High Power Airborne Optical Relay
ID: AF252-D031Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

High Power Airborne Optical Relay

Agency

Agency: DODBranch: USAF

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTH

Topic Link

https://www.sbir.gov/topics/11924

Additional Information

https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/submissions/solicitation-documents/active-solicitations
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Direct to Phase II topic titled "High Power Airborne Optical Relay." The objective is to develop an innovative airborne optical relay system that enhances the performance of ground-based lasers, enabling effective engagement of low-altitude airborne targets while overcoming challenges posed by atmospheric turbulence. This technology is crucial for advancing laser applications in defense and other industries, facilitating improved communication and sensing capabilities. Proposals are due by May 21, 2025, with the project focusing on the development and demonstration of a relay mirror beam control system, utilizing a government-furnished high-energy laser with a power level of up to 20 kW. Interested parties can find more details and submit proposals through the DOD SBIR website.

    Files
    No associated files provided.
    Similar Opportunities
    High Power Airborne Optical Relay -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force, is seeking innovative solutions for a high power airborne optical relay system through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Direct to Phase II program. The objective is to develop a reliable and efficient system that enhances the performance of ground-based laser systems, enabling longer distance transmission of high-power laser beams and improved engagement geometries. This initiative is crucial for advancing laser technology applications in defense, communication, and sensing. Proposals are due by June 25, 2025, with the opportunity set to open on May 28, 2025, and further details can be found at the official SBIR website.
    High Power Airborne Optical Relay -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DoD), specifically the United States Air Force (USAF), is seeking innovative solutions through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program for the development of a High Power Airborne Optical Relay system. The objective is to create a reliable and efficient system that enhances the performance of ground-based lasers, enabling them to transmit high-power laser beams over longer distances and improve engagement geometries for various applications, including defense and communication. This opportunity is particularly significant as it addresses challenges associated with deploying airborne laser weapons systems and aims to advance optical relay technology to facilitate effective engagement of low-altitude airborne targets. Interested parties must submit their proposals by June 25, 2025, with the project being open for applications starting May 7, 2025. For more details, applicants can refer to the solicitation document available at the provided link.
    Lightweight Optical Turret for Extended Capability HEL (LOTECH) -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force, is seeking proposals for the development of a Lightweight Optical Turret for Extended Capability High Energy Laser (HEL) applications. The objective is to create a fully functional, lightweight beam director with a 10-centimeter class aperture that can effectively propagate a high-energy laser from a transsonic airborne platform while compensating for aero-effects to maintain low jitter and effective focusing on non-cooperative targets. This technology is critical for tactical airborne applications and is subject to strict export controls under ITAR and EAR regulations. The solicitation is currently open, with proposals due by May 21, 2025, and further details can be found at the provided source link: https://www.sbir.gov/topics/11908.
    Lightweight Optical Turret for Extended Capability HEL (LOTECH) -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Air Force, is seeking proposals for the development of a Lightweight Optical Turret for Extended Capability High Energy Laser (HEL) applications, designated as AF254-D0816. The objective is to create a fully functional, lightweight beam director with a 10 centimeter class aperture that can effectively propagate a high energy laser from a transsonic airborne platform while compensating for aero-effects to maintain low jitter and effective targeting. This technology is critical for tactical airborne applications and is subject to strict export controls under ITAR and EAR regulations. Interested applicants must demonstrate prior feasibility through relevant experience and are encouraged to submit proposals by June 25, 2025, with further details available at the provided source link.
    Conformal, Agile, Beam-Steering High Power Microwave Antenna -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program focused on developing a conformal, agile, beam-steering high power microwave antenna. The objective is to create an S-band antenna that is lightweight, frequency-scalable, and capable of handling high peak power levels exceeding 100 MW, with applications in directed energy weapons for ground-based or air-based missions. This initiative is critical for advancing high power microwave technology, emphasizing the need for extensive modeling, simulation, and prototype testing to meet stringent performance parameters. Proposals are due by May 21, 2025, with further details available at the provided source link: https://www.sbir.gov/topics/11909.
    Lightweight Optical Turret for Extended Capability HEL (LOTECH) -
    DOD
    The United States Air Force (USAF) is seeking proposals for the development of a Lightweight Optical Turret for Extended Capability High Energy Laser (HEL) applications, specifically designed for integration onto small airborne platforms. The objective is to create a fully functional, lightweight beam director with a 10-centimeter class aperture that can effectively propagate a high energy laser from a transsonic aircraft while compensating for aero-effects to maintain low jitter and precise targeting on non-cooperative targets. This initiative is critical for enhancing tactical airborne laser capabilities, with the project expected to transition into the Airborne Laser Weapon System Program scheduled to commence in FY27. Interested applicants must submit their proposals by June 25, 2025, with further details available on the official solicitation website.
    Directed Energy Mobile Environmental Test Bed -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force (USAF), is seeking proposals for the development of a Directed Energy Mobile Environmental Test Bed under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The objective is to modify an existing mobile laser propagation test bed to demonstrate longer wavelengths (between 1-10 microns) in various environmental conditions, enhancing the technology readiness level (TRL) of key components and enabling power measurement at targets up to 5 kilometers. This initiative is critical for advancing laser weapon systems and ensuring effective testing capabilities in diverse field environments. Proposals are due by June 25, 2025, with further details available at the provided source link, and the opportunity is open for both Phase II submissions, as no Phase I awards will be made for this topic.
    Directed Energy Mobile Environmental Test Bed -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force (USAF), is seeking proposals for the development of a Directed Energy Mobile Environmental Test Bed under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The objective is to modify an existing mobile laser propagation test bed to demonstrate longer wavelengths (between 1-10 microns) in various environmental conditions, enhancing the technology readiness level (TRL) of key components and enabling power measurements at targets up to 5 kilometers. This initiative is crucial for advancing directed energy capabilities and ensuring effective testing of laser systems in real-world scenarios. Proposals are due by May 21, 2025, with further details available at the provided source link, and the opportunity is currently open for submissions.
    Conformal, Agile, Beam-Steering High Power Microwave Antenna -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program focused on developing a Conformal, Agile, Beam-Steering High Power Microwave Antenna. The objective is to create an S-band, frequency-scalable, steerable, lightweight, and conformal antenna capable of handling high peak power levels exceeding 100 MW, with applications in ground-based or air-based directed energy missions. This technology is critical for advancing high power microwave antennas and requires compliance with ITAR and EAR regulations, particularly concerning foreign nationals' involvement. Proposals are due by June 25, 2025, with the opportunity open for submissions starting May 7, 2025. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the SBIR website at https://www.sbir.gov/topics/12047.
    Conformal, Agile, Beam-Steering High Power Microwave Antenna -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force, is seeking proposals for the development of a Conformal, Agile, Beam-Steering High Power Microwave Antenna under the SBIR program. The objective is to create an S-band, high power, frequency-scalable, steerable, and lightweight antenna capable of handling peak power levels exceeding 100 MW, with a focus on applications in directed energy weapons for ground-based or air-based missions. This initiative is critical for advancing high power microwave technology, emphasizing the need for extensive modeling, simulation, and prototype testing to meet stringent performance parameters. Interested parties should prepare to submit their proposals by June 25, 2025, with the opportunity details available on the official DOD SBIR website.