SBIRPre-Release

DIRECT TO PHASE II: Extended Range 10-inch Air Launched Rocket

Solicitation ID26.BZ
Agency
DOD
NAVY
Deadline
Jun 3, 2026
23 days left
Posted Date
Apr 13, 2026
Classification
SBIR
Phase: Phase II

SBIR Opportunity Analysis

The U.S. Navy is offering Direct to Phase II SBIR topic DON26BZ01-DV001 to integrate Highly Loaded Grain propulsion technology into existing 10-inch rocket motors in order to improve range, performance, and tactical flexibility. The work centers on developing, documenting, fabricating, and validating a tactical solid rocket motor, including ballistic modeling with Government-furnished CLWire software, thermal and structural design, nozzle and igniter development, propellant casting, and static fire testing. Key context includes a 10-inch tactical casing based on the HARM aft-end structure, an expected total impulse increase of about 30 percent over the legacy baseline, support for both all-boost and boost/sustain thrust profiles, and the possibility that later work may become classified, with U.S.-owned and operated contractors able to obtain and maintain secret clearances. The topic is pre-release, opens on May 6, 2026, and the application due date is June 3, 2026 at 4:00 PM UTC.

SBIR Documents

1 Files
1776211344783.pdf
PDF81 KBMay 4, 2026
AI Summary
The U.S. Navy's Direct to Phase II SBIR topic DON26BZ01-DV001 seeks to integrate Highly Loaded Grain (HLG) propulsion technology into existing 10-inch diameter rocket motors, creating extended-range, tactically relevant systems. This effort aims to enhance performance, range, and tactical flexibility by maximizing total impulse within volume-constrained solid propellant systems. Key technical guidelines include using a 10-inch tactical casing, HLG-formulated grain design, and aluminized solid propellant. The objective is a 30% total impulse increase over legacy systems, supporting both all-boost and boost/sustain thrust profiles. Offerors must demonstrate prior Phase I-type research and development, not solely from other federally funded SBIR/STTR awards, indicating sufficient technical maturity for immediate Phase II execution. Phase II involves developing, fabricating, and validating a tactical solid rocket motor integrating HLG technology, including ballistic modeling, thermal/structural design, and static fire testing. The work may become classified, requiring U.S. ownership, operation, and security clearances. Phase III will mature the concept for higher-fidelity static fire demonstrations with dual-use applications in space launch and space-based systems.

Related SBIR/STTR Opportunities

Opportunity Snapshot

Source SystemOfficial Link
Program Type
SBIR - Phase II
Agency
DOD / NAVY

Key Dates

Release DateApr 13, 2026
Open DateMay 6, 2026
Application DueJun 3, 2026
Close DateJun 3, 2026