Acoustic-based UAS Rainbow Oscillation Refraction Architecture (AURORA)
ID: SOCOM254-007Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

Acoustic-based UAS Rainbow Oscillation Refraction Architecture (AURORA)

Agency

Agency: DODBranch: SOCOM

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTH
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the Special Operations Command (SOCOM), is seeking innovative research and development proposals for the Acoustic-based UAS Rainbow Oscillation Refraction Architecture (AURORA) under the SBIR program. The objective is to create an acoustic-based communication system that enables small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) within a swarm to communicate and determine their relative positions using sound generated by their propellers as a carrier wave. This technology is crucial for military applications where multiple drones operate in close proximity without relying on GPS or radio frequencies, enhancing their operational effectiveness and safety. Interested parties should prepare to submit their proposals by December 31, 2025, with the feasibility study phase (Phase I) focusing on system design options and achievable data rates, followed by prototype development in Phase II. For more details, visit the solicitation agency's website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The SOCOM254-007 topic seeks applied research for an Acoustic-based UAS Rainbow Oscillation Refraction Architecture (AURORA). The objective is to develop an innovative capability for small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) within a swarm to achieve spatio-spectral decomposition of sound from their propellers. This will enable information transmission and reception encoded on sound waves and support relative position awareness in a multi-agent system. The system must use propeller-generated sound for intra-swarm communication, refract sound into coherent frequencies for data encoding, and transmit/receive omnidirectionally. Key attributes include independent sUAS position determination, heterogeneous sUAS data exchange, interference addressing, collision avoidance, adaptability to varying acoustic frequencies and environmental factors, and Doppler shift mitigation. It must not rely on additional oscillators or impede normal sUAS operation. Phase I will involve a feasibility study to assess achievable data rates and system design options, with Phase II developing a prototype. This technology has dual-use potential for military multi-agent drone systems operating without GPS or radio frequencies.
    The SOCOM254-007 topic seeks applied research for an Acoustic-based UAS Rainbow Oscillation Refraction Architecture (AURORA) to enable communication and relative position awareness within small uncrewed aerial system (sUAS) swarms. The objective is to use sound waves primarily generated by sUAS propellers as a carrier for encoded information. Key system attributes include the ability to spatio-spectrally decompose incoherent propeller sounds, refract them into coherent frequencies for data modulation, and transmit/receive omnidirectionally. The system must also allow sUAS to independently determine relative positions, support heterogeneous sUAS communication, address interference, enable collision avoidance using self-organizing algorithms like the Boids model, and account for acoustic frequency variability and Doppler shift without impeding normal sUAS operation or requiring additional oscillators. Phase I involves a feasibility study to assess achievable data rates and viable system designs, while Phase II will focus on prototype development. This technology has dual-use potential for military applications involving multi-agent drone systems operating without GPS or radio frequencies.
    The SOCOM254-007 RFP seeks innovative research for an Acoustic-based UAS Rainbow Oscillation Refraction Architecture (AURORA) to enable communication and relative positioning within small uncrewed aerial system (sUAS) swarms. The objective is to use sound waves, primarily from sUAS propellers, as a carrier to encode and transmit information. Key requirements include spatio-spectral decomposition and refraction of propeller-generated sound, omnidirectional transmission/reception, independent sUAS position determination, and support for heterogeneous swarms. The system must address interference, collision avoidance, and acoustic frequency variability without relying on additional oscillators. Phase I will involve a feasibility study to determine achievable data rates and system design options. Phase II will focus on prototype development. This technology has dual-use potential for military applications, particularly for Special Operations Forces requiring close-proximity drone collaboration without GPS or radio frequencies.
    The SOCOM254-007 RFP seeks innovative research for an Acoustic-based UAS Rainbow Oscillation Refraction Architecture (AURORA) to enable communication and relative position awareness within small uncrewed aerial system (sUAS) swarms. The objective is to use the sUAS propellers' inherent sound waves as a carrier for encoded information. Key requirements include spatial decomposition and refraction of propeller sound into coherent frequencies for data modulation, omnidirectional transmission/reception, and independent sUAS position determination. The system must support heterogeneous sUAS, mitigate reciprocal interference and Doppler shift, and not impede normal sUAS operation, while avoiding additional oscillators. This technology is ITAR/EAR restricted. Phase I involves a feasibility study to assess achievable data rates and system design options, leading to prototype development in Phase II. Dual-use applications include military multi-agent drone operations without GPS or radio frequencies for Special Operations Forces.
    The SOCOM254-007 topic, titled "Acoustic-based UAS Rainbow Oscillation Refraction Architecture (AURORA)," seeks applied research for an innovative acoustic-based communication system for small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) swarms. The objective is to enable sUAS to transmit and receive information encoded on sound waves, primarily using propeller noise as a carrier, and support relative position awareness within a multi-agent system. Key requirements include spatial decomposition and refraction of propeller sound into coherent frequencies, omnidirectional transmission/reception, independent relative position determination, and support for heterogeneous sUAS. The system must address interference, collision avoidance, acoustic frequency variability, and Doppler shift, without relying on additional oscillators or impeding normal sUAS operation. Phase I involves a feasibility study to assess achievable data rates and system design options, leading to a prototype in Phase II. This ITAR-restricted technology has dual-use applications for military multi-agent drone systems operating without GPS or radio frequencies.
    The SOCOM254-007 RFP seeks applied research for an Acoustic-based UAS Rainbow Oscillation Refraction Architecture (AURORA). The objective is to develop an innovative capability for small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) swarms to transmit and receive information encoded on sound waves generated by their propellers, enabling relative position awareness within a multi-agent system. Key requirements include using incoherent propeller sound as a carrier, refracting sound waves into coherent frequencies for data modulation, omnidirectional transmission and reception, and independent sUAS position determination. The system must also support heterogeneous sUAS, address reciprocal interference and Doppler shift, and not impede normal sUAS operation. Phase I involves a feasibility study to assess achievable data rates and system design options, while Phase II focuses on prototype development. This technology has dual-use applications for military multi-drone systems operating without GPS or radio frequencies.
    The SOCOM254-007 topic seeks applied research for an Acoustic-based UAS Rainbow Oscillation Refraction Architecture (AURORA). The objective is to enable small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) within a swarm to transmit and receive information encoded on sound waves, specifically those generated by their propellers, and to support relative position awareness. Key requirements include using propeller sound as a carrier wave, refracting sound into modulated coherent frequencies, omnidirectional transmission/reception, independent sUAS position determination, and support for heterogeneous sUAS. The system must also address interference, collision avoidance, acoustic frequency variability, Doppler shift, and not rely on additional oscillators or impede normal sUAS operation. This technology is restricted under ITAR/EAR. Phase I involves a feasibility study to assess achievable data rates and system design options. Phase II will develop and demonstrate a prototype. Dual-use applications include military multi-agent drone systems operating without GPS or radio frequencies for Special Operations Forces.
    The SOCOM254-007 (AURORA) topic seeks applied research for an acoustic-based communication system for small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) swarms. The objective is to enable sUAS to transmit and receive information encoded on sound waves generated by their propellers, facilitating relative position awareness within a multi-agent system. Key requirements include using propeller sound as a carrier wave, spatio-spectral decomposition and refraction of sound, omnidirectional transmission/reception, independent determination of relative position, interoperability with heterogeneous sUAS, addressing interference and Doppler shift, collision avoidance, and adaptability to varying acoustic frequencies and environmental factors. The system must not rely on additional oscillators and should not impede normal sUAS operation. Phase I involves a feasibility study to assess achievable data rates and system design options, with Phase II focusing on prototype development. This technology has dual-use potential for military applications involving multi-agent drone systems operating without GPS or radio frequencies.
    The SOCOM254-007 (AURORA) topic seeks applied research for an acoustic-based communication system for small uncrewed aerial vehicle (sUAS) swarms. The objective is to enable sUAS to transmit and receive information encoded on sound waves generated by their propellers, facilitating relative position awareness within a multi-agent system. The system must spatially decompose propeller sound into component frequencies, refract them across different vectors, and process signals for decentralized swarming using self-organizing algorithms like the Boids model. Key attributes include using incoherent propeller sound for intra-swarm communication, refracting sound into coherent, modulatable frequencies, omnidirectional transmission/reception, independent relative position determination, and support for heterogeneous sUAS. The system must address interference, collision avoidance, variability in acoustic frequencies, Doppler shift, and not rely on additional oscillators or impede normal sUAS operation. Phase I will involve a feasibility study to assess achievable data rates and system design options, with Phase II focusing on prototype development. This technology has dual-use applications for military multi-agent drone systems operating without GPS or radio frequencies.
    The SOCOM254-007 topic seeks applied research for an Acoustic-based UAS Rainbow Oscillation Refraction Architecture (AURORA) to enable communication and relative position awareness within small uncrewed aerial system (sUAS) swarms. The objective is to spatially and spectrally decompose propeller-generated sound waves to encode and transmit information. Key system attributes include using propeller sound for intra-swarm communication, refracting sound into coherent frequencies for data modulation, omnidirectional transmission/reception, independent sUAS relative position determination, and support for heterogeneous sUAS. The system must also address interference, collision avoidance, acoustic frequency variability, Doppler shift, and not impede normal sUAS operation or rely on additional oscillators. Phase I involves a feasibility study to assess achievable data rates and system design options, while Phase II focuses on prototype development. Dual-use applications include military operations for multi-agent drone systems without GPS or radio frequency reliance.
    The SOCOM254-007 RFP seeks applied research for an Acoustic-based UAS Rainbow Oscillation Refraction Architecture (AURORA) to enable communication and relative position awareness within small uncrewed aerial system (sUAS) swarms. The core objective is to utilize the sUAS propeller sound as a carrier wave for data transmission and reception, allowing spatial decomposition and refraction of sound waves for encoding information. Key system attributes include using incoherent propeller sound, refracting sound into coherent frequencies for modulation, omnidirectional transmission/reception, and independent sUAS position determination. The system must also support heterogeneous sUAS, address interference and Doppler shift, and not impede normal sUAS operation. Phase I involves a feasibility study to assess achievable data rates and viable system designs, while Phase II focuses on prototype development. This technology has dual-use potential for military applications in multi-agent drone systems without relying on GPS or radio frequencies, particularly for Special Operations Forces.
    The SOCOM254-007 Acoustic-based UAS Rainbow Oscillation Refraction Architecture (AURORA) topic seeks innovative research for an acoustic-based communication system for small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) within a swarm. The objective is to achieve spatio-spectral decomposition of sUAS propeller sound to enable information transmission and reception, and support relative position awareness. The system must use propeller-generated sound as a carrier wave, refract sound waves into coherent frequencies for data encoding, and transmit/receive omnidirectionally. It needs to enable sUAS to determine relative positions, support heterogeneous sUAS, address interference, enable collision avoidance, account for acoustic frequency variability and environmental factors, and not rely on additional oscillators. The system must also address Doppler shift and not impede normal sUAS operation. Phase I involves a feasibility study to assess achievable data rates and system design options, with Phase II focusing on prototype development and demonstration. This technology has dual-use applications for military multi-agent drone systems operating without GPS or radio frequencies.
    Please provide the text you would like me to summarize.
    Similar Opportunities
    Silencing with Acoustic Rainbow Emitters (SWARE) -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Special Operations Command (SOCOM), is seeking innovative research and development proposals for a low-cost Acoustic Rainbow Emitter (ARE) aimed at significantly reducing the acoustic signature of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The primary objective is to create an ARE that can redirect and alter the frequencies of a UAS's acoustic emissions, achieving at least a 50% reduction in audibility, while ensuring the system is adaptable to various UAS platforms and maintains a low visual signature. This technology is crucial for enhancing the stealth capabilities of Special Operations Forces during tactical operations. Interested parties should note that the solicitation number is SOCOM254-008, with a release date of September 3, 2025, and applications due by December 31, 2025. For further details, please visit the official solicitation link at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Technology Maturation to Support Commercial De-Orbit as a Service for pLEO Constellations -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking innovative solutions for the development of commercial De-Orbit as a Service (DaaS) capabilities aimed at managing proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) satellite constellations. The primary objective is to mature key technologies that facilitate safe and scalable satellite disposal mechanisms, particularly for satellites that encounter mission-ending anomalies and cannot autonomously de-orbit. This initiative is crucial for establishing a commercially sustainable DaaS market, reducing technical and operational risks, and laying the groundwork for future demonstration missions. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is set to open on December 10, 2025, with proposals due by December 31, 2025, and further details can be found at the provided source link.
    Secure Multi-Source Data Fusion Environment for pLEO Constellations -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking innovative solutions for a Secure Multi-Source Data Fusion Environment tailored for proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) constellations. The objective is to develop an adaptable software platform capable of ingesting, integrating, and analyzing high-volume, low-latency data from diverse space-based sources, enhancing real-time situational awareness and mission adaptability for the Department of Defense’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). This initiative is critical for enabling automated decision-making and timely execution of operations, supporting the USSF's goal of improving data-to-decision agility and operational responsiveness. Interested parties must prepare Direct-to-Phase II proposals, demonstrating a completed feasibility study and a clear integration plan with Department of Air Force operations, with the application deadline set for December 31, 2025.
    Integrated Deployable Microsensors for Chemical Detection -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking proposals for the development of Integrated Deployable Microsensors for Chemical Detection, aimed at providing early warning of chemical threats. The objective is to create a low size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) microsensor capable of detecting chemical weapons agents and pharmaceutical-based agents in vapor and aerosol forms within a critical timeframe of 10 minutes. This technology is crucial for enhancing rapid response and decision-making in both military and civilian contexts, particularly for first responders in environmental detection and health monitoring. Proposals are due by December 31, 2025, with the opportunity opening on December 10, 2025, and further details can be found at the DoD SBIR website.
    ALIAS Missionized Autonomy for Emergency Services - SBIR XL -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, through DARPA, is seeking proposals for the SBIR XL topic HR0011SB20254XL-01, which focuses on developing innovative autonomy applications to enhance the capabilities of UH-60 and S-76 helicopters for emergency services, particularly in autonomous wildfire response. The initiative aims to leverage DARPA's ALIAS program and Sikorsky's MATRIX autonomy system to create third-party applications that facilitate real-time decision-making, integrated situational awareness, and advanced communication for tasks such as water drops, cargo sling loads, medical evacuations, reconnaissance, and crew shuttles. This opportunity is critical as it addresses the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, necessitating advanced technologies for rapid response and effective firefighting efforts. Proposals are accepted for Direct-to-Phase II (DP2) only, with a focus on demonstrating existing technical maturity, and the application due date is December 31, 2025. For more information, interested parties can visit the solicitation agency's website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Unbiased Behavioral Discovery Platforms -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DoD), through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is seeking innovative solutions for the development of unbiased behavioral discovery platforms aimed at enhancing the detection and development of medical countermeasures against chemical and biological threats. The primary objective is to create automated systems capable of quantifying novel animal behaviors in preclinical models with greater sensitivity and specificity than current methodologies, while minimizing variability and ethical concerns associated with traditional animal testing. This initiative is critical for accelerating the identification of effective medical countermeasures and improving defense health capabilities. Interested parties should note that the opportunity is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, with a release date of September 3, 2025, and applications due by December 31, 2025. For more information, visit the official solicitation page at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Integrated S&T Insight and Co-Investment Decision Support Platform -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions for the development of an Integrated Science and Technology (S&T) Insight and Co-Investment Decision Support Platform, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Task Force Futures (TF-F) and other USSF stakeholders. The platform is intended to provide a secure, modular, and user-centric system that offers comprehensive visibility into the industry and investment ecosystem, focusing on S&T capabilities, capital flow patterns, and innovation trends relevant to future space operations. This initiative is critical for improving the alignment of research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) priorities with commercial innovation, reducing inefficiencies, and strengthening institutional knowledge for data-informed co-investment strategies. Interested parties should note that this is a Direct-to-Phase II (D2P2) effort, requiring prior feasibility work, with proposals due by December 31, 2025. For more information, applicants can visit the official solicitation page at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Knowledge-Guided Test and Evaluation Frameworks for proliferated Low Earth Orbit Constellations -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force, through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking innovative solutions for a knowledge-guided test and evaluation framework tailored for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), a rapidly evolving constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The objective is to develop an adaptive test-planning capability that continuously updates system performance, quantifies knowledge gain against resource costs, and dynamically re-plans test sequences to prioritize high-utility activities, utilizing probabilistic reasoning and integrating both synthetic and live test data. This initiative is critical for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of test campaigns in support of SDA's agile acquisition model, with Phase I being a direct-to-Phase II proposal process requiring a feasibility study. The opportunity is set to open for applications on December 10, 2025, with a closing date of December 31, 2025, and interested parties can find more information at the provided source link.
    OPEN TOPIC - Tactical CB Visualization -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking innovative solutions through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to enhance situational awareness and decision support for Warfighters operating in Chemical and Biological (CB) contested environments. The objective is to develop tactical visualization tools that efficiently integrate, visualize, and communicate tactical data, with a focus on Human-Machine Interface concepts and significant advantages in size, weight, and power (SWAP) demands. Proposed technologies may include augmented reality, sensor visualization, or unique end-user devices, and must comply with Integrated Sensor Architecture (ISA) standards and the Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) Software Development Kit (SDK). The opportunity is currently in the pre-release phase, with an open date of December 10, 2025, and a close date of December 31, 2025, for applications. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the DOD SBIR website.
    Adaptive and Intelligent Space (AIS) -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions through its Adaptive and Intelligent Space (AIS) Challenge, aimed at enhancing autonomous, resilient, and intelligent space operations across various orbital environments, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Geostationary Orbit (GEO), eXtended GEO (XGEO), and cislunar space. The primary objective of this initiative is to explore emerging technical concepts that address foundational gaps in space asset management under contested and communication-degraded conditions, with a focus on edge computing, sensor payloads, and spacecraft bus design. This opportunity is critical for advancing the USSF's capabilities in space domain awareness and battle management, ultimately supporting national security objectives. Interested parties must submit their proposals by December 31, 2025, with a Phase I emphasis on feasibility studies and collaboration with research institutions, leading to potential Phase II prototype development.