UK DASA competition seeks solutions to address small UAS threats

The UK Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) has launched Phase 2 open competition seeking for solutions to address small unmanned air systems (UAS) threats.

Under the second phase of funding for the competition, participants are required to be aware of the previous competition and bids funded by DASA.

In addition, companies who were not involved in previous phases are also allowed to apply for this phase of the competition.

Work done under this phase is anticipated to reach higher maturity when compared to the work funded in Phase 1.

Phase 2 involves $1.8m (£1.5m) funds with submissions to close on 21 July 2020.

Recently, the use of small commercially available UAS as weapons in overseas theatres has increased. They are deployed due to their cheap, pervasive, low observable surveillance capability across the battlefield.

There are many different UAS threats and each may require a different mitigation approach.

DASA aims to mitigate threats posed by small UASs, including both multi-rotor and fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Primary emphasis is laid on UAV platforms lesser than approximately 50kg maximum take-off weight (MTOW).

Phase 1 of the competition included delivery of the concept proposed advanced technology components and subsystems.

Later, the subsystems will be developed and integrated into full C-UAS systems.

Earlier this month, DASA awarded multiple contracts for the development of improved Electro-Optics and Infrared (EOIR) sensors.