Passive Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) for Terminal Guidance

The objective of this topic is to develop applied research toward an innovative capability that will provide kinetic One-Way Attack (OWA) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) enhanced terminal guidance capability on approach to target by passively perceiving and navigating through complex, cluttered, and unstructured environments at mission relevant speeds. This topic seeks innovative research and development efforts that allow Special Operations Soldiers to employ autonomously navigating Group 1 UAS in complex, cluttered, and unstructured environments. As a part of this feasibility study, the proposers shall address all viable overall system design options with respective specifications on key system attributes. Phase I will conduct a feasibility study to assess what is in the art of the possible that satisfies the requirements specified in the above paragraphs entitled “Objective” and “Description.” Phase II will develop, install, and demonstrate prototype systems determined to be the most feasible solution during the Phase I feasibility study on a passive visual-inertial SLAM navigation system to advance terminal guidance capabilities for National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)-compliant multi-rotor UAS. Phase III Dual Use Applications include a broad range of military applications where advanced autonomy is required to navigate UAS to targets in dense rural or urban environments. In the commercial space, there exists broad applicability for this technology in drone delivery services, unmanned search and rescue, unmanned mapping, HAZMAT, and various other use cases.