Disruptive Flush Air Data System (FADS) for Autonomous Hypersonic Weapon Systems

In a race with our near peer adversaries, specifically China and Russia, the U.S. Hypersonic programs currently needs more accurate flight data to stay ahead of theseápeeráadversaries.á Currently Hypersonic missiles and platforms rely on Inertial Navigation System (INS) and Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) solutions.á Air data systems depend upon measuring pressures and tend to be robust and reliable systems. Above Mach 5, these systems, which consist of Pitot tubes and vanes to measure the angle of attack and the sideslip angle, begin to see such high heating rates due to shock waves and friction that they deform and can even melt. Thus INS/GPS solutions are typically depended on in these high-speed regimes. Without the real-time airspeed, altitude, and flight angle solutions, the INS/GPS solutions are less robust and reliable and require much greater computational effort to estimate the actual state of the vehicle. These computations also lag the state of the vehicle, which is at best near real-time although most have longer lag time producing less than near real time results.á The lack of an accurate onboard, real-time data system on the Hypersonic missile or platform makes it difficult to accurately guide a hypersonic asset and, even more important, very difficult to engage a moving enemy target. This gap in our hypersonic programs creates an opportunity to leverage a Flush Air Data System (FADS) technology. AFRL and AFGSC plans to transition technologies to make attritable and reusable hypersonic vehicles possible.áIn this Phase II proposal, we will discuss how Templarĺs FADS solution will provide the much needed onboard, real-time air data capability that will be used on autonomous hypersonic weapon systems.á Templar will work with AFRL / RQH and AFGSC, who are both signers on our MOU for this effort, to test, refine and mature our FADS solution for implementation and commercialization of our advanced system.á Templarĺs FADS solution will provide more accurate position information critical to precision targeting of stationary and moving targets and help the Air Force leap ahead peer threats, specifically China and Russia. The Templar Flush Air Data System technology enables Air Superiority by more accurate and effective target engagement at hypersonic speeds enhancing the accuracy of U.S. hypersonic missiles and platforms, provides critical real time information applicable to our NGAD family of systems and other platforms, and is applicable at various speeds from subsonic to hypersonic assets.áWhen a FADS is integrated into our ISR assets, it will provide reliable and accurate data, that is turned into actionable information used by Air Force Leadership, COCOM Commanders and Airmen that will enhance decision making on how we deploy and fight, especially in future conflicts. As outlined by AFGSCáin our MOU and LoS, the FADS technology will enhance both Global Strike and Rapid Global Strike by improving combat capability on AFGSC platforms.