# Project 1507 — Naval Aerospace

**Program element:** 0601153N — Defense Research Sciences  
**Project:** 1507  
**Component:** U.S. Navy  
**Appropriation:** 1319 — RDT&E, Navy  
**Budget Activity:** 1 — Basic Research  
**Vintage:** President's Budget PB2027  
**Canonical URL:** https://hitchintel.com/programs/0601153N/1507  
**Parent:** https://hitchintel.com/programs/0601153N

## Summary

Project 1507 — Naval Aerospace requests $18.2M in FY2027, 3.5% of the $525.4M requested for program element 0601153N, down 29% on FY2026. 6 R-2A activities decompose the request.

## Funding profile

| Fiscal Year | Estimate Type | Amount ($M) |
|---|---|---|
| FY2025 | Actual | 0.0 |
| FY2026 | Enacted | 25.5 |
| FY2027 | Request | 18.2 |
| FY2028 | Outyear | 18.7 |
| FY2029 | Outyear | 20.1 |
| FY2030 | Outyear | 19.4 |
| FY2031 | Outyear | 18.8 |

> Estimate types are not summed. This project is one leaf of PE 0601153N; the PE total is the sum of its projects, never added to them.

## What project 1507 buys

The Naval Aerospace activity develops technologies for the science and engineering of flight from the land and sea surfaces to the edge of the atmosphere, and as applicable to the utilization of flight for aircraft, missiles, rockets, munitions, and unmanned systems (UxS) employed by the Navy and Marine Corps forces operating from naval platforms or land locations.

## Activities (R-2A) — 6

| Activity | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 | Move | Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight Dynamics & Controls | 0.0 | 4.2 | 6.9 | +67% | — |
| Aerospace Structures and Materials | 0.0 | 3.9 | 3.9 | +1% | — |
| Aerodynamics | 0.0 | 3.7 | 3.7 | +0% | — |
| Aerospace Propulsion, Power and Thermal Management | 0.0 | 3.1 | 3.4 | +11% | — |
| Science of Autonomy | 0.0 | 8.7 | 0.2 | −98% | — |
| Expeditionary Aerospace Sciences | 0.0 | 2.0 | 0.0 | −100% | — |

> Activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. In the request year they partition this project exactly; in earlier years they can under-cover it.

### Flight Dynamics & Controls

**FY2027 planned work.** Continue: - Control synthesis to enable agile and guaranteed performance of non-linear systems with coupled control axes. - Fundamental interactions between cyber, physical and physiological dynamics in coupled human/machine systems - Robust and precise control in the presence of highly turbulent flow fields - Multibody control systems and the ability to demonstrate guaranteed performance relative to a desired end-state - Competitive control law synthesis based on plant models for unconventional UAS operating from sea-based and expeditionary platforms. - Optimal control and sensing for distributed human/machine systems to exploit recent physiological research on human sensory and state estimation mechanisms and optimal trajectory planning - Data-based adaptive optimal control for uncertain systems with unmodelled dynamics - Research efforts into Computational Physics and Fluid Dynamics. The goal of this research is to develop state-of-the-art computational physics and data-driven algorithms, numerical models, and related high-performance computing capabilities that solve fundamental science and engineering roadblock problems, and to extend these capabilities systematically to leverage emerging computational architectures and physical models.

**FY2026 to FY2027 change.** Funding increase from FY 2026 to FY 2027 is due to more efforts being funded to advance the state of the art in modeling and simulation science within the realm of computational physics and fluid dynamics.

**FY2026 plans — current year.** Flight Dynamics & Control Research to advance fundamental knowledge of the phenomena that drive air vehicle dynamics in the marine environment. Multi-disciplinary research efforts in this area enable greater operability in adverse conditions, higher precision flight control, agile multi-agent control, and greater human/machine performance. Research efforts include the following: Initiate: - Competitive control law synthesis based on plant models for unconventional UAS operating from sea-based and expeditionary platforms. - Optimal control and sensing for distributed human/machine systems to exploit recent physiological research on human sensory and state estimation mechanisms and optimal trajectory planning - Data-based adaptive optimal control for uncertain systems with unmodelled dynamics Continue: - Control synthesis to enable agile and guaranteed performance of non-linear systems with coupled control axes. - Fundamental interactions between cyber, physical and physiological dynamics in coupled human/machine systems - Robust and precise control in the presence of highly turbulent flow fields - Multibody control systems and the ability to demonstrate guaranteed performance relative to a desired end-state - Research efforts into Computational Physics and Fluid Dynamics. The goal of this research is to develop state-of-the-art computational physics and data-driven algorithms, numerical models, and related high-performance computing capabilities that solve fundamental science and engineering roadblock problems, and to extend these capabilities systematically to leverage emerging computational architectures and physical models. Complete: - Software algorithms that enable precise ship-relative navigation in GPS-denied environments.

### Aerospace Structures and Materials

**FY2027 planned work.** Aerospace Structures and Materials Research is focused on basic research for developing lightweight, reliable, survivable, sustainable, and affordable airframes for naval and marine corps aircraft and weapons. Continue: - Research on short fiber-thermoplastic composite forming and joining. - Investigating lightweight material solutions for multifunctional structures for airframes and weapons. - Research of non-traditional layups and curing methods - Research of Metallic alloys - MPEA's / CS-AFSD optimized compositions - Processing methods and chemistries for novel M&P technologies - Research on electro-thermal conductivity, surface ground plane behaviors, and E^3 effects - Research on durability and degradation of transparencies and optical coatings - Research on novel materials and processes for low cost / limited use Complete: - Research on galvanic corrosion and mitigation strategies for airframes in naval environment. - Research on new polymeric M&P, thermoplastic and alternative resin Initiate: - Research on environmentally assisted cracking of 7085 aluminum - Research on materials to repair or mitigate damage to Ultra-High Strength Steels - Research on AI/ML algorithms for NDI data analysis

**FY2026 to FY2027 change.** There is no significant funding change between FY 2026 and FY 2027.

**FY2026 plans — current year.** Aerospace Structures and Materials Research is focused on basic research for developing lightweight, reliable, survivable, sustainable, and affordable airframes for naval and marine corps aircraft and weapons. Continue: - Research on galvanic corrosion and mitigation strategies for airframes in naval environment. - Research on short fiber-thermoplastic composite forming and joining. - Investigating lightweight material solutions for multifunctional structures for airframes and weapons. - Research of non-traditional layups and curing methods - Research of Metallic alloys - MPEA's / CS-AFSD optimized compositions - Research on new polymeric M&P, thermoplastic and alternative resin - Processing methods and chemistries for novel M&P technologies Complete: - Efforts on multiaxial loading, environmental degradation and damage of hybrid airframes. - Work on novel out of autoclave and out of oven curing technologies. - Work on high strain rate characterization of materials Initiate: - Research on electro-thermal conductivity, surface ground plane behaviors, and E^3 effects - Research on durability and degradation of transparencies and optical coatings - Research on novel materials and processes for low cost / limited use

### Aerodynamics

**FY2027 planned work.** Continue: - Researching the fully coupled aerodynamic interface between ships and aircraft. - Investigating novel state-of-the-art in-situ diagnostics and reduced-order modeling of complex flow fields. - Researching innovative technologies enabling increased range and/or maneuverability suitable for aircraft operating from the maritime environment and attritable systems such as unmanned aerial systems and high-speed weapons. - Research of the interactional and transitional aerodynamics of multi-rotor systems in complex fluid dynamic environments involving multi-body relative motion. - Research into effects of dynamic ground effect on lifting body aerodynamics, including coupling to active flow control schemes. - Investigation of novel active flow control schemes via innovative surface materials. - Understanding bluff body fluid dynamics and the effects of co-flow on wake evolution.

**FY2026 to FY2027 change.** There is no significant funding change between FY 2026 and FY 2027.

**FY2026 plans — current year.** Aerodynamics Research efforts focused on enhancing our understanding of Naval-unique aerodynamic challenges by developing advanced computational and experimental methods. Research efforts include the following: Continue: - Researching the fully coupled aerodynamic interface between ships and aircraft. - Investigating novel state-of-the-art in-situ diagnostics and reduced-order modeling of complex flow fields. - Researching innovative technologies enabling increased range and/or maneuverability suitable for aircraft operating from the maritime environment and attritable systems such as unmanned aerial systems and high-speed weapons. - Research of the interactional and transitional aerodynamics of multi-rotor systems in complex fluid dynamic environments involving multi-body relative motion. - Research into effects of dynamic ground effect on lifting body aerodynamics, including coupling to active flow control schemes. - Investigation of novel active flow control schemes via innovative surface materials. - Understanding bluff body fluid dynamics and the effects of co-flow on wake evolution.

### Aerospace Propulsion, Power and Thermal Management

**FY2027 planned work.** Initiate: - Research on radiative and convective heat transfer in detonation-based combustion environments - Research on lightweight and resilient materials, coatings, and surface treatments suitable for Naval environment - Research on methods to better characterize and reduce inlet distortion - Research to characterize and simulate sand erosion and deposition in gas turbine components Continue: Research on: - Advancing the technical superiority of Naval Aircraft - Propulsion, Power, and Thermal management with emphasis on advanced propulsion cycles, propulsion and power subsystems, engine-airframe integration, turbomachinery aerodynamics/ aeromechanics, drive systems, high temperature materials and protective coatings. - Improving the power density, fuel efficiency, speed, range, and operating reliability of future large, medium, and small engines. - Rotating Detonation Engines and plasma assisted combustion, their benefits, and their integration into weapon systems using thermodynamic models, Computational Fluid Dynamics, and sub-scale experiments. - High stage-loading and efficient turbomachinery including distortion tolerant fans, casing treatments and advanced methods in blade-disk aerodynamics. - Advanced cooling and thermal management for engines and auxiliary systems including new concepts of heat collection, distribution, and rejection; advanced turbine engine materials and coatings. - Highly integrated propulsion inlets and exhausts and dust ingestion research, including modeling, separating, deposition, coatings, and sensing. - Improving jet engine material durability and temperature rate capabilities in both benign and corrosive environments. - Advanced sensors to provide ingestion and foreign object damage sensing, as well as overall prognostics. - Fundamental modeling of distributed combustion in the turbine, and novel jet breakup concepts. Complete: - Research on Variable Cycle Technologies - Research on Reactive Mixing and Droplet Breakup in Liquid-Fueled Detonations- Experimental Study and CFD Analysis of Fuel Cavitation.

**FY2026 to FY2027 change.** Funding increase from FY 2026 to FY 2027 is due to increased research in radiative and convective heat transfer in detonation-based combustion environments, lightweight and resilient materials, coatings, and surface treatments suitable for Naval environment, methods to better characterize and reduce inlet distortion, and research to characterize and simulate sand erosion and deposition in gas turbine components.

**FY2026 plans — current year.** Research efforts with focus on advancing critical technologies relating to advanced propulsion cycles, propulsion and power subsystems, engine-airframe integration, turbomachinery aerodynamics/aeromechanics, drive systems, high-temperature materials, and protective coatings. Research efforts include the following: Initiate: - Experimental Study and CFD Analysis of Fuel Cavitation - Research on Reactive Mixing and Droplet Breakup in Liquid-Fueled Detonations - Research on Group Dynamics of Reacting Jets in Crossflow - Research on Variable Cycle Technologies Continue: - Synergistic Effects in the Environmental Degradation of Ceramic Coatings in Gas-Turbine Engines and its Mitigation - Advanced Subgrid-Scale Models for Particle Transport and Deposition in Gas Turbines - Advancing Prediction Methods for Complex Curvature Nozzle Flows Relevant to Next-Generation Naval Propulsion - Hierarchical Nonlinear Control of Integrated Propulsion, Power, and Thermal Management Systems for Naval Aircraft - Inter-Turbine burning for enhanced performance. - Enhancing Jet Breakup via High-Frequency Ultrasound - Research on: - Advancing the technical superiority of Naval Aircraft - Propulsion, Power, and Thermal management with emphasis on advanced propulsion cycles, propulsion and power subsystems, engine-airframe integration, turbomachinery aerodynamics/aeromechanics, drive systems, high temperature materials and protective coatings. - Improving the power density, fuel efficiency, speed, range, and operating reliability of future large, medium, and small engines. - Rotating Detonation Engines and plasma assisted combustion, their benefits, and their integration into weapon systems using thermodynamic models, Computational Fluid Dynamics, and sub-scale experiments. - High stage-loading and efficient turbomachinery including distortion tolerant fans, casing treatments and advanced methods in blade-disk aerodynamics. - Advanced cooling and thermal management for engines and auxiliary systems including new concepts of heat collection, distribution, and rejection; advanced turbine engine materials and coatings. - Highly integrated propulsion inlets and exhausts and dust ingestion research, including modeling, separating, deposition, coatings, and sensing. - Improving jet engine material durability and temperature rate capabilities in both benign and corrosive environments. - Advanced sensors to provide ingestion and foreign object damage sensing, as well as overall prognostics. - Fundamental modeling of distributed combustion in the turbine, and novel jet breakup concepts.

### Science of Autonomy

**FY2027 planned work.** Continue both exploratory and confirmatory research with future naval application in the following research areas: - Sea-based Aviation - Air Vehicle Sustainment - Collaborative Autonomy

**FY2026 to FY2027 change.** The decrease in funding from FY 2026 to FY 2027 is due to the realignment of funding under PE 0601153N from Proj 1507 (Naval Aerospace) to Proj 1501 (Autonomy/AI) within this PE. Planned programs have been updated to align to current focus area.

**FY2026 plans — current year.** Science of Autonomy and Control of Unmanned Systems Research investigations regarding critical multidisciplinary autonomy challenges that cut across areas/domains, including air, sea, undersea and ground. Research efforts include the following: Continue: - Investigating the scalable and robust distributed collaboration among autonomous systems. - Research on human/unmanned system collaboration. - Work on perception-based adaptation across uncertain naval environments. - Investigating embodied and situated intelligence and architectures. - Developing theory-based tools and methods for safe, assured, robust, verifiable, and trustable autonomy Continue both exploratory and confirmatory research with future naval application in the following research areas (realigned from project unit 1099): - Sea-based Aviation - Air Vehicle Sustainment - Collaborative Autonomy

### Expeditionary Aerospace Sciences

**FY2026 to FY2027 change.** The decrease in funding from FY 2026 to FY 2027 is due to the realignment and consolidation of all Expeditionary funding under PE 0601153N to the new Expeditionary Campaigns project number 1510 within this PE. Planned programs have been updated to align to current expeditionary and marine corps priorities.

**FY2026 plans — current year.** - Complete research into mitigation of unsteady surface impacts on lifting bodies operating in-ground effect. (Expeditionary Warfare) - Complete study of theoretical foundations and limitations of deception and Artificial Intelligence methods in perception/action loops. (Expeditionary Warfare)

## What is NOT on this page

Congressional marks, the R-2 mission description and acquisition strategy, the industry vs government split of the whole request, and related program elements are recorded at **program-element** grain — an NDAA mark lands on a PE, never on a project. They are at https://hitchintel.com/programs/0601153N.

## Source & machine access

- **Source:** FY2027 Department of the Navy RDT&E Budget Justification, Exhibits R-2/R-2A/R-3, PE 0601153N project 1507 (PB PB2027).
- **MCP:** `mcp.hitchintel.com` — `budget_get_program_element(pe="0601153N")`.

*HitchAI is an independent intelligence service, not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense. Budget figures are requests/estimates, not obligations.*