Aerospace Technology Dev/Demo

This project demonstrates advanced aerospace system technologies. Aerospace system technology integration efforts are accomplished through integration of various technologies to include autonomy, power and thermal, propulsion (rocket, turbine, scramjet, etc.), air vehicle and weapon systems for demonstration in near realistic operational environments and ranging from subsonic, supersonic, to hypersonic speeds. Advanced aerospace system technologies are demonstrated to enhance the capability of current and future aerospace systems. Aerospace Technology Dev/Demo, received a Congressional add for FY 2026 $2.500 million for HITECH Beam Director Development. Upon Congressional spend plan approval, an Internal Reprogramming (IR) will be processed aligning the funding to PE0603605F for proper execution.

Advance the development of cutting-edge missile propulsion systems for ballistic and tactical missiles, with a focus on integrating and demonstrating solid rocket motor technology for next-generation, rapidly deployable platforms. By leveraging digital design, testing, and innovative manufacturing techniques, this research aims to enhance the performance, effectiveness, and production capabilities of missile propulsion systems, ultimately supporting the nation's defense requirements and strengthening its industrial manufacturing base.

In FY 2027, within Program Element 0603211F/ Aerospace Technology Dev/Demo, all efforts and associated funding in this Project were transferred to 634920 / Flight Vehicle Tech Integration (now called Aerospace Systems Integration and Demonstration) to provide Congress with improved understanding and traceability of the discrete Aerospace Systems technology areas in Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E), Air Force, Budget Activity (BA) 3. This project develops and demonstrates technology to increase military utility by improving turbine engine This project develops and demonstrates technology to increase military utility by improving turbine engine operational reliability, durability, mission flexibility, and performance while reducing weight, fuel consumption, and cost of ownership. This project includes demonstrator engines that address military specific needs for manned systems, autonomous vehicles and munitions applications. This project also focuses on integration of inlets, nozzles, engine- to-airframe compatibility, and power and thermal management subsystems technologies.

In FY 2027, within Program Element 0603211F/ Aerospace Technology Dev/Demo, all efforts and associated funding in this Project were transferred to 634920 / Flight Vehicle Tech Integration (now called Aerospace Systems Integration and Demonstration) to provide Congress with improved understanding and traceability of the discrete aircraft power, thermal, and mission systems Aerospace Systems technology areas in Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E), Air Force, Budget Activity (BA) 3. This project develops, integrates and demonstrates, advanced technologies that enable future high speed/hypersonic weapons and platforms (vehicles) via modeling, simulation and analysis (MS&A), and ground and flight tests. System level integration brings together air vehicle aerodynamics, propulsion and structural technologies and solutions with avionics, ordnance and other aerospace subsystems for demonstration in a near-realistic operational environment. Integration and technology demonstrations improve the technology readiness level appropriate for full integration and reduce the risk and time required to transition technologies into operational systems. Digital engineering is utilized to develop and deliver an integrated digital environment (IDE) to assess technology, evaluate its impacts, and make capability- focused investment decisions that support critical Air Force revolutionary military capabilities.

In FY 2027, within Program Element 0603211F/ Aerospace Technology Dev/Demo, all efforts and associated funding in this Project were transferred to 634920 / Flight Vehicle Tech Integration (now called Aerospace Systems Integration and Demonstration) to provide Congress with improved understanding and traceability of the discrete Aerospace Systems technology areas in Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E), Air Force, Budget Activity (BA) 3. This project integrates and demonstrates advanced control technologies that improve the performance, reliability, safety, and survivability of existing and future, manned and unmanned, aerospace systems. Enhanced capabilities are enabled by control, automation, and system level integration of subsystems and systems such as propulsion, airframes, avionics, power & thermal management, weapons, C2, mission systems, and operator interfaces. Modeling and simulation, integration, and technology demonstrations in a near-operational environment reduce the risk and time required to transition technologies into existing and future aerospace systems.