The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force, is seeking innovative solutions for a high power airborne optical relay system through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Direct to Phase II program. The objective is to develop a reliable and efficient system that enhances the performance of ground-based laser systems, enabling longer distance transmission of high-power laser beams and improved engagement geometries. This initiative is crucial for advancing laser technology applications in defense, communication, and sensing. Proposals are due by June 25, 2025, with the opportunity set to open on May 28, 2025, and further details can be found at the official SBIR website.

## Description

Engaging low-altitude airborne targets for area and base defense is challenging from a ground-based platform due to strong amplitude refractive index variations associated with turbulence near the ground. Airborne laser weapons systems are challenging to deploy in part because the laser itself is large, power-hungry, and heavy. One solution for a defending localized area is to leave the laser on the ground and relay the light up to an airborne platform that will engage the target. This approach is beneficial because it circumvents the strong turbulence near the ground, increases the laser weapon range by going around lower altitude obstructions, and enables engaging more of the target area. It also keeps the laser on the ground minimizing the cost and weight of an airborne platform making it possible to deploy on a variety of platforms. This approach has been explored by the Air Force in demonstration experiments with significant success in prior decades. Today, we have developed new beam control technologies that have the potential to make the relay mirror to be even lower cost, lighter, and more compact. 

## Objective

The objective of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Direct to Phase II topic is to develop an innovative system for a high power airborne optical relay system that will significantly enhance the performance of ground-based lasers being built across the DOD Service and Agencies. Through technology maturation and innovation, we aim to create a reliable and efficient relay system that can transmit high-power laser beams over longer distances and provide more advantageous engagement geometries, thus improving the overall effectiveness of laser-based applications. This project will focus on advancing the state-of-the-art in optical relay technology and developing new techniques to overcome existing challenges in airborne optical systems. Ultimately, this project will contribute to the growth and advancement of laser technology, enabling new applications and solutions in various industries such as communication, sensing, and defense.

## Phase I

As this is a Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) topic, no Phase I awards will be made as a result of this topic. To qualify for this D2P2 topic, the Air Force expects the applicant(s) to demonstrate feasibility by means of a prior “Phase I-type” effort that does not constitute work undertaken as part of a prior or ongoing SBIR/STTR funding agreement. Applicant(s) may demonstrate feasibility in the following manner(s):&nbsp;1) Development and testing of high energy laser&nbsp; hardware (applicable to system power levels of 1-15kW) for ground-based or airborne power beaming applications.&nbsp; 2) Development of lightweight and compact beam control system components capable supporting uplink to UAS platform, &gt;80% optical&nbsp; throughput, and &lt;20urad beam jitter to target.&nbsp; 3) Development&nbsp; of performance models and associated analysis for power, beaming and optical relay hardware.&nbsp; 4) Scoping and conceptual design of 1/4 to 1/2 scale high power optical relay brassboard.

## Phase II

The long term goal of our relay mirror research is to demonstrate a pod-based relay system on a UAS or similar aircraft. The work done as part of this proposed effort should applicable to reduce risk for a full scale pod-based system design.&nbsp; To ensure scaleability and traceability of the brassboard design to the full-scale optical relay demonstration system should be &gt;= 1/4 scale design.&nbsp; &nbsp;For this phase II, the proposals should include development, installation, integration, demonstration, test and evaluation of a proposed relay mirror beam control solution 1/4 - 1/2 brassboard . This Phase II will seek to implement and demonstrate a relay mirror beam control system using a government furnished ground based HEL with power &lt;= 20 kW.Efforts will include:&nbsp;- Perform relevant modeling and simulation to facilitate system design.- Design, build, and field test a 1/4 - 1/2 scale ground-based demonstration relay brassboard to collaboratively operate with AFRL supplied c-sUAS laser source.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;- Demonstrate&nbsp; uplink to surrogate&nbsp; platform, &gt;80% optical&nbsp; throughput of the beam control subsystems, and &lt;20urad beam jitter to target.- Deliver the system and associated documentation to AFRL

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

Phase III efforts will focus on transitioning operationally ready technology to a commercial sector (for Power beaming applications) or DoD environment. The extension to Phase II effort include system development and integration with additional ground-based sources and deployment on an airborne platform or demonstration of on-the-move up-link to a suspended platform.

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High Power Airborne Optical Relay

SBIR Opportunity Analysis

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