The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the development of a low-cost proximity sensor aimed at enhancing counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) munitions. The objective is to create a sensor that effectively detects and engages slow UAS targets as well as faster aerial threats, including cruise missiles, while adhering to specific performance criteria such as a cost under $10,000 and a detection range exceeding 30 meters. This initiative is critical for improving battlefield capabilities against evolving aerial threats, and the project is structured as a Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) SBIR opportunity, with no Phase I awards being made. Proposals are due by May 21, 2025, and interested parties can find more information and submit their applications through the DOD SBIR website.

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Integrated Sensing and Cyber OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate a low-cost proximity sensor for low cost C-UAS weapon, demonstrating effective performance against slow UAS targets as well as faster UAS or cruise-missile threats DESCRIPTION: Concepts which are compatible with the modular Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) rocket system (a guidance conversion to the Hydra-70 unguided rocket) are of particular interest to the government. The following approximate specs should be considered as rough order-of-magnitude needs, but strict adherence is not required. For relevant numbers not listed (such as radar cross section), the expertise of the proposer should guide stated assumptions. 1) Sensor cost <$10K 2) Detection range > 30 meters 3) Field of view > 30 degrees 4) Range error < 1 meter 5) Probability of detection > 90% 6) Size of target: Group 1, 2, 3, cruise missiles 7) Optical reflectivity of target < 20% The velocity range of the interception, and related proximity sensor performance, is of very high interest. Proposers should consider both the min/max velocity of the kinetic effector, as well as the min/max velocity of Group 1-3 UAS, as well as the possible geometries of engagements, to determine a target for design. Designs may focus on slower UAS, or may attempt to include faster UAS – or even cruise missiles, if the engineer trades are favorable (some description of the cost/benefit of including faster targets would be prudent). Of equal interest is any unknown component of such a system that ought to be designed, or optimized, in participation with a system-level Prime contractor to achieve the above objectives/mission. The topic authors do not wish to overly prescribe a specific solution, and other solutions – even beyond sensors, are appropriate for this topic insofar as they achieve a meaningful capability for this requirement on the battlefield. 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 Government expects the applicant to demonstrate feasibility by means of a prior “Phase I-type” effort that does not constitute work undertaken as part of a prior SBIR/STTR funding agreement. Prior work expected to be completed in a &quot;Phase-I type&quot; effort, in order to qualify for this D2P2, requires demonstrated feasibility which should include work and results in the following areas: Phase I efforts should include modeling and simulation to show feasibility of performance of a proximity sensing device or other sub-system upgrade versus UAS targets and/or other faster aerial threats. Manufacturing, cost, timeline factors should all be established to build confidence that the final product can be tested on a live (inert) rocket in a short-term, relevant, timeframe, and rapidly fielded with additional funding if results are favorable. Early laboratory or field tests showcasing hardware and/or software (sensing capabilities and algorithm detection capabilities) are expected. PHASE II: Phase II efforts should aim to achieve live (inert) guided free flight testing of the weapon versus C-UAS targets at a TRL 6. Prior to this point, significant integration work is expected to result in a manufacturable and fieldable design. The hardware should be plug-and-play with the fieldable interceptor solution. Weapon metrics mentioned previously, including the sensor subsystem, will be evaluated competitively against other solutions to assess useability for a Phase III. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Phase III will include both smaller quantities <100 of prototypes for experimentation, and quantities of >1000 if selected for inclusion within a program of record. It is expected that rapid fielding/production will begin in large quantities of multiple thousands if specification goals and met and proven in flight testing. REFERENCES: 1. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-downs-41-russian-drones-major-overnight-attack-2023-12-06/ 2. https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/09/politics/us-navy-houthi-missiles-drones-red-sea/index.html KEYWORDS: Base defense; low-cost interceptor; proximity fuze; optical proximity sensor, RF proximity sensor, counter-cruise missile, counter-UAS kinetic kill. +AO5:BA5

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