Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine Flight Demonstration

The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory is seeking innovative research and development approaches to mature rotating detonation rocket engine-combined cycle propulsion from TRL 3 to TRL 6 through engine testing, vehicle development, and a flight demonstration.

United States of America > DEPT OF DEFENSE > DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE > FA9300 AFTC PZR (AIR FORCE TEST CENTER)


General
Open (active)
FA9300-20-S-0001-CALL-RDRE-CC
Nov 17, 2026 12:00 AM
Oct 01, 2026 09:08 PM
3 years base + 1 × 4 years option
Request for Proposal (RFP)
Federal
Secret
Ask AI about this solicitation
Contact
mathew.pierson@us.af.mil
Edwards AFB, CA, USA
Submission Instructions
Email
Description

The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Rocket Propulsion Division is soliciting innovative research and development approaches to mature rotating detonation rocket engine-combined cycle propulsion systems from Technology Readiness Level 3 to Technology Readiness Level 6. The effort is expected to include rotating detonation rocket engine development and testing, integrated direct-connect and freejet testing, vehicle development, and a ground-launched, sounding-rocket-boosted flight demonstration supporting future high-speed affordable mass munitions applications. This is a two-step call under the HERMES Broad Agency Announcement. Step 1 requires a white paper describing the proposed technical architecture, compliance with seven Specific Test Objectives, schedule milestones, and a rough-order-of-magnitude cost. Offerors with high-merit white papers may be invited to submit a full technical and cost proposal in Step 2. The anticipated period of performance for resulting awards is 36 to 48 months. White papers must be submitted as Adobe PDFs; the core white paper is limited to 10 pages, with an optional technical appendix of up to 5 pages restricted to specified engineering and test materials. Access to the detailed controlled technical call document requires an active DD Form 2345 under the Defense Logistics Agency Joint Certification Program, and the performing entity must maintain safeguarding capability for Controlled Unclassified Information and Secret-level data.

Classification Codes
NAICS541715Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
PSCAC11DEFENSE AIRCRAFT - BASIC RESEARCH
Smart Codes
rocket engine developmentrocket propulsion testingflight demonstration
Specifications
Service
Timeline
Oct 1, 2026-Published Date
Nov 17, 2026 12:00 AM-Step 1 White Paper Submission Deadline
Dec 1, 2026-Inactive Date
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