Hypersonic Focus Area in the DoD T&E/S&T Program *

Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) has, at the request of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Test Resource Management Center (OSD TRMC), been assigned as executing agent for the hypersonics test focus area under the Test & Evaluation/Science & Technology (T&E/S&T) program. In this role, AEDC routinely reviews test-and-evaluation enabling technology needs that address near- and long-term testing requirements. A yearly request of proposals is issued based on the technology shortfall findings, and proposals are received and evaluated based on prescribed review criteria. Subsequently, based on availability of funding, the proposals are funded, and the projects are continually evaluated for execution and relevance to T&E technology needs. This paper addresses the process in acquiring proposals and those technological areas defined as priorities for future hypersonic T&E. A summary of the goals of the hypersonic test program is given. Areas of particular interest to hypersonic T&E and how they relate to future hypersonic systems are presented. A brief description of the awarded efforts is also presented.