SBIR/STTR Research Award

Strengthening A2/AD Penetration with Hybrid Rocket Ejector-Ramjet Hypersonic Propulsion

Award identifier c7277c407fee12a373e86403e03a4ad66b0524ad587636ebf99bf2c780a1882fAwarding agency Department of Defense · Air Force

Award amount

$74,976

Program and phase

SBIR · Phase I

Award year

2024

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Award details

Awarding agency
Department of Defense
Branch
Air Force
Recipient company
VAYA SPACE, INC.
Proposal award date
2024-05-15
Contract end date
2024-08-19
UEI
L8LEZSTJE2P6
Solicitation number
X24.5
Topic code
AFX245-PCSO1

Research abstract

The escalating threat of Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) architectures poses a challenge to the movements and operations of U.S. forces, particularly in the Pacific theater. A2/AD encompasses long-range capabilities to prevent opposing forces from entering operational areas and shorter-range systems designed to restrict freedom of action within these areas. The rapid improvement of these systems by adversaries underscores the urgent need for the U.S. military to adapt to the evolving threat landscape. A critical enabler of the emerging A2/AD challenge is the rapid development of hypersonic missiles by U.S. adversaries. These missiles are highly effective and difficult to intercept by conventional means, posing a substantial threat to U.S.  assets.  Vaya's hybrid rocket ejector-ramjet (HRER) propulsion technology presents an opportunity not only to match, but surpass, adversarial hypersonic systems. Featuring dynamic throttle capability, repeated restart capability, and powered in-flight maneuverability, Vaya's platform offers a strategic advantage that could significantly challenge the effectiveness of adversary A2/AD systems. It provides a means to intercept incoming hypersonics and effectively neutralize defense systems. . This technological advantage both enhances the defensive capabilities of U.S. forces and enables them to project power more effectively in contested environments. Through substantial internal investments exceeding $40 million to date, Vaya has solidified its position as a leader in cutting-edge aerospace propulsion. Leveraging its patented hybrid rocket technology, Vaya is poised to enhance its engine testing to simulate the demanding operational conditions of missile systems. With an extensive track record of over 100 successful tests across various engine sizes and configurations, Vaya possesses unwavering confidence in its capacity to design, produce, and test engines tailored to the requirements of hypersonic missile systems. Vaya's technology offers unparalleled performance, design flexibility, and manufacturing efficiency. Unlike currently fielded hypersonic systems, Vaya's technology is precisely throttleable at all stages of flight, enabling unmatched maneuverability, countermeasure evasion, and end trajectory occlusion. Vaya's manufacturing process, built around additive manufacturing, facilitates the rapid production of custom-sized hybrid rocket engines with little to no change in fixed tooling. This agility in design and manufacturing positions Vaya as a leader in meeting the increasing demand for advanced hypersonic missiles.

Technology keywords

Not reported

Other awards by this recipient

Verified by the same UEI. These are other public SBIR/STTR award pages, not a merged company record.

Awards with the same topic code

Verified by an exact topic code match. This is not a text-similarity match.

Research funding history

2 SBIR/STTR records share this UEI (2024–2025). Reported award amounts total $1,311,382. Reported amounts are not federal obligations.

Phases: Phase II, Phase I

Agencies: Department of Defense

Agency intelligence

Department of Defense

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