DARPA Wants Aircraft Flying 460 MPH at 40,000 Feet to Create 3D Images of What’s Hidden Underground

An aircraft traveling at 460 mph and 40,000 feet could produce 3-D images of underground structures, according to DARPA's recent solicitation. The technology must be self-contained, modular, and capable of rapid development. DARPA seeks a radio-frequency sensing system that can generate 3-D reconstructions of subterranean features, with specific requirements for altitude, speed, and integration into existing aircraft. The program aims to develop this capability quickly, with preliminary flight demonstrations within 15 months and full reconstructions by month 18.

• "DARPA's solicitation specifies that the system must operate at 40,000 feet and 400 knots, and be installed on existing fixed-wing aircraft without permanent modifications."
• "The agency requires contractors to demonstrate prior development and flight testing of comparable subsurface sensing systems."
• "The proposed system must include its own power generation and computing capabilities, and must be self-contained to allow rapid deployment across diverse airframes."

The requirements raise questions about whether the program's focus is solely on geological exploration or if it could have broader military applications. The emphasis on "stand-off" operation suggests potential use in intelligence collection from outside contested airspace. DARPA has not publicly identified specific military missions, but the proposed system could support critical mineral exploration and other applications.

• "DARPA's solicitation calls for rapid, stand-off 3D subsurface tomographic imaging to detect subterranean features."
• "The system must be self-contained, modular, and capable of rapid deployment without permanent modifications."
• "The proposed technology could allow a successful system transfer between compatible aircraft without major modifications, potentially reducing deployment time and expense."

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