PITTSBURGH, PA – KEF Robotics publicizes it has been chosen by AFWERX for a TACFI within the quantity of $1,000,000 targeted on aerial autonomy to deal with probably the most urgent challenges within the Division of the Air Drive (DAF). The Air Drive Analysis Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Enterprise Innovation Analysis (SBIR) and Small Enterprise Expertise Switch (STTR) course of by accelerating the small enterprise expertise via sooner 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 adjustments in contract execution. The DAF started providing the Open Subject 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 modern capabilities that can strengthen the nationwide protection of america of America.
“I’ve been calling this TACFI our ‘Do Cool Stuff’ contract – that is all about flying plane sooner, 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 kinds of low price sUAS we’re supporting, countermeasures are extremely efficient, and the demand for contemporary techniques is actual. We can 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 below trendy digital warfare circumstances, however this funding will assist us handle the aptitude and techniques that sUAS must 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 mirror the official coverage or place of the Division of the Air Drive, the Division of Protection, or the U.S. authorities.
About KEF Robotics
KEF Robotics supplies state-of-the-art autonomy software program to fly plane with out a human pilot. A pc imaginative and prescient firm at its core, KEF’s algorithms leverage cameras to allow autonomous flight throughout quite a lot of platforms and use instances. The corporate’s mission is to enhance the security and reliability of plane, broaden their vary and utility, and permit them to fly with out GPS. KEF helps DoD prospects together with Protection Risk Discount Company (DTRA), Particular Operations Command (SOCOM), Military, and Air Drive.
About AFRL
The Air Drive Analysis Laboratory is the first scientific analysis and growth heart for the Division of the Air Drive. AFRL performs an integral function in main the invention, growth, and integration of reasonably priced warfighting applied sciences for our air, area and our on-line world drive. With a workforce of greater than 12,500 throughout 9 know-how areas and 40 different operations throughout the globe, AFRL supplies a various portfolio of science and know-how starting from basic to superior analysis and know-how growth. For extra info, go to afresearchlab.com.
About AFWERX
Because the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate throughout the Air Drive Analysis Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small companies and start-ups to deal with probably 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 funds. 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 sooner know-how transition to operational functionality. For extra info, go to: www.afwerx.com.
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