Applications are open for a range of emerging technology solutions which can be developed and scaled within a year. 

The UK’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) has opened phase two of its multi-cycle ‘Innovation in Support of Operations’ competition for novel, cost competitive solutions. 

Launched on 1 April, this latest phase seeks emerging technologies, including uncrewed aerial system (UAS) propulsion, autonomous navigation systems for UAS and uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), seekers, and counter-UAS detection and defeat capabilities. 

It also seeks novel solutions for repairing 155mm artillery barrels. 

A total of GBP4 million is available, with individual proposals able to receive up to GBP350,000 each, the notice discloses. 

The duration of each project is expected to be under four months, except for the barrel repair project which can be up to six months, the notice states. 

The three remaining cycles of the programme – four, five and six – close for submissions on 20 May, 5 August, and 14 October respectively.  

Solutions are required to reach technological readiness level (TRL) six by the end of the project, meaning that a prototype model or demonstrator has been tested in a relevant environment. 

Challenge specifics 

The first challenge under phase two – regarding UAS propulsion – details a requirement for novel means of propulsion for 20kg to >600kg UAS systems. It also requests submissions which include novel means of manufacturing and designing scalable UAS engines at a “market leading price”. Eligible proposals need to generate 2.5kN and above in force. 

The autonomous navigation systems challenge calls for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-resilient autonomy for UAS and USV systems. Proposed solutions must be able to operate in different weather conditions, and geographically locate themselves without manual interference, to within 50m, ideally within 5m. 

In its search for “seekers”, DASA is looking for a range of sensors which can detect and track a target and then “direct a projectile or similar system (such as a drone) towards it”.  

Specifically, the requirement is looking for seekers that are capable of detecting and tracking radio frequency (RF) transmitters (200 MHz to 40 GHz), 20kg to >600kg UAS, and/or “medium to large maritime surface targets”. 

The “UAS defeat” competition – which the notice says includes detection and defeat– is particularly targeting UAS systems which do not utilise RF for communications and are therefore not as easy to detect and jam. Any company proposing a solution to this challenge should consider its applicability to the destruction of swarms, making it “able to rapidly engage multiple targets without requiring significant time to reload”. 

It is important to note that DASA is not looking for UAS platforms themselves, but demonstrations of the above technologies may include use in/ with a platform. 

While not a form of emerging technology, the 155mm artillery barrel repair challenge calls for “innovative solutions to repair, recondition and extend barrel life”.  

All proposals must meet a range of requirements which are detailed in the competition notice, such as demonstrating scalability within twelve months, being fully costed, and including clear milestones and deliverables. 

Companies which are successful in securing funding will be guided through the project by an allocated project manager and a technical point of contact, with potential to work with other innovation organisations and end-users. 

Companies can also collaborate as part of the competition.