NAWCAD-SN-26-Thunderdome_FINAL.pdf

Thunderdome 2026: Low-Cost Interceptors

Thunderdome 2026: Low-Cost Interceptors for Counter-UAS

Notice Type: Special Notice, NAWCAD-SN-26-Thunderdome

Event Dates: August 17–21, 2026 (Distinguished Visitor Demonstration Day: August 20, 2026)

Location: Naval Air Warfare Center Webster Outlying Field (NAWC WOLF), St. Inigoes, MD

Application Deadline:

Friday, July 17th 2026 5:00 pm EST

Contact: thunderdome2026@us.navy.mil

1.0 Introduction

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) and the UX-24 Unmanned Aircraft Test Squadron, in partnership with Naval Air Warfare Center Webster Outlying Field (NAWC WOLF), are seeking information from industry regarding low-cost interceptors in the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS) role.

This Request for Information (RFI) supports Thunderdome 2026, a Naval Innovative Science & Engineering (NISE) sponsored event. The exercise aims to accelerate the development and showcase capabilities of emerging CUAS technologies to address the rapid expansion of adversarial UAS threats to the warfighter.

2.0 Objective

Thunderdome 2026 will focus on demonstration-ready, fieldable solutions, specifically Low-Cost Interceptors.

The event features a week-long flight schedule for scripted runs, data collection, and demonstration events against Group 1-3 red-air targets (fixed-wing, VTOL, and multirotor). Venues of interest include shore-based installation defense and low-logistics mobile deployments. Platforms across a wide range of deployment options (e.g., rapidly deployed from a dock, hand-launched, or deployed from unprepared surfaces) are highly encouraged to respond.

3.0 Target System Characteristics

Interested parties should offer systems meeting the following baseline characteristics:

Size: Group 1 Sized UAS (Below 18 lbs).

Speed: Airspeed ≥ 85 knots.

Cost: Low Cost (less than $25,000 at full production). This information is requested for market purposes only and does not constitute a formal price quote.

Kinetics: Non-kinetic during field testing (kinetics will not be tested on the field, but potential kinetic integrations should be described).

3.1 Desired Capabilities (Nice-to-Haves)

Guidance: Leverages “auto-guidance” or an autonomous terminal guidance system to intercept the adversarial UAS (not manually piloted during the final phase).

Capabilities: Ability to track Group 1 to 2 fixed-wing and multirotor UAS, featuring Battle Damage

Assessment capabilities if beyond visual range (e.g., onboard camera).

Android Tactical/Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) integration.

Stationary docking station for quick-turn launches or portable carry options (backpack/quick pack for easy transport).

Functionality in GNSS-denied environments.

Resistance to Radio Frequency (RF) jamming during launch/midcourse phases (if pilot-controlled).

4.0 Requested Information

Respondents are requested to provide detailed information in the application process to address these key areas:

System Characteristics: Size and weight of the UAS (inclusive of payloads) and Ground Control Station (GCS).

System Performance: Maximum operating speed, endurance, range, and altitude.

Environmental Limits: Operating limits for temperature, wind, and precipitation (including weatherproofing of GCS/UAS).

Launch & Recovery: Detailed launch methods (manual, autonomous, hybrid), required launch space, and any recovery methods/equipment.

Transport & Portability: Setup and teardown times for the GCS and support equipment.

Compliance & Security: NDAA compliance for the UAS, GCS, and support equipment.

Power & Endurance: Power and charging requirements for all systems.

Technical Approach: Narratives on the intercept methodology, initial cuing system requirements, terminal guidance (visual, acoustic, etc.), and C2 link structure (including frequency approvals and Line of Sight range).

Training Approach: Current training curriculum (manual flying, mission planning).

5.0 Test Range Specific Requirements

During the event, mid-air collisions will be authorized on specific target aircraft within certain parameters. Participating systems must demonstrate the ability to rapidly assume control via a safety pilot or an integrated flight termination system should an unsafe targeting event occur.

6.0 Registration & Contact Information

Industry partners ready to join the “Blue Team” must submit their participating CUAS system information, points of contact, and required technical data at the following application page:

https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/GxxjSRmNUu. Application deadline is 17 JULY 2026.

For questions regarding the event or to request the participation form, please contact:

Email: thunderdome2026@us.navy.mil

7.0 Conditions of Participation

Agreement to Conditions: By responding to this notice, the participant agrees to comply with and be bound by the rules of this technology demonstration and the decisions of the Government, which are binding and final.

Data Handling: Government personnel and their authorized support contractors will review any data provided by applicants. Government support contractors have entered into Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) with the Government, which precludes them from disclosing any proprietary data. Your submission of a response constitutes consent for the Government and its designated support contractors to access any provided information, including proprietary information. Participation in Thunderdome 2026 does not grant the Government any license, express or implied, to a participant's intellectual property, proprietary data, or trade secrets beyond the scope of this market research.

Government Right to Cancel, Suspend or Modify: The Government reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, suspend, or modify the technology demonstration. The Government also reserves the right to invite none, some, or all applicants to participate. Notification will not include rationale for selection or non-selection.

Responsibility for Costs Incurred: All costs incurred as a result of submitting an application or participating in this demonstration are the sole responsibility of the participant. Nothing in these rules may be interpreted as authorizing the incurrence of any costs on behalf of the Government.

Insurance Requirements: Participants must possess and maintain adequate insurance coverage, including general liability and, if applicable, aviation liability insurance, with limits sufficient to cover potential liabilities arising from their participation.

Release of Claims: The participant agrees to release and forever discharge the U.S. Government from any and all claims, actions, or obligations of any kind that have or may arise from, are related to, or are in connection with this announcement or the participant’s submission. If invited to participate, the participant agrees not to file any claims against the U.S. Government for the use of, or compensation for the loss, damage to, or destruction of, any product displayed or demonstrated.

Indemnification: The participant indemnifies the Government against all liabilities, damages, losses, and costs arising from the participant’s acts or omissions or any third-party legal proceeding related to the participant's submission.

Disclaimer: Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. This technology demonstration is a market research event and does not represent a commitment to a future acquisition. Should the Government decide to pursue an acquisition related to low-cost interceptors in the future, it will do so through a separate, formal solicitation process.

Governing Law: This event is subject to all applicable federal laws and regulations of the United States of America.