01
EO/IR + LiDAR fusion
Multi-modal optical sensing. AI fuses inputs to track tether geometry and reconstruct the line from UAS down to the operator.
V-02 · Mission Venture · TRL-4 Lab-Stage Feasibility
PhotonTrace
Non-RF sensing and operator-location cueing for fiber-tethered UAS threats. Designed to detect physical tether signatures when RF-centric methods provide limited operator-location awareness.
Signature visualization
Optical sensing where RF goes silent.
UAS payload scans downward with optical and LiDAR sensing. AI sensor fusion reconstructs the fiber tether path. Coordinate cueing supports operator localization. PhotonTrace does not depend on threat RF emissions for its primary sensing concept.
PHOTONTRACE PAYLOAD
ACTIVE · EO/IR + LIDAR
NON-RF SENSING
TETHER DETECT
OPERATOR CUE
CONFIDENCE SCORED
Operator Located
Problem
Fiber-Tethered UAS Defeat RF-Based Counter-UAS.
Adversaries increasingly deploy fiber-tethered unmanned aerial systems specifically to evade RF detection. Traditional counter-UAS systems rely on RF signatures. When the signature is reduced or eliminated, operator-location awareness breaks down. Operators in contested environments need a sensing layer that does not depend on RF emissions to find what the adversary is hiding.
Capability
Non-RF Sensing. CLIK-Adaptable. Operator-Centered.
PhotonTrace is a non-RF sensing payload concept built around EO/IR, LiDAR, AI sensor fusion, tether-path reconstruction, coordinate cueing, confidence scoring, and visual trace overlays. It is designed toward CLIK-compatible integration requirements and for integration planning with compatible U.S. Group 2 or Group 3 UAS platforms.
02
Tether-path reconstruction
Software stitches partial detections into a continuous tether trace. Confidence scoring per segment. Visual overlay for the operator.
03
Operator-location cueing
Coordinate cues can be formatted for authorized C2, reporting, investigation, and counter-UAS workflows. Adds operator-location awareness where RF-centric sensing may be insufficient.
Why now
Developed Against the Army SBIR ARM26BX01-NV002 Profile.
PhotonTrace was developed against the requirement profile of Army SBIR Topic ARM26BX01-NV002, Modular Payloads for UAS, and remains positioned for future Army, SOF, counter-UAS, integration, and prime-teaming opportunities where requirements align. Planning artifacts include payload architecture, interface assumptions, SWaP-C baselines, initial Safety Assessment Report inputs, UAS vendor coordination plans, operator touchpoint plans, and a prototype roadmap. Operator feedback is built into every iteration. Axirix delivers planning artifacts for evaluation, not field-readiness claims.
Preview
PhotonTrace Preview
A visual preview of the PhotonTrace non-RF sensing concept. An updated demonstration video will be published here.
Maturity & routing
Lab-Stage. Army SBIR Ready. Operator-Centered.
Maturity
TRL-4
TRL-4 lab-stage feasibility. Early results are feasibility indicators only and are not represented as field performance. Metrics must be verified before external use.
Federal route
Army + SOF cluster
Army SBIR Topic ARM26BX01-NV002 (Modular Payloads for UAS). SOCOM Vulcan. SOFWERX. Counter-UAS technical exchange. Blue UAS or prime integration.
Prime fit
Blue UAS OEM
OEM payload software designed for integration planning with compatible U.S. Group 2/3 UAS platforms. SDVOSB prime delivery. Reduced capture burden for prime unmanned-systems integrators.
Technical exchange
Request a PhotonTrace technical exchange.
Army SBIR program offices, SOCOM Vulcan scouts, counter-UAS teams, Blue UAS OEMs: tell us the platform and the engagement profile. Axirix tailors the package to your evaluation criteria.