and adaptability to multiple UAS systems. This technology is restricted under ITAR/EAR regulations. Phase I involves a feasibility study to assess potential solutions and recommend the most viable option, while Phase II focuses on developing and demonstrating a prototype. Phase III explores dual-use applications for military operations. This effort aims to enhance the survivability and stealth of ARSOF UAS in non-permissive environments.
1763078529399.pdf
PDF55 KBNov 14, 2025
AI Summary
The SOCOM254-008 topic seeks innovative research for a low-cost Acoustic Rainbow Emitter (ARE) to significantly reduce the acoustic signature of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The objective is to develop an ARE that can redirect and change the frequencies of a UAS's acoustic signature, making it inaudible to humans and enhancing stealth for Special Operations Forces. Key requirements for the ARE include at least a 50% acoustic signature reduction, redirection of sound towards the atmosphere, filtering frequencies to inaudible levels, easy application to UAS systems, light weight (under 1kg for Group 1 UAS, 3kg for Group 2), low visual signature, and adaptability to multiple UAS systems. Phase I involves a feasibility study to assess potential solutions and recommend the most viable option, while Phase II focuses on developing and demonstrating a prototype. The technology is restricted under ITAR/EAR, requiring disclosure of foreign nationals. This effort supports military applications requiring stealth operations.
1763164918268.pdf
PDF55 KBNov 15, 2025
AI Summary
The SOCOM254-008 topic seeks innovative research for a low-cost Acoustic Rainbow Emitter (ARE) to significantly reduce the acoustic signature of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The objective is to develop an ARE that redirects and filters UAS acoustic signatures to be inaudible to the human ear, enhancing stealth for ARSOF tactical operations. Key requirements include a minimum 50% acoustic signature reduction, redirection towards the atmosphere, inaudible ground-level frequencies, easy application, weight limits (under 1kg for Group 1 UAS, 3kg for Group 2), low visual signature coloring, and adaptability to multiple UAS systems. Phase I involves a feasibility study to assess viable system designs and their attributes, while Phase II focuses on developing and demonstrating a prototype. This technology is restricted under ITAR/EAR, requiring disclosure of foreign national involvement. The ultimate goal is to improve UAS survivability in non-permissive environments for military applications.
1763337717017.pdf
PDF55 KBNov 17, 2025
AI Summary
The SOCOM254-008 topic seeks innovative research for a low-cost Acoustic Rainbow Emitter (ARE) to significantly reduce the acoustic signature of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The objective is to develop an ARE that can redirect and change the frequencies of a UAS’s acoustic signature, making it inaudible to the human ear and maintaining stealth for ARSOF tactical operations. Key requirements include at least a 50% acoustic signature reduction, redirection towards the atmosphere, filtering of ground-emitted frequencies, easy application, low weight (under 1kg for Group 1 UAS, 3kg for Group 2), low visual signature, and adaptability to multiple UAS systems. Phase I will involve a feasibility study to assess viable design options and their risks, without developing operational prototypes. Phase II will focus on developing and demonstrating a prototype system. This technology is restricted under ITAR/EAR, requiring disclosure of foreign national involvement. The system has broad military applications for Special Operations Forces.
1763510525893.pdf
PDF55 KBNov 19, 2025
AI Summary
The SOCOM254-008 topic, "Silencing with Acoustic Rainbow Emitters (SWARE)," seeks innovative research for a low-cost Acoustic Rainbow Emitter (ARE) to significantly reduce the acoustic signature of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The objective is to develop an ARE that can redirect and alter the frequencies of UAS acoustic signatures, making them inaudible to the human ear and directing sound away from the ground. Key requirements include at least a 50% acoustic signature reduction, redirection towards the atmosphere, filtering of ground-emitted frequencies, ease of application, low weight (under 1kg for Group 1 UAS, 3kg for Group 2), a low visual signature, and adaptability to multiple UAS systems. Phase I will involve a feasibility study to assess potential solutions and their risks, while Phase II will focus on developing and demonstrating a prototype. This technology is restricted under ITAR/EAR regulations. The effort aims to enhance the stealth and survivability of ARSOF UAS in tactical, non-permissive environments.
1763769715839.pdf
PDF55 KBNov 22, 2025
AI Summary
No AI summary available for this file.
1764968594471.pdf
PDF55 KBDec 5, 2025
AI Summary
The SOCOM254-008 topic, “Silencing with Acoustic Rainbow Emitters (SWARE),” seeks innovative research for a low-cost acoustic rainbow emitter (ARE) to significantly reduce the acoustic signature of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The objective is to develop an ARE that can redirect and alter the frequencies of a UAS’s acoustic signature, making it inaudible to the human ear and reducing it by at least 50%. Key attributes for the ARE include being easily applicable, adaptable to multiple UAS systems, colored for a low visual signature, and weighing under 1kg for Group 1 UAS and 3kg for Group 2 UAS. This technology is restricted under ITAR/EAR regulations. Phase I involves a feasibility study to assess potential solutions, while Phase II focuses on developing and demonstrating a prototype. Phase III aims for dual-use applications, particularly for Special Operations Forces requiring stealth at the tactical edge.
1765929753803.pdf
PDF55 KBApr 13, 2026
AI Summary
The SOCOM254-008 topic seeks innovative research to develop a low-cost Acoustic Rainbow Emitter (ARE) for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The objective is to significantly reduce and redirect a UAS’s acoustic signature, making it inaudible to humans and enhancing stealth for ARSOF operations. Key requirements for the ARE include at least a 50% acoustic signature reduction, redirection of sound towards the atmosphere, filtering frequencies to inaudible levels, ease of application, a low visual signature, adaptability to multiple UAS systems, and weight limits of under 1kg for Group 1 UAS and 3kg for Group 2 UAS. The technology is subject to ITAR and EAR regulations. Phase I will involve a feasibility study to assess potential solutions, while Phase II will focus on prototype development and demonstration. This system has broad military applications for Special Operations Forces.

Related SBIR/STTR Opportunities

Opportunity Snapshot

Source SystemOfficial Link
Program Type
SBIR - BOTH
Agency
DOD / SOCOM

Key Dates

Release DateSep 3, 2025
Open DateApr 15, 2026
Application DueMay 13, 2026
Close DateMay 13, 2026