W5170124C0260

Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase I

Dronut - Next Generation sUAS

With the recent proliferation and great effectiveness of sUAS systems on the battlefield and the ability of adversaries to acquire drones fairly easily, it is more important than ever to expand the capabilities of these systems to retain a competitive advantage. Compact, resilient, intelligent, and rapidly deployable drones are a mission-critical need for warfighters. Current sUAS systems can only operate in wide-open outdoor areas and often rely on GPS for navigation. These systems lack the ability to operate in complex spaces and GPS-denied environments, putting the warfighter at a significant disadvantage. Missions involving clearing buildings, tunnels, and other enclosed spaces become incredibly challenging, slow, and life-threatening. Existing systems like quadcopters and miniature helicopters are too large and too fragile to fly in cluttered and narrow spaces. Exposed propellers pose increased risks, as they can inflict physical harm on the operator or break if they contact hard surfaces, such as walls, structures, and entryways. They also rely on GPS for navigation and stability, limiting an operator s ability to fly in GPS-denied environments. This makes existing solutions inoperable in caves, buildings, and subterranean spaces. The ability to operate in such environments is critical for success in dense urban warfare.

The goal of phase I is to establish the technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential of proposed R&D efforts and determine the quality of performance of the small business awardee organization.

A244-P001

A244-P001-0541

24.4

Paul Flanigen