Software Defined Antenna for Interceptor-to-Interceptor Communications - SBIR Topic MDA26BZ04-NV003
Funding Amount:
Phase I - $314,000
Deadline to Apply:
August 19th, 2026
ITAR:
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 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.
Objective:
Develop low-cost software defined circular-band (ring shape) antenna for near-omnidirectional missile to missile communication in high-speed endo-atmospheric and exo-atmospheric environments.
Description:
This topic seeks development of a flight antenna capable of multiple node, simultaneous, high-speed, secure communication in meshed High Assurance Internet Protocol Encryptors (HAIPE) "Zero Trust" platforms and networks.
System shall provide wideband, omnidirectional-like (quasi-isotropic) coverage with beam steering and shaping flexibility with multiple beam transmit and receive capability.
Antenna shall address frequency hopping, band switching, and modulation manipulation capabilities.
Antenna shall have the capabilities of multiple antenna reception and transmission polarization associated with flight.
Antenna shall have the ability to maintain secure communication while in contested spectrums.
Antenna shall be able to operate in S+ to Ka frequency bands, and transmit 250 km in exo-atmospheric and endo-atmospheric hypersonic environments.
For purposes of this topic, assume missile diameter of 10”.
Solutions shall minimize the size, weight, power, and cost.
PHASE I:
Design and develop innovative solutions, methods, and concepts for advanced software defined antenna capable of harsh flight survivability and operations.
Present data supporting initial design through modeling, experimentation, and/or testing.
PHASE II:
Refine and document detailed requirements in collaboration with the interceptor system integrator.
Develop a functional antenna prototype utilizing existing Software Defined Radio (SDR) assets.
Conduct comprehensive testing of the antenna prototype in representative operational environments.
Demonstrate successful antenna operation and data acquisition within the target system.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS:
Define clear communication requirements and interface specifications in collaboration with the system integrator.
Establish a functional communication link between two representative missile platforms.
Demonstrate successful data exchange between the interceptor, validating interoperability.
Assess communication range, latency, and data throughput.
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.
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