Feasibility Study of Operationally Relevant Direct-Connect Testing Enabling Rapid, Low-Cost Development of Small, Air-Breathing Propulsion Systems for Attritable/Reusable Super/Hypersonic UAV Applications

Ā Ā Ā Ā The existence of a small, low-cost, attritable COTS afterburning turbojet engine will give PEO Fighters & Advanced Aircraft and AFRLÆs Autonomous Collaborative Program the capability to have A/R UAVs with higher gross takeoff weights, increasing fuel capacity, range, and payload size, and enable supersonic A/R UAVs (increased mission flexibility/capability).Ā This additional capability will allow the Advanced Aircraft PEO and the ACP program to help the USAF in its goal to increase its ability to project combat mass in a modern, denied threat environment Ā Ā Ā Ā The work proposed in this Phase 1 SBIR refines a customer need, matures a commercialization plan, identifies/defines/refines a new super/hypersonic propulsion development capability to be testedĀduring a Phase II effort. Ā