TECHNICAL POINT OF CONTACT (TPOC)
Philip Newton
Tyler Peterson
PROJECTED CMMC LEVEL REQUIREMENT
Level 2 (Self)
TECHNOLOGY AREAS
Air Platform
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Sensors
MODERNIZATION PRIORITIES
Advanced Computing and Software
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Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems
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Trusted AI and Autonomy
KEYWORDS
autonomous drones; AI-driven swarm; air-launched effects; perimeter defense; secure communications; mobility asset protection; Agile Combat Employment; high-altitude deployment; mobility launch platforms; dual-use; swarm technology; force protection
OBJECTIVE
The overall goal of this Direct to Phase II research and development effort is to adapt and validate mature, readily available autonomous unmanned aerial swarm technologies to provide enhanced situational awareness and force-multiplying capabilities for high-value Mobility Air Forces assets and forward ground installations. To ensure continued overmatch in contested environments, mobility aircraft operations can be significantly augmented through the integration of dedicated, attritable platforms capable of providing persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, while ground forces can leverage rapidly deployable autonomous networks to bolster perimeter defense. The immediate objective of this Phase II effort is to propose methods for and demonstrate the deployment and autonomous operation of a multi-agent swarm from high-altitude mobility launch platforms, while simultaneously demonstrating the swarm's dual-use capability to establish an autonomous monitoring and defense perimeter. A critical research and development component of this phase focuses on proposing and developing secure, encrypted military communication architectures to meet Department of the Air Force operational standards. By focusing this phase strictly on proving the foundational capabilities of high-altitude deployment, secure networking, and autonomous baseline behavior, the project establishes a robust architecture. This approach deliberately avoids prescribing specific end-state payloads, thereby allowing for the flexible, innovative integration of various electronic or advanced sensing effects in subsequent operational phases based on evolving warfighter requirements.
ITAR
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 section 3.5 of 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.
DESCRIPTION
Mobility Air Forces aircraft serve as the logistical backbone of the Department of War and operate as high-value assets in modern contested environments that can be significantly augmented with enhanced organic self-protection and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities to maintain operational overmatch. Similarly, forward operating bases can bolster their security posture by leveraging rapidly deployable, autonomous perimeter defense networks. The objective of this project is to adapt mature, readily available autonomous drone swarm technology to enhance capabilities across these dual domains. By integrating hardware-agnostic, artificial intelligence-driven swarm control software, this innovative concept aims to drastically augment the operational capabilities of the DoW by transforming mobility airframes into adaptive, force-multiplying launch platforms and providing defenders with a rapidly deployable swarm for base security. At project start, the core readily available technology sits at a Technology Readiness Level of 5 or more. The target at the end of this Direct to Phase II research and development effort is Technology Readiness Level 7, representing a military-adapted system prototype demonstrated under operational conditions. To achieve this R&D objective, proposed methods include upgrading readily available communication links to integrate secure military protocols and developing the autonomous behaviors necessary to seamlessly transition from aerial deployment to ground-based perimeter defense. Vendors should propose methods for initial capability demonstrations of a fully integrated swarm capable of secure military communications, showcasing high-altitude deployment and autonomous perimeter establishment, alongside the comprehensive technical reporting required to transition the capability to subsequent defense acquisition phases or operational fielding.
PHASE I
As this is a Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) topic, no Phase I awards are anticipated for this topic. To qualify for this D2P2 topic, the Department of the Air Force expects applicants(s) to demonstrate feasibility by means of a prior "Phase I-type" effort that does not constitute work undertaken as part of a prior or ongoing SBIR/STTR funding agreement.
For this specific effort, the feasibility documentation should substantiate that the core autonomous swarm technology is mature, reliable, and operating in relevant environments. The fundamental scientific and technical merit of coordinating multiple uncrewed aerial systems via artificial intelligence has already been established by the private sector. Therefore, traditional Phase I feasibility studies investigating the basic principles of swarm networking or autonomous flight are considered redundant.
Applicants(s) should provide documentation demonstrating a clear understanding and proven capability of the underlying technology through deployments in analogous, high-stress relevant environments, such as wildland firefighting or law enforcement operations.
Sufficient Feasibility Documentation should include, but is not limited to:
Readily Available Deployment Records: Verifiable data or reports detailing the active use of the proposed swarm software and hardware in relevant environments (e.g., testing or use alongside state or federal fire agencies, municipal police departments). This documentation should indicate the system has progressed from controlled laboratory testing to validation in relevant environments.
Autonomous Coordination Metrics: Technical reports or system logs demonstrating the software's capability to autonomously control a multi-agent swarm without continuous, manual piloting of individual nodes. This can include data on mesh network stability, dynamic task allocation among drones, and collision avoidance algorithms operating in chaotic environments (such as airspace obscured by smoke or complex urban terrain).
Sensor Integration and Tracking Data: Documentation demonstrating the integration of visual and thermal (EO/IR) payloads, and the software's ability to autonomously utilize these sensors to detect, track, and relay data on designated targets or points of interest.
By providing this documentation, the applicant demonstrates that the baseline readily available technology sits at a minimum Technology Readiness Level of 5 or 6. This establishes that the foundational scientific and technical feasibility traditionally explored in Phase I has already been achieved through iterative development, validating that the technology is prepared to transition to Phase II research and development efforts focused on military adaptation, secure communications integration, and platform integration to achieve TRL 7.
PHASE II
To establish feasibility, measure effectiveness, and execute the required research and development, the Phase II effort should propose methods for initial capability demonstrations that advance the technology to operational viability (TRL 7). These can include the integration of encrypted military radios, demonstrating secure, uninterrupted data exchange between the multi-agent swarm and the human operator interface. Vendors should propose methods to demonstrate drone swarms under operational conditions, where the swarm is deployed at operational altitudes, survives the launch environment, and establishes controlled, autonomous flight. Furthermore, the effort seeks capability demonstrations proving the swarm can be rapidly deployed to autonomously establish a monitoring perimeter, utilizing its integrated visual and thermal sensors to detect, track, and relay data on simulated targets. Finally, the effort should produce comprehensive technical data packages, reports, and operational concepts to support the transition of this technology into subsequent defense acquisition phases or operational fielding.
To achieve these R&D goals, proposed operating parameters should include demonstrating secure communication integration and deployment capabilities under operational conditions. Deployments should be demonstrated at operational altitudes to simulate operational Mobility Air Forces scenarios. Operational capabilities should also be validated regarding the swarm's ability to autonomously monitor and defend a designated perimeter using onboard visual and thermal sensors.
These capability demonstrations are designed to validate several specified technical goals and functional requirements. First, the system should integrate secure, encrypted military communications, replacing readily available data links to ensure secure command and control that aligns with Department of the Air Force standards. Second, the swarm should demonstrate the capability to safely deploy from mobility platforms at operational altitudes. Finally, the artificial intelligence software should be adapted to seamlessly transition from aerial deployment into a coordinated flight pattern and autonomously execute a perimeter defense monitoring route.
Ultimately, this Phase II Period of Performance centers on the research and development necessary to adapt and validate a readily available autonomous drone swarm system for military operations to meet critical capability gaps. The desired R&D outcome is a military-adapted prototype capable of demonstrating these dual-use capabilities in an operational environment (TRL 7). Use cases for this technology include providing organic intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, as well as self-protection for Mobility Air Forces operating in contested airspace, alongside providing forward operating locations with an instantly deployable, autonomous perimeter monitoring system.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS
Following Phase II, the technology will enter Phase III after successfully accomplishing Phase II objectives, having completed demonstrations under operational conditions. The primary military application is transitioning the capability into a formal Program of Record to equip mobility aircraft fleets with air-launched swarms, providing organic, multi-mission self-protection and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in contested airspace. A critical domestic military application involves the Air National Guard utilizing this swarm technology to enhance Domestic Operations (DOMOPS). By rapidly deploying a high-altitude drone swarm from mobility launch platforms, rescue units gain an instant, wide-area sensor net to expedite the location of survivors during natural disasters, while ground units can deploy the swarm for persistent, autonomous border surveillance.
Additionally, significant dual-use and commercial applications are intended to be pursued. Interagency partners like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) seek this high-altitude deployment capability to safely launch swarms into hurricanes and atmospheric rivers for real-time weather data collection. Commercially, the ruggedized, secure swarm capability can be expanded for advanced disaster response, large-scale search and rescue, and commercial aviation monitoring.
The expected Phase III effort involves finalizing airworthiness certifications with the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (specifically the Mobility Directorate), establishing mass production and sustainment pipelines, and formally integrating the swarm capabilities into operational Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures. Transition planning is actively underway; the project team is engaging AMC Futures and the Chief Scientist to champion an Initial Capabilities Document based on Phase II capability demonstration data, while ARCWERX is assisting in identifying follow-on acquisition vehicles to enable seamless scaling and deployment across both combat and domestic operations.
REFERENCES
AMC/Futures: Innovation and Technology Priorities for Mobility Air Forces*Supports air-launch capabilities from mobility platforms like the C-130 and KC-135. Highlighted as a critical future mission by General Minihan during AMC Commander statements on contested logistics and adaptive capabilities in FY25. *Source: AMC Futures Strategic Documents and Prior Assessments.
NOAA: Atmospheric Data Collection and Disaster Monitoring Using Autonomous Drones*NOAA's operational need for high-altitude drone deployment to rapidly collect real-time meteorological data (e.g., within atmospheric rivers) was documented in NOAA's mission requirements under the "Hurricane Hunters Program." *Source: NOAA Research Objectives for Advanced Environmental Monitoring and Resilience, 2024.
National Guard Bureau AATC: Operational Enhancements to Domestic Operations*The Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center (AATC) is assisting in fielding innovative dual-use technologies for Disaster Response (DOMOPS) per United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) initiatives. *Source: ARCWERX Innovation Support Framework and ANG Annual Report 2025.
AFRL/RG: White Paper on High-Altitude Swarms*Air-launched effects (ALE) and AI collaborative autonomy for ISR and self-protection concepts for warfighter modernization. *Source: Air Force Research Laboratory Strategic Vision Plan FY25-30.
Department of Commerce Export Control Regulations*Compliance required for export-controlled technologies related to dual-use research and hardware integration. *Source: ITAR 22 CFR Part 120-130 and EAR 15 CFR Part 730-774.
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