TSM Special Topic - Advanced Manufacturing for Supersonic Aircraft

The U.S. Department of War is seeking innovative advanced manufacturing solutions to build and sustain the next generation of supersonic aircraft. The current industrial base capabilities are insufficient to meet the demands for reduced costs, enhanced performance, and a strengthened domestic supply chain. The desired solution should accelerate development timelines, enable the use of advanced materials, and reduce acquisition and sustainment costs. Some examples of capabilities being looked for include additive manufacturing, advanced materials, robotics and automation, reverse engineering and legacy systems, advanced repair technologies, and digital engineering and manufacturing. The proposed solution should also foster innovation and competition within the industrial base and support long-term viability. Key points to consider: • The solution should directly solve the identified problem of insufficient industrial base capabilities for supersonic aircraft manufacturing. • The solution should reduce acquisition and sustainment costs and shorten production timelines. • The solution should strengthen the U.S. Defense Industrial Base by enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities and mitigating supply chain vulnerabilities. • The solution should advance the state of the art in manufacturing technologies. • The solution should foster innovation and competition within the industrial base and support long-term viability.