High Power Airborne Optical Relay
ID: AF254-D0831Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

High Power Airborne Optical Relay

Agency

Agency: DODBranch: USAF

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTH
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense (DoD), specifically the United States Air Force (USAF), is seeking innovative solutions through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program for the development of a High Power Airborne Optical Relay system. The objective is to create a reliable and efficient system that enhances the performance of ground-based lasers, enabling them to transmit high-power laser beams over longer distances and improve engagement geometries for various applications, including defense and communication. This opportunity is particularly significant as it addresses challenges associated with deploying airborne laser weapons systems and aims to advance optical relay technology to facilitate effective engagement of low-altitude airborne targets. Interested parties must submit their proposals by June 25, 2025, with the project being open for applications starting May 7, 2025. For more details, applicants can refer to the solicitation document available at the provided link.

    Files
    No associated files provided.
    Similar Opportunities
    High Power Airborne Optical Relay -
    DOD
    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.
    Lightweight Optical Turret for Extended Capability HEL (LOTECH) -
    DOD
    The United States Air Force (USAF) is seeking proposals for the development of a Lightweight Optical Turret for Extended Capability High Energy Laser (HEL) applications, specifically designed for integration onto small airborne platforms. The objective is to create a fully functional, lightweight beam director with a 10-centimeter class aperture that can effectively propagate a high energy laser from a transsonic aircraft while compensating for aero-effects to maintain low jitter and precise targeting on non-cooperative targets. This initiative is critical for enhancing tactical airborne laser capabilities, with the project expected to transition into the Airborne Laser Weapon System Program scheduled to commence in FY27. Interested applicants must submit their proposals by June 25, 2025, with further details available on the official solicitation website.
    Lightweight Optical Turret for Extended Capability HEL (LOTECH) -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Air Force, is seeking proposals for the development of a Lightweight Optical Turret for Extended Capability High Energy Laser (HEL) applications, designated as AF254-D0816. The objective is to create a fully functional, lightweight beam director with a 10 centimeter class aperture that can effectively propagate a high energy laser from a transsonic airborne platform while compensating for aero-effects to maintain low jitter and effective targeting. This technology is critical for tactical airborne applications and is subject to strict export controls under ITAR and EAR regulations. Interested applicants must demonstrate prior feasibility through relevant experience and are encouraged to submit proposals by June 25, 2025, with further details available at the provided source link.
    Directed Energy Mobile Environmental Test Bed -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force (USAF), is seeking proposals for the development of a Directed Energy Mobile Environmental Test Bed under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The objective is to modify an existing mobile laser propagation test bed to demonstrate longer wavelengths (between 1-10 microns) in various environmental conditions, enhancing the technology readiness level (TRL) of key components and enabling power measurement at targets up to 5 kilometers. This initiative is critical for advancing laser weapon systems and ensuring effective testing capabilities in diverse field environments. Proposals are due by June 25, 2025, with further details available at the provided source link, and the opportunity is open for both Phase II submissions, as no Phase I awards will be made for this topic.
    Directed Energy Mobile Environmental Test Bed -
    DOD
    The United States Air Force (USAF) is seeking proposals for the development of a Directed Energy Mobile Environmental Test Bed under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The objective is to modify an existing mobile test bed to enable tracking, targeting, and testing of laser systems operating at wavelengths between 1 and 10 microns, with the goal of demonstrating these systems in relevant environmental conditions. This initiative is crucial for advancing the technology readiness level (TRL) of key components and enhancing the USAF's capabilities in laser propagation testing. Interested applicants must submit their proposals by June 25, 2025, with the solicitation details available at the DOD SBIR website. The project is currently in the pre-release phase, with the official opening date set for May 28, 2025.
    Conformal, Agile, Beam-Steering High Power Microwave Antenna -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program focused on developing a Conformal, Agile, Beam-Steering High Power Microwave Antenna. The objective is to create an S-band, frequency-scalable, steerable, lightweight, and conformal antenna capable of handling high peak power levels exceeding 100 MW, with applications in ground-based or air-based directed energy missions. This technology is critical for advancing high power microwave antennas and requires compliance with ITAR and EAR regulations, particularly concerning foreign nationals' involvement. Proposals are due by June 25, 2025, with the opportunity open for submissions starting May 7, 2025. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the SBIR website at https://www.sbir.gov/topics/12047.
    Lidar Tomography for Remote Sensing -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force, is seeking proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program focused on developing a Lidar Tomography system for remote sensing applications. The objective is to create a sensor design capable of producing high-resolution imagery of remote objects by utilizing multiple range measurements from various angles, with a target effective range resolution of less than 7.5 cm. This technology aims to enhance remote sensing capabilities by overcoming traditional optical limitations, making it crucial for applications in airborne or spaceborne platforms. The solicitation is set to open on May 28, 2025, with a closing date for applications on June 25, 2025. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the official SBIR website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Conformal, Agile, Beam-Steering High Power Microwave Antenna -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force, is seeking proposals for the development of a Conformal, Agile, Beam-Steering High Power Microwave Antenna under the SBIR program. The objective is to create an S-band, high power, frequency-scalable, steerable, and lightweight antenna capable of handling peak power levels exceeding 100 MW, with a focus on applications in directed energy weapons for ground-based or air-based missions. This initiative is critical for advancing high power microwave technology, emphasizing the need for extensive modeling, simulation, and prototype testing to meet stringent performance parameters. Interested parties should prepare to submit their proposals by June 25, 2025, with the opportunity details available on the official DOD SBIR website.
    Room Temperature Quantum Cascade Laser Array -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force, is seeking proposals for the development of a Room Temperature Quantum Cascade Laser Array under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The objective is to create a high-efficiency array of quantum cascade lasers that operate at room temperature, addressing the limitations of current infrared scene projection technologies used in military testing. This initiative is crucial for enhancing optical sensor systems, as it aims to overcome issues such as low wall plug efficiency and high costs associated with existing infrared light emitting devices. Interested parties should note that the solicitation number is AF25D-T010, with a release date of May 7, 2025, and applications due by June 25, 2025. For more information, please visit the official source link at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    HEIGHT (High-altitude Enhanced Information GatHering Technology) -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking innovative proposals for the High-altitude Enhanced Information Gathering Technology (HEIGHT) under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The objective is to explore advanced concepts that utilize high altitudes to enhance DoD mission capabilities, particularly focusing on payloads for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and material transport, while discouraging proposals centered on communications or Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) unless they offer groundbreaking advancements. This opportunity is significant as it aims to push the boundaries of traditional air operations and develop novel technologies for high-altitude platforms, with a focus on affordability and responsiveness in delivering payloads above 100,000 feet. Interested parties must submit their proposals by June 25, 2025, with the solicitation details available at the provided source link.