AFRL seeks information on manufacturing capacity and capability for hypersonic missiles

The Air Force Research Laboratory is seeking information from industry on the capability and capacity for domestic production of position, navigation and guidance components for hypersonic systems, according to an online solicitation posted this month.

The PNG components, subcomponents and their constituent materials must be designed for the “unique, harsh environment” of hypersonic flight, according to the request for information. Scaling production of these components could be “critical” to the success of the hypersonic missile strategy, which the RFI called “essential to the national defense.”

“To date, the [Defense Department] has supported proof of concept and prototyping efforts in this area, however the expansion of the industrial base capacity is required to meet expected future demand,” the RFI stated.

The Defense Production Act Title III Program Office is seeking information to reach a goal of initial production capacity of 48 all-up-rounds and up to 72 all-up-rounds per year.