DIU CSO #PROJ00675

DIU and AFRL Seek Conceptual Designs for Active RF Radar Seeker for 2.75-inch Munitions

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) RF Seekers Branch, is launching a prize challenge for U.S. companies to submit conceptual designs for an active RF radar seeker for 2.75-inch (70mm) class munitions. - Government Buyers: - Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) - Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) RF Seekers Branch (RASR), Eglin Air Force Base, FL - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are named, as this is a conceptual design challenge - Products/Services Requested: - Conceptual design for an active RF radar seeker - Must fit within a 2.75-inch (70mm) form factor - Operate in Ku or Ka RF bands (preferably above 40 GHz) - Compatible with LAU-131 and LAU-68 launch systems - Enable all-weather lock-on-after-launch engagements - Provide autonomous target acquisition and tracking - Ideally support seeker-integrated fuzing - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Strict size and weight constraints - Must address detection range, power, and field of regard - Solution must integrate with both aircraft and ground launch systems - Only U.S. companies eligible; SAM registration required - Intellectual property remains with applicants; DIU retains limited license for testing/evaluation - Award Details: - $250,000 prize pool for up to three top-performing companies - Potential for follow-on prototyping and transition to a $50 million rapid acquisition program (IDIQ contract) - Place of Performance: - AFRL RF Seekers Branch, 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 aims to identify top-performing solutions for potential prototyping and transition into a $50M rapid acquisitions program. Eligibility is limited to U.S. participants, and the challenge includes a timeline with key dates for submission and winner announcement.

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