N252-078 TITLE: Night Passive Aiming System
OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Integrated Sensing and Cyber;Microelectronics
The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.
OBJECTIVE: Develop a low-cost Night Passive Aiming System (NPAS) for individual small arms.
DESCRIPTION: This SBIR effort is to develop a low-cost NPAS for individual small arms engagement at night. Marines currently utilize night vision goggles (NVGs) with weapon mounted, near-infrared (NIR), laser pointer/illuminator systems [Ref 1] to place projectile aimpoints on targets and extend target detection distances when ambient illumination is insufficient for image intensifier (I2) sensor operation. Emissions from laser devices are easily detectable by hostile forces equipped with similar night vision capabilities or modern low-light silicon imaging sensors, as found in cell phones or webcams. The nature of small arms projectile ballistic flight also constrains laser pointer engagement distances as the operator must eventually raise the aimpoint above the target’s head to compensate for bullet drop. Currently fielded night vision weapon sights, both I2 and thermal imaging, provide corrected aimpoint reticles for long range engagements, but are not at a price point amenable for issuance to every infantry Marine. Their relatively narrow field of view also inhibits the user’s ability to rapidly acquire and engage close range targets when compared to NVG/laser engagements.
Technical approaches should emphasize both low cost and light weight (no greater than contemporary small arms laser pointer devices). Multiple approaches may be assessed in Phase I, but a prototype hardware solution (or multiple solutions) must be achievable within the time and funding scope of the base Phase II effort. In all phases of the effort, the proposer shall provide target and environmental modeling assumptions and sensor/optical parameters where applicable.
The prototype system is not expected to be optimized for power consumption, nor to meet full military operational environment requirements; however, it shall be suitably robust for use outdoors in temperate climates. The prototype system should be capable of live fire demonstration on the M27 IAR. Batteries, if applicable, shall be removable by the operator. The prototype should include an external power capability to operate on 120VAC power via an adapter and without internal batteries installed, if applicable.
For NVIPM modeling, the recommended relevant parameters are: 0.75 meter target characteristic dimension, V50 (detection) = 1.5 cycles, V50 (recognition) = 2.2 cycles, 2 Kelvin target contrast for thermal band imaging, and 25% target contrast for reflectance band imaging.
The solution concept of operation shall have sufficient field of view to observe projectile impacts on target, rapidly search for and detect targets, and maintain situational awareness of friendly forces approaching perpendicularly to the target area before they enter the cone of fire. Preferred solutions should not preclude the use of the SBNVG for continuous local situational awareness and dismounted movement at night.
The performer shall provide a plan for both low and full rate production, describing proposed fabrication capabilities and teaming or licensing agreements, if applicable. The performer shall provide a cost estimate for non-recurring initial resources and facilities as well as production of sight systems based on step ladder pricing.
NPAS solutions:
Phase I proposals shall include, but are not limited to, discussion of the performer’s experience and knowledge of relevant technologies and their application to optical systems for small arms; the proposer’s ability to model the size, weight, power, cost, and range performance of optical systems for small arms applications; and the proposer’s capabilities for rapid prototyping and relevant prior examples. Supplementary material should include recent examples of the performer’s ability to develop, refine, and qualify relevant systems for use in military operational environments and produce systems in significant quantities, utilizing either internal resources or via teaming or licensing agreements. Phase I proposals may include preliminary concepts that demonstrate understanding of the relevant trade spaces.
PHASE I: Define and develop a concept for a NPAS. Establish the feasibility of the concept. Prepare a Phase II plan.
PHASE II: Develop and deliver at least one hardware system prototype suitable for demonstrating the range performance, operator employment, and approximate size and weight of the preferred concept on relevant small arms systems. Prepare a Phase III commercialization/transition plan.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Further refine the sight system for optimization of size, weight, power, and manufacturing cost and for survivability in the conditions associated with weapon firing shock and the military operational environment. Deliver sufficient representative sight systems to allow qualification and Marine user evaluation for refinement prior to full rate production.
Dual use applications include law enforcement and civilian self-defense or hunting, subject to ITAR and local government restrictions. Related applications may include augmented reality and machine vision systems.
REFERENCES:
KEYWORDS: Sensors; Optics; Fire Control; Sights; Small Arms; Weapons; Targeting
TPOC 1: Ryan Kresse
[email protected]TPOC 2: Harry Mandeles
[email protected]
** TOPIC NOTICE ** |
The Navy Topic above is an "unofficial" copy from the Navy Topics in the DoD 25.2 SBIR BAA. Please see the official DoD Topic website at www.dodsbirsttr.mil/submissions/solicitation-documents/active-solicitations for any updates. The DoD issued its Navy 25.2 SBIR Topics pre-release on April 2, 2025 which opens to receive proposals on April 23, 2025, and closes May 21, 2025 (12:00pm ET). Direct Contact with Topic Authors: During the pre-release period (April 2, 2025, through April 22, 2025) proposing firms have an opportunity to directly contact the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) to ask technical questions about the specific BAA topic. The TPOC contact information is listed in each topic description. Once DoD begins accepting proposals on April 23, 2025 no further direct contact between proposers and topic authors is allowed unless the Topic Author is responding to a question submitted during the Pre-release period. DoD On-line Q&A System: After the pre-release period, until May 7, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET, proposers may submit written questions through the DoD On-line Topic Q&A at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/submissions/login/ by logging in and following instructions. In the Topic Q&A system, the questioner and respondent remain anonymous but all questions and answers are posted for general viewing. DoD Topics Search Tool: Visit the DoD Topic Search Tool at www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/ to find topics by keyword across all DoD Components participating in this BAA.
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