SBIR/STTR Research Award

Agile Combat Communications with LPD/LPI Ultra-Low SWaP-C Mesh Networks

Award identifier 2878be4877d916c0aa78e9405e555c0a39afa79330889b3c4925cc1e85b97fe7Awarding agency Department of Defense · Air Force

Award amount

$74,080

Program and phase

SBIR · Phase I

Award year

2025

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Award details

Awarding agency
Department of Defense
Branch
Air Force
Recipient company
BEARTOOTH RADIO, INC.
Proposal award date
2025-01-13
Contract end date
2025-04-17
UEI
JB1KD7MWVK39
Solicitation number
X24.7
Topic code
AFX247-PCSO1

Research abstract

In near-peer contested environments, communication systems must be agile, secure, and resilient. Beartooth Radio, Inc. proposes the further enhancement  of its Ultra-Low Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) mesh networking solution for Low Probability of Detection (LPD) and Low Probability of Interception (LPI) communications to support Project KRAYT. This advanced system is designed to address critical communication challenges faced by the Department of the Air Force (DAF), particularly in Agile Combat Employment (ACE) scenarios, where reliable, infrastructure-independent communication is paramount. The proposed Beartooth MK III system offers an automated, self-forming, and self-healing mesh network that operates completely off-grid, making it ideal for dynamic combat environments. The system supports the seamless transmission of voice, Position, Location, Indication (PLI) data, and sensor information, enhancing situational awareness for warfighters. The integration of onboard GPS and USB data port connectivity ensures accurate real-time tracking and secure data exchange, further improving mission-critical communications in highly contested environments. One of the key innovations of Beartooth’s solution is its agile deployment capability, reducing the logistical footprint and enabling resilient basing in forward-operating areas. The MK III’s environmental protection enhancements (IPxx rating) ensure durability in harsh conditions such as extreme temperatures, rain, and dust, ensuring operational reliability. Additionally, the solution’s automation features allow for real-time data exchange and network management with minimal user intervention, making it a force multiplier in rapidly shifting combat environments. The system is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing military communication platforms, such as the Team Awareness Kit (TAK), and provides direct support for Agile Combat Employment (ACE) and multi-domain operations (MDO). Its scalable architecture enables easy adaptation to different mission profiles, from reconnaissance and surveillance to logistics and force protection. By providing secure, reliable, and automated communication in near-peer contested environments, Beartooth’s MK III system significantly enhances the Department of the Air Force’s ability to project power, improve tactical air dominance, and ensure resilient basing. The system is highly adaptable and offers dual-use applications in both defense and commercial sectors, ranging from military operations to disaster recovery, energy, and critical infrastructure monitoring. The proposed solution addresses key operational challenges and fulfills multiple Department of the Air Force operational imperatives, providing an innovative, dual-purpose technology with wide-ranging benefits for warfighters and commercial markets alike.

Technology keywords

Not reported

Other awards by this recipient

Verified by the same UEI. These are other public SBIR/STTR award pages, not a merged company record.

Awards with the same topic code

Verified by an exact topic code match. This is not a text-similarity match.

Research funding history

3 SBIR/STTR records share this UEI (2022–2025). Reported award amounts total $315,660. Reported amounts are not federal obligations.

Phases: Phase I

Agencies: Department of Defense

Agency intelligence

Department of Defense

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