Low-Cost Modular Payload Vehicle for Agile Electronic Warfare Swarms with Ground Launch Capability - SBIR Topic DAF26BZ01-NV003

Disclaimer:
This topic was temporarily posted by the Department of War SBIR Program on March 2nd 2026 and removed the following day.
We believe this topic is planned to be released once the SBIR program is reauthorized; however, this topic may ultimately be modified or withdrawn.

Sign up below to be notified as soon as this topic is released again. In the meantime, we’d recommend you start planning to respond if within your capabilities.

Funding Amount:

Est. $140,000

Deadline to Apply:

Est. April 29th, 2026.

Objective:

Develop a low-cost, versatile sUAS platform (Group 3 and below) specifically designed to accommodate modular payloads and capable of ground launch. This platform should enable agile electronic warfare applications in swarms. This topic is intended to develop a standalone solution that can be integrated with a variety of payloads, either by modifying an existing sUAS platform or by developing a new platform from the ground up.

Description:

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

Develop a low-cost, versatile sUAS platform (Group 3 and below) specifically designed to accommodate modular payloads and capable of ground launch. This platform should enable agile electronic warfare applications in swarms. This topic is intended to develop a standalone solution that can be integrated with a variety of payloads, either by modifying an existing sUAS platform or by developing a new platform from the ground up.

The effective deployment of electronic warfare (EW) capabilities relies on agile and adaptable platforms that can rapidly integrate and deploy a variety of payloads. Current sUAS platforms often lack the modularity and flexibility required to support the rapid evolution of EW technology. This topic addresses the need for a low-cost, versatile sUAS platform specifically designed to accommodate modular payloads and designed for ground launch, enabling rapid deployment in diverse operational environments. Proposals may consider either modifying an existing, commercially available sUAS platform to meet the requirements of this topic, or developing a new platform optimized for modularity and ground launch.

The key innovation is the development of a sUAS platform (either new or modified) with a standardized payload interface that allows for rapid integration and swapping of different payloads. This modular design, combined with ground launch capability, will enable:

 Rapid Payload Integration: Simplified and standardized interfaces for connecting power, data, and control signals to the payload.

 Payload Agnosticism: The ability to accommodate a wide range of payload sizes, weights, and power requirements.

 Enhanced Mission Flexibility: The ability to quickly reconfigure the sUAS for different missions by swapping payloads.

 Simplified Logistics: Reduced maintenance and support costs through standardized components and interfaces.

 Ground Launch Compatibility: Robust design specifically for compatibility with ground launch systems, enabling rapid deployment from ground-based platforms, even in challenging terrain.

The sUAS platform should be optimized for operation in low to medium sized swarms (3-10 units), allowing for coordinated EW effects. The design should also prioritize low cost, ease of use, reliability, and the following Key Performance Parameters (KPPs):

 Payload Capacity: Minimum of 5 lbs

 Endurance: Minimum flight time of 45 minutes with a 5 lb payload.

 Range: Minimum operational range of 100 kilometers.

 Ground Launch System Compatibility: Compatible with a readily available ground launch system (e.g., pneumatic launcher, rail system).

 Deployment Time: Capable of being launched and operational within 5 minutes of arrival at the launch site.

Who will win?

If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any company that meets the following criteria:

• For-profit company

• U.S.-owned and controlled.

• 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)

How Can BW&CO Help?

1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.

2) Proposal strategy and review.

3) Administrative & compliance support.

Request to talk with a member of our team by completing the form below: