Direct Kinetic Solutions (DKS) has been chosen for an advancement endeavour via the AFWERX TACFI Grant, an esteemed endowment for innovation that propels the integration of clean energy within Air Force Missions.
Direct Kinetics Solutions is thrilled to declare its selection for a Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) Contract by AFWERX, with a focus on advancing radioisotopic power technology to confront the critical challenges faced by the Department of the Air Force (DAF). This initiative is bolstered by DKS’s attainment of at least $1.9M in private investments necessary to engage TACFI.
The project will zero in on scaling up production capabilities, securing the required certifications for distribution, and fostering innovation through an extensive array of isotopes and technological assets. The radioisotopic power source cells from DKS stand out for their versatile form factor and modular composition, allowing the amalgamation of several cells to significantly enhance energy density by 50 times more than standard D batteries.
In a concerted effort, the Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have joined forces to optimise the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) schemes. This initiative aims at refining the small business journey by shortening the proposal to award periods, diversifying the applicant pool by extending opportunities to small-scale businesses, and minimising administrative burdens through continuous procedural enhancements in contract management. The DAF’s initiation of the Open Topic SBIR/STTR programme in 2018 marked a pivotal expansion in the diversity of DAF-funded innovations. Moving forward, on February 29, 2024, Direct Kinetic Solutions is set to persist in its mission to forge and supply pioneering capabilities to fortify the United States’ national defence mechanisms.
“Our mission at DKS is to provide highly efficient and reliable power solutions for devices used in challenging environments on land, sea, and space. We are thrilled to collaborate with AFWERX in the search for innovative alternatives that can enable the Air Force to perform longer seamless missions. It is our honor to work towards the shared goal of improving operational efficiency and pushing innovation forward.” Ekhi Municategui, Co-founder & CEO
