AFWERX SBIR/STTR Program Powers More Realistic Air Force Training

DAYTON, Ohio – Through the AFWERX Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, the Department of the Air Force partners with small businesses to develop technologies that address operational and training challenges. One example is work by Disruptive Electronic Warfare Machines (DEWM) on its Attritable Radar Target, or DART, system, which supports electronic warfare training by increasing target density and mobility.

DART is a man-portable radar threat system designed to replicate modern adversary signals. It can be set up in about 10 minutes and operated remotely, including beyond line of sight. Unlike legacy fixed training emitters, DART can be repositioned and reprogrammed, allowing instructors to create dynamic threat scenarios that reflect real-world conditions. Its software-defined open architecture supports a range of training requirements and has been demonstrated on truck-mounted, waterborne and autonomous platforms. The system has been tested with the F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-35 Lightning II, F-15EX Eagle II and EA-18G Growler. It also received Joint Frequency Allocation Panel, or JF-12, approval.

DART is a man-portable radar threat system designed to replicate modern adversary signals. It can be set up in about 10 minutes and operated remotely, including beyond line of sight. (Courtesy of Disruptive Electronic Warfare Machines)

DEWM, a U.S. Air Force veteran-founded small business, reached a key milestone in 2025 with the delivery of its 50th DART unit. AFWERX supported this progress through a Direct-to-Phase II (D2P2) SBIR award, which allows companies to advance technology development more quickly when prior work demonstrates readiness. In September 2025, AFWERX awarded the D2P2 SBIR to expand DART’s capabilities to X-band frequencies, building on earlier C-band development and proven S-band performance.

In October 2025, DART units were delivered for operational training use at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center, Mississippi. The deliveries marked a transition from test and development activities to operational training integration. The mobile systems allow instructors to replicate mobile surface-to-air missile threats, compared with fixed legacy emitters used in traditional training.

In 2025, DART advanced into Phase III SBIR contracts, representing the transition from research and development into production, delivery or sustained use with funding from operational organizations. Department of the Air Force organizations funding Phase III DART contracts included:

• 301st Operations Group, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, $1.1 million.
• U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces in Africa, $403,750.
• 99th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, $120,400.
• 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, $101,200.

AFWERX’s SBIR program accelerates the transition of technologies like DART from early development into operational use. By aligning small business innovation with DAF needs, AFWERX fosters more adaptable and effective capabilities for today’s and future missions.

*Disclaimer: References to non-federal entities do not constitute or imply Department of War or Air Force endorsement of any company or organization.