High Gain UAS MANET Antennas
ID: AF252-D037Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

High Gain UAS MANET Antennas

Agency

Agency: DODBranch: USAF

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTH

Topic Link

https://www.sbir.gov/topics/11930

Additional Information

https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/submissions/solicitation-documents/active-solicitations
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Air Force, is seeking proposals for the development of high-gain antennas for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) under the SBIR program, with a focus on enhancing communication range capabilities. The objective is to create a system that can extend the range of air-to-air or air-to-ground data connections to at least 50 miles, utilizing a mobile ad hoc network (MANET) radio operating in the S-band, while ensuring a data transmission rate of at least 1mb/s. This initiative addresses the current limitations of existing MANET radios, which typically operate within a range of less than five miles, thereby restricting their operational effectiveness in surveillance and communication roles. Proposals are due by May 21, 2025, and interested parties can find more information and submit their applications through the official SBIR website.

    Files
    No associated files provided.
    Similar Opportunities
    Long-Range Joint Precision Airdrop System (LR-JPADS) -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Army, is seeking proposals for the Long-Range Joint Precision Airdrop System (LR-JPADS) under the SBIR program. The objective is to enhance the existing JPADS technology by integrating a propulsion unit that extends its delivery range from 15 miles to 250 nautical miles, enabling the transport of at least 700 lbs. of payload in anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) environments. This initiative is crucial for improving aerial logistics capabilities, particularly for emergency humanitarian resupply and other commercial applications. Interested parties can submit Direct to Phase II proposals with a funding amount of up to $2,000,000, with the application due by July 23, 2025. For more information, visit the solicitation agency's website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Multi-channel amplification on chip for scalable quantum & DE applications -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense is seeking proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program focused on developing a multi-channel amplification system on a photonic integrated circuit for scalable quantum and directed energy applications. The objective is to create an on-chip coherent optical amplifier capable of generating eight independent laser beams, each with a gain of 20 dB and a noise figure of less than 5 dB, while maintaining phase coherence with a common seed laser. This technology is crucial for various applications, including quantum computing, multi-beam Lidar, and telecommunications, with potential for dual-use in directed energy systems. Interested parties should note that the Phase II funding amount is capped at $2,095,000 for a 27-month performance period, with proposals due by July 23, 2025. For more information, visit the solicitation agency's website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Integration of Wave Relay API Features into the Thales InterSense IS-1500 Visual Inertial Tracking Software -
    DOD
    The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is seeking innovative software solutions through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to integrate Wave Relay API features into the Thales InterSense IS-1500 Visual Inertial Tracking Software. The primary objective is to enhance local positioning capabilities for uncrewed and worn sensors during tactical operations by leveraging RF signal information, ensuring accuracy within 1 meter in a 300-meter by 300-meter area without GPS reliance, particularly in low-light conditions. This technology is crucial for improving the reliability of positioning solutions in GPS-denied environments, especially for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) sensor operations. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is set to open on June 25, 2025, with applications due by July 23, 2025, and can find more information at the DOD SBIR website.
    Multi-channel amplification on chip for scalable quantum & DE applications -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program focused on developing a multi-channel coherent optical amplifier on a photonic integrated circuit, aimed at applications in quantum science and directed energy. The objective is to create a scalable system capable of generating eight coherent laser beams from a common seed laser, with specific performance criteria including a gain of 20 dB and a noise figure of less than 5 dB, while allowing for independent frequency control. This technology is critical for advancing quantum computing, quantum sensing, and directed energy systems, with potential commercial applications in multi-beam Lidar and telecommunications. Interested parties must submit their proposals by July 23, 2025, with a maximum funding amount of $2,095,000 for Phase II, which includes a 27-month performance period. For more details, visit the solicitation link at https://www.sbir.gov/topics/12170.
    Real-Time Detection and Tracking of High-Velocity Atmospheric Transits -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Space Force (USSF), is seeking innovative solutions through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program for the development of a real-time detection and tracking system for high-velocity atmospheric transits. The objective is to create a hardware and/or software tool capable of detecting, tracking, and predicting the trajectory of objects transiting the upper atmosphere at altitudes of 200–400 km, particularly those traveling at suborbital or space-capable velocities. This initiative addresses critical gaps in Space Domain Awareness (SDA) as emerging threats, such as hypersonic glide vehicles and suborbital missiles, challenge existing detection systems. Interested parties must submit proposals by August 20, 2025, with the opportunity to advance directly to Phase II of the program, and further details can be found at the provided source link.
    Underwater Sensing in Surf Zone Environments -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Army, is seeking proposals for the development of an underwater sensing system optimized for surf zone environments as part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The objective is to create a portable underwater sensor capable of detecting bathymetry and underwater hazards in shallow, bubbly conditions, which are critical for safe maritime operations and logistics support in contested regions. This technology is particularly important for enhancing situational awareness during over-the-shore operations, where traditional sensing methods are hindered by environmental factors such as surf zone bubbles. Proposals for Phase I are invited with a funding limit of $250,000 for a six-month performance period, with a submission deadline of August 20, 2025. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the official SBIR website.
    Underwater Sensing in Surf Zone Environments -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Army, is seeking proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program focused on developing an underwater sensing system for surf zone environments. The objective is to create a portable sensor capable of detecting bathymetry and underwater hazards in shallow, bubbly conditions, which is critical for safe maritime operations and logistics support in contested regions. This technology is particularly important for enhancing situational awareness during over-the-shore operations, where traditional sensing methods are hindered by environmental factors such as surf zone bubbles. Proposals for Phase I are due by August 20, 2025, with a funding amount of up to $250,000 for a six-month performance period. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the official SBIR website.
    Space-Based Firing Solutions -
    DOD
    The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is seeking innovative small businesses to develop advanced firing solution technologies for missile defense in the space domain under the SBIR program. The objective is to enhance missile defense capabilities through improved firing solution architectures, sensor data fusion algorithms, and target discrimination techniques, which are critical for defending the United States and its allies from missile threats. This opportunity is particularly significant as it aims to advance disruptive technologies necessary for effective missile defense operations in contested environments. Proposals are due by July 23, 2025, and interested parties can find more information and submit their applications through the official SBIR website at https://www.sbir.gov/topics/12181.
    Phase I Call for Innovative Defense-Related Dual-Purpose Technologies/Solutions with a Clear Space Force Stakeholder Need -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, through the United States Space Force (USSF), is seeking innovative defense-related dual-purpose technologies and solutions that address specific stakeholder needs as part of its Phase I SBIR program. The primary objective is to explore and develop commercial technologies that can fulfill requirements, close capability gaps, and provide technological advancements applicable to both defense and non-defense markets. This initiative is crucial for enhancing the USSF's operational capabilities across various mission areas, including Space Domain Awareness, Satellite Communications, and Cyberspace Operations, among others. Interested parties must submit their proposals by August 5, 2025, with further details available at the provided source link.
    Innovative Interceptor Seekers for Missile Defense in the Space Domain -
    DOD
    The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is seeking innovative technologies for interceptor seekers that enhance missile defense capabilities in the space domain through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The objective is to develop advanced seekers that can effectively detect missile threats, withstand the rigors of space launch and operation, and transition from standby to active states rapidly, all while being compact and cost-effective. This initiative is critical for the MDA's mission to protect the United States and its allies from missile attacks, emphasizing the need for disruptive technologies in a contested environment. Proposals are due by July 23, 2025, and must demonstrate prior technical feasibility and readiness for Phase II development, with further details available at the provided solicitation link.