Description
The Air Force Research Laboratory is seeking information on solutions to enhance US Rocket-Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) propulsion technologies. The goal of this Request for Information (RFI) is to identify current technologies, US industry base, and government subject matter expertise and test facilities that industry could leverage, as well as technology areas requiring further investment. The laboratory is particularly interested in developing and leveraging Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE) technologies operating with storable propellants. Key aspects of interest include minimizing weight, maximizing scalability, maximizing mission utility, and minimizing logistics.
* The RFI seeks input on RBCC system characteristics, state of the art propulsion systems, propellants, experimental and test resources, computational tools, and opportunities to demonstrate RBCC systems in flight tests.
* The laboratory is looking for solutions that can couple an RDRE with an air-breathing propulsion system, support ignition and throttling, and have a viable path to demonstration in relevant flight conditions.
* The RFI also seeks information on the potential logistics, supply chain, and safety footprints of the proposed solutions.
* The laboratory intends to use the information gathered from this RFI for future acquisition planning purposes.