Company
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Back to Company SearchSCIENTIFIC APPLICATIONS & RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC.
UEI: MXT5BGZX32S3
Number of Employees: 295
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
SBIR/STTR Involvement
Year of first award: 1991
121
Phase I Awards
63
Phase II Awards
52.07%
Conversion Rate
$12,144,958
Phase I Dollars
$65,688,659
Phase II Dollars
$77,833,617
Total Awarded
Awards
Tomographic High-Energy Laser Measurement Apparatus (THELMA) for Non-Contact HEL Beam Profiling
Amount: $1,399,797 Topic: AF244-D015
SARA is pleased to present to the Air Force its vision for a fully non-contact 2-D high-energy laser (HEL) beam profiler. The “Tomographic High Energy Laser Measurement Apparatus” (THELMA) measures Rayleigh scattering of the incident HEL beam off atmospheric air, which is detected by an array of photosensors surrounding the beam. A 2-D cross-section of the beam profile is reconstructed tomographically from an array of 1-D line measurements using back-projection methods commonly used in the medical-imaging community imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging or X-ray tomography. SARA’s key enabling technology for THELMA is its Reflected Irradiance Measurement System (RIMS), where the RIMS detection device is modified to measure light levels compatible with the extremely low cross-section of Rayleigh scatter. The proposed effort is further substantiated by SARA’s prior research and development history (non-SBIR Phase I-equivalent work) of optical baffling (for stray-light reduction), tested modifications of the RIMS tube, validation of Rayleigh scatter of an appropriate laser beam in a laboratory environment, and modeling/analysis of tomographic inversion methods applied to several modeled HEL beam test cases to verify reconstructed image resolution and accuracy meeting or exceeding the Air Force’s program requirements. The proposed device is lightweight, readily transportable, and can be used both indoors and outdoors (in day or night conditions). THELMA is completely non-invasive to the HEL beam, since there are no expensive custom optical beamsampling components requiring thermal management being inserted into the path of the laser.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase II
2025
DOW
USAF
SARA Proposal 003-2025-9220 - High Power Microwave Phase Shifter STTR Phase I
Amount: $139,881 Topic: N25A-T018
The beam steering capabilities of phased arrays make them extremely appealing for Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs). Proper phase control can support dynamic pointing and tracking of targets without bulky mechanical steering. The ability to dynamically track and maintain lock facilitates dynamic target engagement and delivery of multiple pulse trains as attack angle varies in real time. This is especially important for counter-electronics and against other targets for which multiple hits may be needed to ensure sufficiently high probability of effect. A sufficiently flexible phase control system may also be capable of dividing (virtually) the array into multiple subarrays, such that multiple targets can be tracked/engaged simultaneously (vs. sequentially). Another benefit of phased array technology is ease of integration into airborne and maritime platforms by adjusting the aperture phase distribution to conform to an arbitrary surface. For the case of Passive Electronically Steered Arrays (PESA), the above benefits are made possible using phase shifters, which allow for the phase of each antenna element to be set individually.This STTR represents a unique opportunity to advance the state-of-the-art in HPM-capable phased arrays through development of novel, high-peak-power capable (> 100 MW) X-band phase shifters and associated feed networks. In meeting the technical challenges posed under this STTR topic, we will be putting new tools into the hands of HPM DEW system designers. Toward that end, Scientific Applications & Research Associates (SARA) has partnered with Texas Tech University (TTU) to propose an ambitious yet realistic plan to be executed by a well-qualified and experienced team. In Phase I Base, we will seek to develop and demonstrate, via analyses and numerical models, feasibility of the proposed next-generation HPM-capable compact phase shifter along with fabrication and testing in both the Phase I Base and Option.
Tagged as:
STTR
Phase I
2025
DOW
NAVY
SPAROW for Drone Tracking
Amount: $249,860 Topic: A244-051
The war in Ukraine has shown the effectiveness of low cost and weaponizable unmanned aerial systems from the larger Iranian made Shahed 136 for fixed targets to the smaller first-person view (FPV) quadcopter UAS that wreak havoc on every kind of mobile ground asset. Active systems like radar are becoming an ineffective means to counter these threats as they can be difficult to pick up with their small cross-sections and pinging with a radar is like broadcasting your position to the enemy. Scientific Applications and Research Associates (SARA), Inc. presents a means to detect and track all manners of UAS from mobile ground assets at significant ranges using passive acoustics. All UAS always emit sound and using a method to derive significant array gain through low-overhead computational algorithms, SARA’s high-TRL acoustic sensor hardware and software can be leveraged to detect and alert on UAS threats from significant ranges to allow for ample time for friendly forces to act. SARA’s portfolio of acoustic sensor system algorithms can detect multiple threats simultaneously. Our system hardware has been ruggedized to MIL-STD-810 and has been integrated with vehicle platforms from the UH-60 Blackhawk to the M2 Bradley.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase I
2025
DOW
ARMY
Persistent Airbrn CUAS Surveil (PANCAS)
Amount: $139,990 Topic: N25A-T016
Hostile Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) pose a severe and escalating threat to Navy ships and Forward Operating Bases (FOBs). By increasing the standoff distance where one way attack UAS are first detected, Navy forces can be afforded more time to engage and defeat these threats before they reach their targets. The ship’s air-to-air radar is a powerful tool in this regard but is unable to see over the horizon. Crewed aircraft, such as an H-60 helicopter, can fly over the horizon beyond the ship and detect UAS, sometimes quite effectively. However, using a high-value asset like an H-60 to detect a low-cost UAS is not a scalable or practical long-term solution. A compelling alternative solution is for the Navy to use their own UAS, equipped with an appropriate counter-UAS detection system, to fill the role of the H-60. SARA proposes to develop a multi-modal system that deconflicts the host UAS’s interactions with crewed aircraft while simultaneously seeking out hostile UAS. This will require target detection, identification, and tracking, with possible expansion into engagement and defeat. With the right sensors, this can be done almost completely passively, which will be important for some missions. We are calling our concept the Low-Observable Counter-UAS System, or LOCUS. LOCUS can be flown on one or several UAS, which then patrol for hostile UAS well beyond the detection range of a Navy ship or FOB. An acoustic sensing layer provides low SWaP, passive, omnidirectional aircraft detection. An EO/IR gimbal camera simultaneously scans the horizon for aircraft and is automatically slaved in the direction of any acoustic detection. Machine Learning image recognition software running on an onboard processor will ultimately be used to classify the target, though in the near term an operator will perform the classification task. If the aircraft is on a collision course, LOCUS will automatically maneuver the host UAS platform to avoid collision. This is an especially important capability in the event that the target aircraft is a civilian crewed aircraft. If the target is classified as a hostile UAS, LOCUS will report its position, speed and heading to the operator, who can then ready shipboard or FOB-based countermeasures. In the Phase I trade study, SARA will also investigate adding defeat mechanisms to LOCUS. SARA pioneered the use of acoustic sensors on UAS for detecting nearby aircraft and is uniquely positioned to deliver the described capability.
Tagged as:
STTR
Phase I
2025
DOW
NAVY
ONR ACE-O Subsequent PhII
Amount: $6,899,612 Topic: N21A-T003
Detecting and Avoiding (DAA) manned aircraft from small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) remains the unsolved problem for safe integration of sUAS into civil airspaces where Navy UAS must pay Due Regard to the laws of civil aviation. The difficulties are manifold. The solution must be effective against aircraft that are not broadcasting their position, requires ultra-low SWaP sensors that track aircraft over long ranges, and must provide a 360° field-of-regard (FOR). The DAA system must be reliable, trusted, and certifiable. SARA is developing the Acoustic Cued Electro-Optical (ACE-O) DAA system to address this need. ACE-O uses a passive acoustic array to detect collision hazards from all directions, then tip and cue the mission camera to verify the intruder and refine the track. Track data is input into ACAS sXu, the FAA’s avoidance maneuver calculator of choice. The result will be an advanced DAA system providing a Due Regard capability for the Navy. There are important commercial applications as well. This novel solution to the challenge of DAA will unlock the commercial ‘drone economy’ by enabling safe Beyond Visual Line of Site (BVLOS) operations and autonomy as is necessary for drone services businesses in agriculture, linear inspection and package delivery.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase II
2024
DOW
NAVY
TASA-RS for Starfire Optical Range
Amount: $1,899,411 Topic: SF233-D006
The United States Space Force has the challenge of ensuring astronomical and space situational awareness (SSA) from ground stations. Ground-based radars are capable but not practical because they incur a high cost to build and operate, especially for tracking satellites in geosynchronous orbits. Fortunately, ground-based optical telescopes with adaptive optics are less expensive to build and operate, and they are suitable to identify, track and characterize satellites in all orbits. However, the adaptive optics of such telescopes require operation of a laser-beacon to make proper adjustment for atmospheric turbulence. Since these laser-beacons are not eye-safe, they pose a risk to pilots of aircraft entering Space Forceĺs optical ranges. This pilot safety requirement extends to all aircraft, even when an on-board transponder is not communicating the aircraftĺs approach. ???????SARA proposes the Terrestrial Acoustic Sensor Array-Range Safety (TASA-RS) which uses passive acoustics to detect approaching aircraft, regardless of whether they communicate their approach (e.g., with ADS-B), and well before they can enter the at-risk airspace around the laser-beacon. TASA-RS does not require mounting to the telescope or any structures that can affect telescope stability due to weather conditions. TASA, originally conceived in 2018 after its airborne predecessor showed promise, is a SARA innovation that uses the heretofore unexploited modality of passive acoustics measured from the ground.á TASA has since received FAA Part 107 waivers for commercial UAS operators beginning in 2021. Just as laser and radar modalities have evolved with innovations, there is room for continued innovation in passive acoustic detection of aircraft, particularly when applied to new use cases such as pilot safety in optical ranges that use laser-beacons. Similar to commercial uses, TASA-RSĺs range and accuracy will provide reliable, efficient detection and tracking of all aircraft in the coverage area. Due to the nature of its mission and secure location at Kirtland AFB, the Starfire Optical Range requires secure data links and a centralized computing architecture for fusing the data generated by each node. During the Phase II SBIR effort, SARA will develop TASA-RS software for more complex multi-node fusion of tracks and perform simulations and test to verify that TASA-RS meets Space Force and FAA aircraft detection requirements for implementation in a centralized and secure operating environment.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase II
2024
DOW
USAF
DMEA241-003 Ultra-high Voltage Reliability Test System
Amount: $197,283 Topic: DMEA241-003
Systems such as power electronics, pulsed power, and grid tied electronics, benefit from high voltage, high current, and high temperature operability of power semiconductor devices. Traditionally, power semiconductors have been fabricated using Silicon (Si). Current state-of-the-art (SotA) Si power devices can readily achieve voltages up to 6.5 kV, currents up to 750 A, and operation at temperatures up to 125oC. However, Si devices are fast approaching fundamental material limitations for key metrics such as blocking voltage and high temperature operation. In recent years, wide bandgap materials such as Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) have seen widespread research, development, and commercial adoption. Due to inherent material properties, wide bandgap materials drastically improve upon device blocking voltage and/or temperature operation. Between GaN and SiC, SiC is more suited to high voltage and high temperature operation. Presently, devices fabricated using SiC can readily achieve voltage ratings of up to 27 kV and operate at temperatures up to 200oC. As wide bandgap power devices continue to advance in voltage and temperature ratings, we must also enhance our test infrastructure and power device packaging. Standard TO packaging limits system designers from fully utilizing the operating specifications of SiC devices. Similarly, test systems built for traditional Si power devices fall short in evaluating ultra-high voltage devices, as they typically accommodate only standard modules. We have identified the need for a new system capable of performing reliability tests with maximum voltages up to 40 kV, control voltages from -50 V to +50 V, maximum temperature control from 25oC to 200oC, and relative humidity control from 15% to 85%. This system will be essential for the current and future testing of ultra-high voltage, wide bandgap power devices. Scientific Applications & Research Associates (SARA) is pleased to propose a Phase I feasibility study effort on a package-level reliability test system architecture for performing reliability and qualification tests on discrete wide-bandgap devices of the present and future. Methodologies for HTGB, HTRB, H3TRB, and ALT-HTRB tests will be specifically considered for MOSFETs, IGBTs, thyristors, and diodes in various packages to fill the need for reliability testing beyond what current systems offer. Such a system will provide a testing platform that far surpasses existing commercial options in its ability to evaluate the reliability of ultra-high voltage, wide bandgap and ultra-wide bandgap power devices well into the future.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase I
2024
DOW
DMEA
N212-121 SBIR Phase II
Amount: $1,999,783 Topic: N212-121
New technological advancements in high power microwave (HPM) sources have sparked a renewed interest in HPM weapons in many DOD entities. These new giga-watt (GW) class sources require fast, repeatable, high voltage, high power driving pulses in order to perform optimally. Traditionally, sources of this caliber have been driven with spark gap switched pulse generators. While remaining a highly viable option for HPM source driving, spark gap switched systems have several inherent limitations that detract from their attractiveness as next generation HPM drivers. Those limitations include debilitating plasma recovery times, restrictive switch electrode ablation, and high shot-to-shot jitter, which combine to reduce achievable pulse repetition rates, system lifetimes, and pulse reproducibility. However, as solid-state switching technologies continue to improve, fully solid-state systems are becoming capable of performing in GW-class HPM systems. Previous Russian work shows the feasibility of using semiconductor opening switches (SOS) as drivers for nonlinear transmission line (NLTL) HPM sources at peak power levels above a giga-watt. During Phase I of this SBIR effort SARA conducted a trade study between an improved spark gap switched Marx generator and a fully solid-state Marx generator driving an SOS output stage. The analysis demonstrated both approaches to be capable of meeting the Navy and Air Forces performance requirements. Due to considerably higher performance capability, developments from US sourced opening switch R&D, and DOD input, SARA has elected the solid-state SOS architecture for further advancement in this Phase II. The effort will leverage SARA’s ability to develop and field capable high voltage HPM drivers coupled with a long history evaluating, testing, and packaging state-of-the-art (SotA) silicon (Si) and silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor die into large pulse power systems. Additionally, American investment in SotA diode opening switch (DOS) manufacturing, testing, and fielding expertise will enable a first of its kind in the US sourced fully solid-state pulse generator development.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase II
2023
DOW
NAVY
Passive Acoustic Cued Electro-Optical (ACE-O) DAA for sUAS
Amount: $1,997,385 Topic: N21A-T003
Detecting and Avoiding (DAA) manned aircraft from small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) remains the unsolved problem for safe integration of sUAS into civil airspaces where Navy UAS must pay Due Regard to the laws of civil aviation. The difficulties are manifold. The solution requires both ultra-low SWaP sensors that track aircraft over long ranges, providing 360o field-of-regard (FOR), and often through difficult visibility conditions with potential for limited line-of-sight. Detect and Avoid is a system concept, depending on maneuver capability of the UAS to avoid collisions and navigation solutions for reliable evasion. SARA is teaming with the ACAS sXu team at John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory to combine ACAS sXu decision support and avoidance navigation support with fused data from SARA’s proven acoustic DAA sensor and a cued EO sensor. The result will be a complete and multi-modal DAA system requiring low SWaP. The result will be an advanced DAA system providing a Due Regard capability for the Navy. Solution to the challenge of DAA will unlock the commercial ‘drone economy’ by enabling safe Beyond Visual Line of Site (BVLOS) operations and autonomy as is necessary for drone services businesses in agriculture, linear inspection and package delivery
Tagged as:
STTR
Phase II
2023
DOW
NAVY
DAA Enabling UAS Autonomy
Amount: $749,695 Topic: AF20C-TCSO1
SARA has developed an onboard passive acoustic sensor system, the Passive Acoustic Non-cooperative Collision Avoidance System (PANCAS), that allows manned and unmanned aircraft to operate safely in the same airspace. SARA will integrate this system into a
Tagged as:
STTR
Phase II
2023
DOW
USAF