DIRECT TO PHASE II: Accelerator-Based Launcher for Shipboard Systems

The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Navy, is seeking proposals for the development of a Direct to Phase II Accelerator-Based Launcher for shipboard systems aimed at enhancing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) deployment capabilities. The objective is to create a shipboard launching system that can release group 1-2 UAVs at speeds exceeding Mach 1, achieving deployment distances greater than 70 km without utilizing onboard fuel, thereby extending operational range and payload capacity for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), or anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions. This innovative system is expected to address current limitations of traditional launching systems, which are constrained by fuel dependency and large footprints, thus improving mission flexibility and ship capacity. Proposals are due by February 5, 2025, with the opportunity being pre-released on December 4, 2024. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the official SBIR website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.