SBIR-STTR Award

This proposal seeks to investigate the tactical application of advanced UAS platforms for the delivery of non-kinetic effects at range and en-masse. The concept considers four payload variants - two non-kinetic, one with loitering munitions, and one for communications relay. The proposed effort seeks to explore the application of this concept in a variety of tactical contexts and further understand the key technical enablers for this concept. During Phase I, Toyon and AeroVironment will collaborate on a qualitative assessment of the concept to understand where SBIR investment can be best applied in Phase II. A key area for Phase II study is autonomy policies for tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) for an optimal variant mix against a variety of tactical situations. During the Phase I, we will reach out to Air Force stake-holders to brief the concept gain addition concept advocacy. Phase II work plan be shaped by stakeholder interactions to focus on key aspect of the swarming concept.

Near-peer adversaries with advanced Integrated Air Defense Systems have created anti-access area denial (A2AD) zones for US Air Forces. A2AD scenarios continue to push conventional strategic platforms to further stand-off ranges, decreasing their mission effectiveness. Similarly, adversaries are using surface to air missile and gun systems to engage conventional kinetic weapons. This drives up the cost-per-shot significantly as multiple volleys of conventional weapons are required to be effective. An alternative approach, such as swarming of multiple expendable, low cost UAS and munitions, have a better chance of surviving and penetrating the A2AD zone. The Swarming Electronic Attack Munitions Technical Program (SEAM-TP) seeks to investigate the tactical application of advanced expendable platforms for the delivery of a heterogeneous mix of non-kinetic and kinetic effects at range and en-masse. The Phase I qualitative results show the potential performance and cost advantages of the SEAM concept for remote closure of kill chains. The Phase II will extend the concept by first seeking to quantify Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs). To accomplish this we will adapt AFSIM to support SEAM concept constructive analyses to support a TTP Analysis of Alternatives (AoA). The end state will be a prototype rapid simulation capability for TTP exploration, mission design, and virtual interface with autonomy and electronic warfare Artificial Intelligence (AI) and hardware systems. In addition, this effort seeks to align with AFRL/RW Golden Horde Colosseum program by creating an autonomy “Gladiator” based on Toyon’s autonomy foundation for competition in the “Colosseum”. Technical Program development aspect will continue to mature the larger SEAM program vision to include parallel technical development efforts both within Toyon and the across the PEO Weapons enterprise and cross service collaborations.