The Department of Defense, specifically the Navy, is seeking innovative solutions through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to increase the unrefueled combat radius of naval tactical aircraft. The objective is to identify and validate methods that could enhance aircraft performance, focusing on areas such as propulsion modifications, fuel efficiency, and weight reduction, with the goal of achieving Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3 and 4-5 across two phases of development. This initiative is crucial for enhancing the operational capabilities of naval forces, particularly in delivering long-range fire support. Interested parties should note that the solicitation will open on April 23, 2025, and close on May 21, 2025, with further details available at the provided source link.

## Description

It is expected that recent technological advances may be leveraged to increase a tactical aircraft's unrefueled combat radius. Aircraft combat radius is a key factor in the ability of the Naval force to deliver long-range fires. The objective of this STTR topic is to identity and quantify innovative concepts to increase the combat radius of a tactical aircraft (Phase I) and then validate the feasibility of the concepts and implement into a prototype(s) (Phase II). Concepts may include but are not limited to: modification to propulsion, fuels, flight controls, drag reduction, weight reduction, fuel storage, or other methods. Concepts may also include non-materiel solutions (i.e., changes to concepts of employment). Key considerations are the anticipated increase in range provided by the concept(s), the expected challenges and costs of developing and integrating the solution(s) into a Naval tactical aircraft, and the suitability of the solution(s) for aircraft carrier operations.The goal is that concepts identified in Phase I will reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 (analytical proof of concept).The goal is that concepts will reach TRL 4-5 (component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment) by the end of Phase II.

## Objective

Identify, characterize, and validate innovative methods to increase the unrefueled combat radius of Naval tactical aircraft.

## Phase I

Conduct a trade study of proposed concepts culminating in low-fidelity quantification of concepts and their potential benefits. Consider integration cost and schedule. The goal is that concepts identified in Phase I will reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 (analytical proof of concept). Develop plans to validate the concepts at the component level in a laboratory environment (Phase II).

## Phase II

Build a prototype solution. Conduct component-level validation in a laboratory environment to demonstrate the feasibility and potential benefit of a concepts. Validation methods could include in-depth computation fluid dynamics (CFD) studies, small-scale wind tunnel validation experiments, or similar methods. The goal is that concepts will reach TRL 4-5 (component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment) by the end of Phase II. Deliver a plan for how the concept would be integrated into a tactical aircraft, an estimate of the non-recurring engineering costs, an approximate schedule to IOC, and a risk analysis.

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

Mature the concepts to TRL 6, and work with the program office and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to develop an Engineering Change Proposal (ECP).Concepts developed under this topic will be relevant to commercial transport aircraft and general aviation for the purpose of increasing the efficiency of flight.

Increased Combat Radius of Naval Tactical Aircraft

STTR Opportunity Analysis

SBIR Documents

Related SBIR/STTR Opportunities

Opportunity Snapshot

Key Dates