What US defense is buying this week.

Opportunities

Air Force open topic: cheap sensors that see low, dark drones

DAF26BX06-DP027 asks for low-cost C-sUAS detection and recognition sensors, set up as a perimeter network for early warning of low-flying drones, including ones that do not emit RF.

Official notice(opens in a new tab)

Facts

Agency / office
Air Force
Program
SBIR DAF26BX06-DP027 — proliferated low-altitude C-sUAS detection
Deadline
Due Oct 21, 12:00 PM ET
Eligibility
U.S. Small Businesses
Format
SBIR Proposal on DSIP

What they’re asking for

Official topic text: sensors that operate in clutter, recognize non-RF-emitting “dark” drones (drone vs. not a drone), fuse all sensors at a node into a single track with at least the target’s heading and the detecting node’s absolute location, support remote node control, and be fully controllable via external API. Must integrate into Medusa C2 or other Air Force-directed C2. Strict SWaP limits do not apply because this is permanent base defense; systems may use direct or off-grid permanent power.

How to respond

An SBIR proposal on DSIP. Search DAF26BX06-DP027. Confirm the official DSIP text.

Related