Novel Radio Frequency Sensing Technologies

SBIR · Phase: BOTH · Topic DPA26BZ06-DV023 · Solicitation 26.BZ

Detecting and mapping deep subsurface mineral deposits typically requires localized or low-altitude operations. Current state-of-the-art airborne subsurface radar systems are limited to relatively low-altitude and low-speed platforms due to the physical limitations of signal attenuation over distance. Increasing altitude and airspeed would allow for larger areas to be scanned in less time.This topic seeks the rapid development of an advanced airborne system designed for the seamless integration onto high-altitude fixed-wing aircraft. Proposers must address the physical scaling laws of radar propagation through lossy media. According to the radar equations for small targets of a radar cross section of approximately one wavelength, the necessary transmit power scales as a function of range to the fourth power (R4). For instance, transitioning from a 10,000 ft baseline to a 40,000 ft operational altitude represents a 4x increase in distance, nominally demanding a 256x increase in radiated power to maintain equivalent subsurface imaging performance.Due to the higher power requirements at higher altitudes, system designs must prioritize transmit power scaling, advanced antenna structure designs, and robust heat dissipation systems.To facilitate rapid, modular deployment across diverse airframes without requiring permanent, costly aircraft modifications, the entire system must be designed as a fully self-contained payload. It must utilize independent, internal power generation and an edge computational architecture. Key technical challenges that proposers must address include: 1. High-Power Transmitter & Power Scaling: Engineering and validating a highly reliable kW-class RF power amplifier.2. Aerodynamic & Structural Antenna Design: Designing and reinforcing an externally deployable or structurally integrated antenna system capable of withstanding aerodynamic loads at relevant velocities (~400 knots) and altitudes (~40,000 ft).3. Thermal Dissipation & Management: Integrating passive or active high-capacity heat dissipation systems to mitigate thermal loads under sustained high-power transmit cycles.4. RF Shielding & Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): Implementing advanced RF shielding and electrical isolation to guarantee zero electromagnetic interference with the host aircraft’s flight navigation, control, and mission avionics.5. Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) & Edge Processing: Selecting FPGAs and processing techniques that can handle increased signal propagation delays, modified waveforms, and real-time tomographic data processing at high standoff distances.

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).

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Official URL

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

Application URL

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

Last fetched

2026.10.07

Human review

Not reviewed — check the official announcement

First seen

2026.10.07

Data status

Auto-collected, not reviewed

AI enrichment

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