Low-Altitude Passive Detection System

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Integrated Sensing and Cyber; Advaned Materials OBJECTIVE: This topic seeks to develop a solution that passively detects and identifies small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) at low altitudes and various velocities. The objective of this effort is to increase the advance warning time of small incoming threats for ground-based units. DESCRIPTION: Currently, the Army's detection systems for identifying sUAS are better suited for identifying larger threats at higher altitude. This makes it difficult to detect multiple low-altitude threats (sUAS) at various velocities. Detection limitations of these surface-based radar systems are due to the curvature of the Earth, terrain, and other obstacles that inhibit their range. As a result, there is a limited advance warning window obtained for sUAS at low altitudes. In addition, the current detection systems are large and stationary, which inhibits their expeditionary use. The Army seeks to increase advance warning with a capability that is low cost, low size, weight and power (SwAP), modular, and capable of passive detection for threats with various speeds at a low altitude (0 - 6,000 feet above ground level). Solutions to be considered will include, but may not be limited to, a combination of the following capabilities: 1. The solution should classify, identify, and discriminate (friend/foe/platform type) threat(s) at low altitudes (0 6,000 feet above ground level) 2. The solution should have a minimum notification time of three minutes to the end user from initial detection of the threat. (Consider threats of varying velocities and operational environments) 3. The solution should be air/ground platform agnostic 4. The solution should consider a modular open system approach to enable incremental development and enhance competition, innovation, and interoperability in the future 5. The solution must be capable of integration with an intuitive graphic user interface into the Tactical Assault Kit and other Army systems 6. The solution should have a form factor that is compatible with Group 1 sUAS and/or Tethered UAS payload interface to enable it to be mounted if needed (not required) 7. The solution could include, but is not limited to, the following sensors: optical, infrared, acoustic, visual, radio frequency, and event sensor 8. The solution should have onboard power with a minimum operational time of two weeks 9. The solution should have a tamper-proof design with remote zeroize capability PHASE I: This topic is accepting Direct to Phase II proposals for a cost up to $2,000,000 for a 24-month period of performance. Proposers interested in submitting a DP2 proposal must provide documentation to substantiate that the scientific and technical merit and feasibility equivalent to a Phase I project has been met. Documentation can include data, reports, specific measurements, success criteria of a prototype, etc. (DIRECT TO) PHASE II: Refine the preliminary design proposed in the solicitation and create a prototype of a low-altitude passive detection system. System refinement should include integration of the solution into identified Army reporting systems. Required Phase II deliverables include two prototype systems inclusive of the components (hardware and software) necessary to leave behind for end user experimentation. The prototype will be demonstrated at a government-approved location to evaluate performance. Additionally, the performer will deliver monthly progress reports describing technical challenges, risk, and progress against the schedule. At the end of the period of performance, the performer will conduct a final demonstration and submit a final technical report. The concept of passively sensing threats of various velocities at low altitude has already been realized with the commercial availability of several passive sensor technologies. Radio Frequency (RF) sensors include those with ranges up to 8km and others with 360 degree detection capacity. Other sensors include optical and thermal sensors that employ HD cameras. This DP2 SBIR will facilitate the integration of multiple sensors and/or the refinement of sensors to yield the desired capabilities that will inform and address knowledge gaps for the Army Long Range Persistent Long Range (ALPS) Program. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Commercial applications for passive detection systems include: perimeter security for large facilities, air traffic control augmentation, maritime surveillance, border monitoring, environmental monitoring, and even crowd analytics by leveraging existing radio signals from sources like cell phones or broadcast TV to detect movement without emitting any radiation themselves, offering a covert and cost-effective surveillance option. Transportation & Logistics: PS technologies enhance safety systems, track cargo conditions, and can enable predictive maintenance via continuous, real-time data flows Space: CubeSats & small satellites are efficacious PS systems that aid in space domain awareness tracking for a continuously more crowded low Earth orbit Healthcare: Similar PS sensors for cUAS can be used for remote patient monitoring Agriculture: Continuous crop monitoring, especially for industrial farming REFERENCES: 1. Modular Open Systems Approach in Major Defense Acquisition Programs: https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title10-section4401&num=0&edition=prelim 2. Tactical Assault Kit: https://tak.gov/ KEYWORDS: Passive detection; Sensors; sUAS; Low-altitude; Radar; unmanned aerial systems, cUAS; passive sensors