Aerospace Propulsion and Power Technology

Aerospace Propulsion and Power Technology aims to develop and demonstrate technologies to achieve revolutionary advances in turbine, advanced-cycle, rocket, and space propulsion as well as electrical power, thermal management, and fuels. The program has five current projects, each focusing on technologies with a high potential to enhance the performance of existing and future Air Force weapon systems. For instance, the Aerospace Power Technology project develops and demonstrates adaptive power and thermal management components, controls, and systems for high-power payloads and aircraft as part of energy-optimized aircraft development. Additionally, the Aircraft Propulsion Subsystems Integration project develops demonstrator engines by integrating the engine cores demonstrated in the Advanced Turbine Engine Gas Generator project with low-pressure components.

Furthermore, Program PE 0603216F includes the Missile Rocket Propulsion project which aims to develop and demonstrate innovative rocket propulsion technologies, propellants, and manufacturing techniques. The project focuses on sustainment of strategic systems (including solid rocket motor boosters and missile propulsion), post boost control, aging and surveillance efforts for tactical rockets. The key goals include increased life and performance of propulsion systems with an emphasis on characteristics such as environmental acceptability, affordability, reliability, responsiveness, reduced weight, and reduced operation and launch costs. These efforts contribute to the sustainment of the rocket propulsion industry for the entire Department of Defense (DoD) while addressing DAF capability gaps and providing technologies for transformational future force capabilities.