Roper: Air Force Shopping for ‘Skyshots’
Oct. 26, 2020 | By John A. Tirpak
The Air Force is looking for “Skyshot†ideas—those short of a massive “Moon Shot†technology push, but much more than “baby steps†toward disruptive new technologies—that will spur industry while building relationships between the service and innovative startups, said department acquisition chief Will Roper.
In a streaming “Ask Me Anything†program, Roper said the new project will be akin to the already-underway “Agility Prime†effort, in which the Air Force is looking to develop a “flying car†technology potentially applicable to future, unmanned logistics or rescue of downed Airmen behind enemy lines. The Oct. 26 program solicited ideas for the next initiative, which will be announced at an AFWERX program in December.
Addressing small businesses, he said USAF is looking to “get you off the ground and help you take flight.†The projects the Air Force is looking for are not necessarily quick-turnaround ideas but “deep tech†that will have long-lasting, game-changing effects. The service will have the “patience†for sustained investment where the commercial capital market may not, he said, noting the Air Force can be a “de-risker†in the process.
https://www.airforcemag.com/roperair-force-shopping-for-skyshots/
