A -- RFI Announcement HyperSoar

RFI Announcement HyperSoar This is a Request for Information (RFI) and is being released by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for the information solicited. The goal of this RFI is to obtain information on innovative technology solutions that will help develop a hypersonic, reusable global reach capability from the Continental Unites States (CONUS). Specifically, DARPA is interested in a promising concept for hypersonic, reusable global reach known as HyperSoar. Unique aspects of HyperSoar are the ability to fly periodic trajectories at the outer edge of the Earth's atmosphere (115,000 ft - 200,000 ft) to improve fuel consumption and reduce average thermal loading over the mission. The high L/D aircraft would fly at speeds up to Mach 10 using hydrogen-based propulsion, accelerating out of the atmosphere and gliding back into the atmosphere. This hypersonic periodic trajectory flight path, when compared to traditional level cruise flight paths, should result in greater mission radius and reduced thermal management requirements. Technical challenges associated with the HyperSoar concept may be periodic trajectory flight control, combined-cycle accelerator propulsion, cyclic thermal stress management approaches, and highly integrated airframe/propulsion integration concepts. Responses to this RFI need not address the entire system but can focus on technological solutions to any of the technical challenges listed above or others not listed here. Information items of particular interest are innovative aircraft/propulsion vehicle concepts, concepts of employment, modeling and simulation, rocket-based and turbine-based combined cycle or other innovative propulsion technologies, thermal protection systems, periodic trajectory optimization and flight control, engine/airframe system integration, and lightweight, low cost airframe technologies. Companies responding to this announcement will receive e-mail information on details of future program solicitations, directions and industry day announcements. Please be advised that all responses to this RFI will be treated as proprietary information and it will not be considered as a proposal. Any technical information submitted in response to this RFI is voluntary. Responses should be digitally submitted and can be mailed or e- mailed to Dr. Steven H. Walker, DARPA Program Manager, at DARPA, TTO, 3701 N Fairfax Dr, Arlington, VA 22203-1714 or [email protected], respectively. Maximum of 10 page responses should be received no later than COB 23 September 2002.