The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the development of an Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Passive Detection, Tracking, and Identification System for Ground Vehicles. The goal of this Army Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) topic is to develop a passive sensor system capable of detecting, tracking, and identifying single and multiple drones threatening ground vehicles. The system should have a range of up to 2km and provide full hemispherical coverage. It should also include a soldier user interface control panel and the ability to alert at least one operator. The system should be able to operate in wooded/dense environments or large metropolitan areas and be installable on tactical and combat ground vehicles, including Army watercraft.
In Phase I, the technical feasibility of passive sensors for drone detection will be determined through computer simulations. The possibility of using passive electromagnetic acoustic, optical, and other innovative sensing for processing multiple drone signatures will be demonstrated. The classification of drone signatures using these passive sensor systems will also be explored.
In Phase II, the solution to achieve the capabilities outlined in Phase I will be developed. Optimum materials for the development of passive low-power consumption sensors for UAS detection, tracking, and identification will be identified. Principles of building networks of passive sensors that utilize fast processing capabilities will be developed, along with learning algorithms for drone identification. The system will be evaluated for compliance with the GVSC owned vehicle base kit in the GVSC Vehicle Protection Integration Lab (VPIL). A prototype system will be delivered to GVSC for evaluation and demonstration.
Phase III will focus on expanding the capabilities of the solution to simulate different environments and conditions, demonstrating its applicability for municipal security, law enforcement, and commercial vehicles.
The solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. For more information and to submit a proposal, visit the DOD SBIR website at [solicitation_agency_url].