Novel Focal Plane Array to Enable Agile Autonomous Flight Control

The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force (USAF), is seeking proposals for the development of a novel focal plane array (FPA) to enhance agile autonomous flight control in unmanned air vehicle systems (UAS). The objective is to extend the mathematical tools from the Mode Sensing Hypothesis grant to create FPA structures that allow for autonomous recognition and execution of flight mode changes, thereby improving the performance of UAS across various operational scenarios. This initiative is critical for advancing the capabilities of autonomous flight systems, leveraging bioprincipic methods to optimize sensor structures and control mechanisms. Proposals are due by February 5, 2025, with the opportunity being part of the Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) program, which requires demonstrable past performance in relevant technologies. For more information, interested parties can visit the solicitation link at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.