The Department of Defense, through the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), is seeking innovative research proposals for the "Hypersonic Kill Vehicle Range Extension Research" under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The objective is to significantly enhance the range performance of hypersonic vehicles by exploring in-flight shape and configuration changes that optimize aerodynamics and propulsion properties, thereby extending the effective intercept range of hypersonic kill vehicles. This research is critical for improving defensive capabilities against hypersonic threats and may also have dual-use applications in offensive hypersonic weapons and civilian aerospace technologies. The solicitation is currently in pre-release status, with an open date of April 23, 2025, and a close date of May 21, 2025. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the official DOD SBIR/STTR website.

## Description

Current defensive hypersonic interceptor approaches are limited in battle space range and combat effectiveness by basic factors such as propulsion capability, flight dynamics, lethality methods and concept of operations. Hypersonic aerodynamics are a significant part of range limitations of a kill vehicle to achieve required end-game vehicle maneuverability. Improving aerodynamic performance would permit improving a number of crucial hypersonic weapon system performance parameters simultaneously.

## Objective

Significantly enhance hypersonic vehicle range performance by using in-flight shape, configuration or control surface configuration changes that maximize and adapt to varying flight conditions that optimize the aerodynamics, control or propulsion properties of the vehicle. Perform basic, first principles research into these concepts that extend the effective intercept range of a hypersonic kill vehicle in basic defensive mission engagements.

## Phase I

Develop and execute a first-principles research approach in optimal lift-to-drag methods and vehicle control geometries. Also, identify materials for high temperatures and mechanical strain with long term abilities to tolerate hypersonic flight conditions. Consider high bandwidth vehicle control mechanisms and flight control algorithms that optimize and increase flight ranges. Leverage new state-of-the-art research in materials and aerodynamic sciences. Use digital models to achieve insights into potential non-traditional hypersonic flight dynamics. Adopt an innovative approach for evaluating feasibilities of proposed solutions.

## Phase II

Build on and evolve the physics-based and engineering solutions developed in Phase I involving typical hypersonic basics: Lift, Lift-to-drag ratios leading to long range; high agility and maneuverability; high efficiency propulsion concepts and wide flight envelopes; materials tolerating temperature on leading edges and vehicle body.Continue evaluations to assess the feasibility of proposed approaches. Utilize and validate functional computational models. Down-select technologies and provide concluding approaches for vehicle range extensions.

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

Dual-use applications could be offensive hypersonic weapons for both tactical and strategic use. Materials sciences under considerations could be utilized in space flight and hypersonic civilian airliner development.

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