DAF STTR DAF27TZ01-DV001: AI-Enabled Computed Vision Air-to-Air Refueling Performance Assessment and Automated Pilot Debrief System

Quick Answer

DAF27TZ01-DV001 is a Department of the Air Force STTR Direct to Phase II topic in DoW STTR 2027 BAA Release 1 for an AI computer vision system that analyzes tanker camera video (especially KC-46) after aerial refueling and produces objective pilot performance scores and automated debrief products. Awards are up to $2,000,000 over up to 24 months, closing November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Targets include debrief products within 15 minutes of video ingestion and at least 95 percent agreement with experienced instructors. As an STTR, you need a research institution partner performing at least 30 percent of the work.

Topic at a Glance

• Topic number: DAF27TZ01-DV001
• Title: AI-Enabled Computed Vision Air-to-Air Refueling Performance Assessment and Automated Pilot Debrief System
• Component: Department of the Air Force
• Solicitation: DoW STTR 2027 BAA, Release 1
• Program and phase: STTR Direct to Phase II
• Award ceiling: $2,000,000
• Period of performance: 24 months
• Technical volume limit: 35 pages or slides
• Projected CMMC level: Level 2 (Self)
• Export control: Not marked as ITAR restricted on DSIP
• Focus areas: Human-Machine Interfaces; Trusted AI and Autonomy
• Keywords: AI, machine learning, computer vision, aerial refueling, pilot training, flight analytics, human machine interface, VR, AR, aviation safety, KC-46, KC-135
• Pre-release: October 7, 2026
• Opens: October 28, 2026
• Closes: November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Submission portal: DSIP at dodsbirsttr.mil

What the Air Force Is Looking For

Aerial refueling is one of the most demanding and safety-critical tasks aircrews perform, yet assessment still relies on instructor observation, self-assessment, and manual video review. The Air Force wants to turn each refueling sortie into objective, data-driven feedback that improves proficiency, reduces mishaps and equipment damage, and raises readiness.

The system should detect and track the boom or hose and the receiver, measure relative position, closure rate, approach vector, stability, and envelope adherence, correlate with available aircraft data, score performance and trends, and generate visual debriefs such as overlays, heat maps, timelines, and VR or AR replays. It must also automatically protect sensitive video, including masking unauthorized aircraft and sensitive geography. The vendor may choose the first 3 to 5 receiver platforms with Government concurrence.

Phase II tasks

• Task 1: system architecture, data acquisition, and secure CUI processing.
• Task 2: computer vision model adaptation and performance analytics, demonstrated at TRL 6+.
• Task 3: automated performance assessment, pilot feedback, and an instructor or master debriefer review interface (stretch goal: detect bent or broken boom, probe, or hose and FOD).
• Task 4: automated data protection and video processing.
• Task 5: pilot debrief visualization and training integration, including a VR/AR trade study.
• Task 6: operational demonstration with at least one aerial refueling training organization and a Phase III transition plan.

How the Phases Are Structured

Phase I is skipped. No Phase I proposals will be accepted. You must show Phase I type feasibility from prior research, lab validation, commercial development, or operational demonstrations performed outside the SBIR/STTR program. Offerors must show experience in at least half of the listed technical areas (computer vision on dynamic objects, high-speed motion imagery, tracking, aviation analytics, VR/AR and HMI, sensor and telemetry integration, controlled aviation data handling, automated video masking, and secure government software) and TRL 4 or greater at award.

Phase II executes the six tasks above and delivers an operational prototype.

Phase III transitions the capability to KC-46, KC-135, C-17, fighter, Navy, and Marine Corps refueling communities and autonomous refueling programs, with commercial aviation training as a dual-use market.

Funding and Proposal Limits

• Direct to Phase II award maximum: $2,000,000. Proposals above this amount will not be considered for evaluation or award.
• Award maximum duration: 24 months.
• Technical Volume (Volume 2) limit: 35 pages or slides.
• No Phase I proposals will be accepted and no Phase I awards will be made under this topic.
• TABA: DAF will provide up to $50,000 per Phase II award in addition to the topic amount. The detailed request must be in Volume 5.

Who Is Eligible

• You must be a U.S. small business concern that meets SBIR/STTR ownership and size rules at the time of award.
• This is an STTR topic, so you need a formal partner research institution (a university, FFRDC, or qualifying nonprofit). At least 40 percent of the work must be done by your firm and at least 30 percent by a single research institution, measured by direct and indirect costs. Deviations are not allowed.
• You must document Phase I type feasibility completed outside the SBIR/STTR program, substantially performed by your firm or principal investigator.
• DoW now limits proposals on a per-topic basis, so plan on one strong proposal for this topic.

Key Dates and How to Apply

• Now through October 28, 2026: pre-release. Topic authors are listed on the DSIP Topics and Topic Q&A page and you can call or email them directly with technical questions. This is the only window for direct contact.
• October 28, 2026: the topic opens for proposals in the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). After this date, questions go through DSIP Topic Q&A only.
• November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET: complete proposals must be certified and submitted in DSIP. A proposal still marked In Progress or Ready to Certify is not considered submitted.
• Before you submit, confirm an active SAM.gov registration, a DSIP account, completed Volume 6 Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training, and the Volume 7 foreign affiliation disclosure webform.

Is This Topic a Fit for Your Company?

Computer vision and aviation analytics companies with tracking experience on fast-moving objects are the core fit, especially those with flight training or simulation products. Line up the university or research institution partner early, since the STTR 30 percent minimum cannot be waived.

BW&CO has helped deep tech founders secure $350M+ in non-dilutive funding. If you want a second opinion on fit, feasibility documentation, or a proposal plan before the deadline, book a call with our team below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DAF STTR topic DAF27TZ01-DV001?

It is a Department of the Air Force STTR Direct to Phase II topic in DoW STTR 2027 BAA Release 1 for an AI computer vision system that assesses aerial refueling performance from tanker video and produces automated pilot debriefs.

How much funding is available?

Up to $2,000,000 over up to 24 months, plus up to $50,000 in TABA per Phase II award if requested in Volume 5.

Do I need a research institution partner?

Yes. As an STTR, at least 40 percent of the work must be performed by your small business and at least 30 percent by a single research institution.

What performance does the Air Force want?

Debrief products within 15 minutes of video ingestion, accurate tracking of position and refueling geometry, and at least 95 percent agreement with experienced instructors during validation.

Can I submit a Phase I proposal?

No. No Phase I proposals will be accepted. You must show Phase I type feasibility from work outside the SBIR/STTR program and TRL 4 or greater at award.

When is the deadline?

The topic opens October 28, 2026 and closes November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET in DSIP.