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Perching Micro Air Weapon

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA8651-09-M-0109
Agency Tracking Number: F083-096-0001
Amount: $99,981.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: AF083-096
Solicitation Number: 2008.3
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2008
Award Year: 2009
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2009-03-11
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2009-12-10
Small Business Information
350 David L Boren Blvd Suite 1780
Norman, OK 73072
United States
DUNS: 121251446
HUBZone Owned: Yes
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 James L Grimsley
 R&D Manager
 (405) 307-0397
 dsoh@calmaropt.com
Business Contact
 James Grimsley
Title: Director of Business Deve
Phone: (405) 307-0397
Email: lwest@calmaropt.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Design Intelligence Incorporated, LLC (DII) proposes an integrated design approach for an innovative perching micro air vehicle (MAV) using energy harvesting.  The proposed design concepts will build upon DIIs proprietary energy harvesting technology and hardware and will include innovative biomimitic MAV design concepts. In particular, DII proposes MAV design concepts that focus on energy harvesting (EH) modality pairs so that the tightly-constrained design requirements for a perch and stare MAV can be achieved with optimal performance by the EH systems. Overall vehicle performance and agility as well as camouflage and concealment will be accomplished through the use of biomimitic modeling and conceptualization. This will allow the MAV to remain hidden in plain sight.  DIIs proprietary EH power management system can accommodate both DC and AC energy sources over a wide range of  power levels. The MAV design concepts will integrate EH transducers, such as solar cells, into the overall MAV air frame and structure to maximize design efficiency and to ensure that maximum EH efficiency is achieved for the given MAV size and class. Onboard energy storage will be accomplished with a combination of supercapacitors and advanced battery chemistries to sustain MAV operation during extended mission operations. BENEFIT: A "perch and stare"-capable micro air vehicle (MAV) has immediate application to support current military demands for improved intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance challenges. The proposed technology will increase the effectiveness of military missions and will improve the safety of military personnel while disrupting adversarial activity. The proposed technology also has broad commercial application since it will further develop energy harvesting (EH) technology and integration concepts for unattended unmanned systems. The proposed Phase I research will contribute to the engineering knowledge and understanding of the MAV trade space and, specifically, the effects of EH on UAV and MAV design.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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