Arlington, VA – Ombra LLC has been selected by the Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) to develop a groundbreaking radio frequency (RF) sensing system under a new $1.17 million contract. The project, dubbed EAGLE (Early Airborne Ground Layered Evaluation), is set to provide a critical technological edge for U.S. Special Operations Forces operating in contested environments.
Scheduled to commence in November 2024, the EAGLE program aims to design and deliver a sophisticated RF sensing and geolocation system tailored for integration on small unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The core objective is to equip warfighters with the ability to passively detect, identify, and pinpoint the location of enemy radar and other RF transmissions across a broad spectrum of frequencies. This capability is pivotal for modern electronic warfare, allowing forces to map the electromagnetic battlefield with unprecedented speed and accuracy from a portable, airborne platform.
Michael Fieldson, Founder and President of Ombra, emphasized the transformative nature of the technology. “EAGLE represents a paradigm shift in Special Operations capability,” Fieldson stated. “Our breakthrough RF sensing technology doesn’t just enhance missions; it redefines what’s possible in the most critical scenarios where failure is not an option. By delivering precise geolocation data from a small UAS, we are moving beyond incremental improvement and toward the future of tactical superiority and spectral dominance.”
The development of EAGLE addresses a growing need for lightweight, persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) tools that can operate in denied areas. By leveraging small drones, the system will offer a low-signature, flexible solution to identify hostile threats and enhance situational awareness, ultimately increasing the safety and effectiveness of special operations missions worldwide. The contract underscores IWTSD’s ongoing mission to rapidly field innovative technologies that address the urgent needs of the special operations community.
