The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force, 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 targets both slow and fast UAS threats, including cruise missiles, with a focus on compatibility with the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS). This initiative is critical for improving battlefield capabilities and ensuring effective defense against aerial threats. The solicitation is currently open, with proposals due by June 25, 2025, and further details can be found at the provided source link: https://www.sbir.gov/topics/12034.

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Integrated Sensing and Cyber The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. 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. The sensing mode is not limited to RF. Passive IR and semi-active laser IR solutions are of interest. Dual-mode IR/RF solutions are also of special interest though not a requirement. 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 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 “Phase-I”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.

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