High Gain UAS MANET Antennas

The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force, is seeking innovative solutions through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to develop high-gain antennas for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) capable of enhancing data communication ranges. The objective is to create a system that can achieve a range of up to 50 miles for air-to-air or air-to-ground data connections at a minimum speed of 1mb/s, utilizing mobile ad hoc network (MANET) radios operating in the S-band. This initiative addresses the current limitations of existing systems, which typically operate within a five-mile range, thereby restricting their operational capabilities and potential applications in surveillance and strike missions. Proposals are due by June 25, 2025, with the opportunity to transition successful concepts into dual-use applications for both military and commercial sectors. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the SBIR website.