Three axis stabilized environmentally sealed infrared search and track payload
SBIR Opportunity Analysis
The Department of Defense, through the U.S. Air Force, is seeking proposals under a Direct-to-Phase-II SBIR opportunity to develop a low-cost, size, weight, and power (C-SWaP) environmentally sealed, three-axis stabilized infrared search and track (IRST) payload. The awardee will design, build, and test a prototype system featuring an IP54 environmental rating to protect optomechanical pointing and sensor components against dust and water while compensating for platform motion due to gusts and jitter. Deliverables must include a system that provides raw sensor data at 60 frames per second over Ethernet, accurate line-of-sight pointing data, on-gimbal inertial measurement, and full command and control. Because this is a Direct-to-Phase-II topic, applicants must demonstrate prior feasibility of a similar Phase I-type effort, and the resulting technology is subject to ITAR/EAR export control restrictions. Proposals for this opportunity must be submitted through the Department of Defense SBIR portal between the opening date of May 27, 2026, and the closing deadline of June 24, 2026.