PITTSBURGH, PA – KEF Robotics proclaims it has been chosen by AFWERX for a TACFI within the quantity of $1,000,000 centered on aerial autonomy to handle essentially the most urgent challenges within the Division of the Air Pressure (DAF). The Air Pressure Analysis Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Enterprise Innovation Analysis (SBIR) and Small Enterprise Know-how Switch (STTR) course of by accelerating the small enterprise expertise by quicker proposal to award timelines, altering the pool of potential candidates by increasing alternatives to small enterprise and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by regularly implementing course of enchancment modifications in contract execution. The DAF started providing the Open Matter SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which expanded the vary of improvements the DAF funded and now KEF Robotics will begin its journey to create and supply progressive capabilities that may strengthen the nationwide protection of the US of America.
“I’ve been calling this TACFI our ‘Do Cool Stuff’ contract – that is all about flying plane quicker, smarter, and stealthier.” mentioned KEF’s CEO, Fraser Kitchell. “On the identical time, that is additionally extremely operational, as a result of the battlefield is getting swarmed with the forms of low value sUAS we’re supporting, countermeasures are extremely efficient, and the demand for contemporary ways is actual. We might be including these TACFI-backed capabilities onto our buyer’s plane as quickly as they’re prepared.”
“We’ve already proven the capabilities of Tailwind underneath trendy digital warfare circumstances, however this funding will assist us deal with the potential and ways that sUAS should be extra related and efficient on the battlefield” mentioned KEF CTO Kerry Snyder.
The views expressed are these of the creator and don’t essentially replicate the official coverage or place of the Division of the Air Pressure, the Division of Protection, or the U.S. authorities.
About KEF Robotics
KEF Robotics gives state-of-the-art autonomy software program to fly plane and not using a human pilot. A pc imaginative and prescient firm at its core, KEF’s algorithms leverage cameras to allow autonomous flight throughout a wide range of platforms and use circumstances. The corporate’s mission is to enhance the security and reliability of plane, develop their vary and utility, and permit them to fly with out GPS. KEF helps DoD clients together with Protection Risk Discount Company (DTRA), Particular Operations Command (SOCOM), Military, and Air Pressure.
About AFRL
The Air Pressure Analysis Laboratory is the first scientific analysis and growth middle for the Division of the Air Pressure. AFRL performs an integral position in main the invention, growth, and integration of inexpensive warfighting applied sciences for our air, house and our on-line world power. With a workforce of greater than 12,500 throughout 9 expertise areas and 40 different operations throughout the globe, AFRL gives a various portfolio of science and expertise starting from elementary to superior analysis and expertise growth. For extra info, go to afresearchlab.com.
About AFWERX
Because the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate throughout the Air Pressure Analysis Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small companies and start-ups to handle essentially the most urgent challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs roughly 370 navy, civilian and contractor personnel at 5 hubs and websites executing an annual $1.4 billion price range. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed over 6,100 new contracts price greater than $4 billion to strengthen the U.S. protection industrial base and drive quicker expertise transition to operational functionality. For extra info, go to: www.afwerx.com.
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