Expendable Ship Launched Sensor

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. OBJECTIVE: Research and Develop a capability for launching expendable, ship-launched sensor system capable of providing tracking. DESCRIPTION: Research, develop and demonstrate a launcher capable of support expendable, ship-launched sensors for military and civilian ships that can provide tracking information. Initial design considerations would look to use existing expendable UAV designs and Government Furnished Information where applicable and appropriate. PHASE I: Initial launcher design studies for integrated systems. GFI may be provided to include Mk 53 Nulka DLS which is an expendable launcher on various ships in the US inventory. PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate initial prototype expendable launcher design that can be installed on the Navy's Self Defense Test Ship (ex-Paul F Foster, DD-964) for: Evaluation of Size, Weight, and Power Cooling (SWaP-C) Demonstration of successful launch and flight of UAV from ship at sea Evaluation of existing UAV in-flight guidance and control capabilities aboard ship at sea Integration with Mk 53 Nulka DLS or better launcher option based on Phase I results. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Based on Phase II lessons learned, refine the prototype system design and perform Phase III test and integration plan using the mature design capable of being integrated on various ships at the end of Phase III. Work with missile defense system integrators to prepare system for transition to use in a Program of Record supporting Aegis Weapon System. Pursue partnerships with other system integrators with the goal to use this capability for civilian applications which include traffic monitoring and control, crowd monitoring and control, search and rescue, and border protection. The Government has multi-service needs for this capability. REFERENCES: 1) A Scout for a Scout: Army Plots Future Air-Launched Effects Steve Trimble, Aviation Week & Space Technology, Oct 12-25, 2020. 2) Air-Launched Effects Are the Second Step in U.S. Army Aviation's Transformation Dan Gour , RealClear Defense, Dec 09, 2021. KEYWORDS: Expendable; UAV; Launcher; Shipboard; Sensor; Navy; Over-the-Horizon; Targeting; Tracking