Compact High-Pressure CO₂ Compressor for Aviation Thermal Management Systems
SBIR Opportunity Analysis
The Department of the Air Force, under the Department of Defense SBIR program, is seeking proposals to design and develop a compact, high-pressure CO₂ compressor for military aircraft thermal management systems. The contractor must develop a lightweight, efficient, and low-noise compressor capable of handling high-pressure transcritical CO₂ cycles, supporting heat loads up to 200 kW with a turndown ratio of at least 3:1 while maintaining a system outlet temperature of 20 °C ± 5 °C. The compressor must operate efficiently across diverse environmental envelopes, including shock, vibration, electromagnetic interference, and high-altitude low-temperature conditions. Because the technology is restricted under ITAR and EAR regulations, offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals. Proposals for this opportunity, designated under solicitation number 26.BZ and topic DAF26BZ03-NV016, must be submitted by July 22, 2026.