DIU CSO #Rising Smoke Prize Challenge

Active RF Radar Seeker Conceptual Design Challenge for 2.75-inch Munition

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) RF Seekers Branch and Blue Horizons, is seeking conceptual designs for an active RF radar seeker for 2.75-inch (70mm) class munitions. - Government Buyer: - Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) - Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) RF Seekers Branch - Products/Services Requested: - Conceptual design for an active RF radar seeker - Intended for integration into 2.75-inch (70mm) class munitions - Must enable all-weather lock-on-after-launch missile engagements - Compatibility with LAU-131 and LAU-68 launch systems (aircraft and ground) - Operation in Ku or Ka RF bands (preferably above 40 GHz) - Minimum 6 km detection range - Beam steering and open architecture integration - Autonomous target acquisition, tracking, and guidance, including proximity fuze mode - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Focus on low-cost, scalable missile variant - Open to U.S. businesses only; security screening and SAM registration required - Up to three top performers will share a $250,000 prize - Finalists may be considered for a $50M rapid acquisitions program (IDIQ contract) - No specific OEMs or vendors are named; the challenge is open to innovative U.S. companies - Place of performance: Eglin Air Force Base, FL

Description

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), in partnership with Blue Horizons and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) RF Seekers Branch, is offering a $250,000 prize challenge for a conceptual active RF radar seeker design for use in a 2.75-inch class munition. The challenge supports the development of a low-cost 70mm missile variant with an RF active seeker capable of all-weather lock-on-after-launch engagements. The prize challenge aims to identify top-performing solutions for potential prototyping and transition into a $50M rapid acquisitions program. Eligible participants include U.S. businesses, with international participants currently ineligible. The challenge includes a timeline with key dates for submission and winner announcement, and offers engagement opportunities with mission partners and DoW leaders for winners.

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