Collapsible Fixed-Wing Low-Cost Unmanned Aerial System for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Missions

SBIR topic DON27BZ02-NV022 (U.S. Department of Defense – Navy), Phase I and II. Open to U.S. small businesses. Opens: December 2, 2026. Closes: January 6, 2027. The Navy has a growing need for a low-cost, portable, and rapidly deployable UAS to support ISR missions. Current systems are often expensive and bulky, and require significant logistical support. This SBIR topic seeks an innovative solution for a collapsible fixed-wing UAS that can be easily transported and deployed by a single operator. The UAS should be capable of autonomous flight and integration with standard flight control software (e.g., QGroundControl, Pixhawk). Key requirements include a total cost under $5,000 for the airframe and components, a flight time exceeding one hour, a communication range of up to 10 km, and the ability to fit within a 2' x 2' x 1' case for transport. The system must support a modular nose payload, be initially equipped with an RGB camera, and have the potential to serve as a signal repeater for transmission of data. The primary technical challenge is to achieve the desired endurance and portability within the stringent cost constraints, requiring innovation in airframe design, materials, and component integration. Official solicitation: https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/