HERMES BAA CALL: Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine-Combined Cycle (RDRE-CC) Flight Demonstration

The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Rocket Propulsion Division is seeking innovative research partners to mature a Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine‑Combined Cycle (RDRE‑CC) from TRL 3 to TRL 6 and demonstrate it on a ground‑launched sounding‑rocket flight. The effort is organized as a two‑step Broad Agency Announcement: a 10‑page white‑paper (plus optional 5‑page technical appendix) due 16 Nov 2026, followed by a full technical and cost proposal for selected offerors. The work includes RDRE development, integrated system testing, vehicle integration, and a flight demonstration, with a performance period of 36‑48 months. The solicitation is restricted to U.S. defense contractors with appropriate CUI/CTI clearances.