Commercialization of Ultra-High Payload-to-Weight UAS Subsystems

SBIR · Phase: BOTH · Topic DPA26BZ05-DV022 · Solicitation 26.BZ

The current heavy-lift bottleneck limits most multirotor UAS payload-to-weight ratios to approximately 1:1. Recent events, such as the DARPA Lift Challenge, have demonstrated that at least a 4:1 ratio is achievable through aggressive weight minimization, advanced materials, and novel propulsion. This Direct to Phase II (DP2) SBIR seeks to capitalize on the momentum of these highly innovative concepts. There are two tracks (Track A and Track B) each with a unique set of end-of-period readiness tests and ultimate program objectives. Each proposal should contain a plan to accomplish all tasks, tests, and objectives for a single track. A proposing team may only submit one proposal per track. Note that in accordance with Sec 4(b)(5) of the Small Business Administration’s SBIR & STTR Policy Directive, no firm can be selected for more than one Phase II award on a given topic. Proposals must align with one of the following two tracks: • Track A: Revolutionary Aerodynamic Design: Focuses on ultra-lightweight structures, novel airframe/rotor configurations, and architectures that enable high-capacity lift, alongside the integration of essential commercialization subcomponents (communications, autonomy, safety, and transportability) and the initiation of certification pathways. • Track B: Revolutionary Powertrain Design: Focuses on transitioning high-efficiency, high-power-density propulsion systems into mass-produced, certified modules ready for integration into any platform. A successful proposal will not only outline a clear plan to meet the technical milestones but also demonstrate a credible path to commercialization. The program is designed to fund teams capable of delivering a market-ready subsystem, supported by a complete technical data package and a viable certification strategy, within a 24-month period or less. A successful proposal to Track A or Track B will outline key personnel to manage the overall effort and a ramp-up team to perform the end-of-period readiness test. The successful team will have expanded their capabilities to design, manufacture, test, and certify their subsystem at a commercially relevant scale.

SBIR/STTR 은 미국 중소기업만 지원할 수 있습니다(Small Business Act 법정 요건). • 계열사를 포함해 상시 종업원 500명 이하 • 미국 시민 또는 영주권자 1인 이상이 50%를 초과해 직접 소유·지배 • 미국 내 사업장을 두고 주로 미국 내에서 사업을 영위할 것 • 수행책임자(PI)의 주된 근무처가 신청 기업일 것 출처: https://www.sbir.gov/faq/eligibility-requirements

Primary country

🇺🇸 United States

Also eligible

None

Foreign companies

No

Local entity

Required

Location condition

미국 내 사업장을 두고 미국 시민·영주권자가 50%를 초과해 소유한 중소기업만 신청할 수 있습니다(법정 요건).

Document requirements were not captured (needs verification). Check the official announcement.

Application process not captured.

Evaluation process not captured.

Process steps were not captured.

Generated by local:rules-v1 · 4h ago

The announcement does not say what has to be submitted, so the disclosure exposure cannot be judged. the scope of the material requested is not stated. The awarding body is U.S. Department of War — DARPA. 8 fields could not be read and must be checked in the announcement and the grant agreement.

This assessment is derived from the stored announcement, document and contract fields. Anything the source does not state is marked "needs verification" — it never asserts that your idea will be taken. Generated by local:rules-v1 · 4h ago

Official URL

https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/

Application URL

https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/

Last fetched

2026.08.20

Human review

Not reviewed — check the official announcement

First seen

2026.08.20

Data status

Auto-collected, not reviewed

AI enrichment

local:rules-v1 · 4h ago