Printed from https://fiscalreceipts.com/program/0602203F/ — data as of July 28, 2026. Every figure is citation-backed; see the page online for per-number provenance.
Aerospace Systems Technologies
Budget Figures
FY2026 award data is a partial year — USASpending awards are reported on a rolling basis and the fiscal year does not close until September 30. why partial FY2026 data? →
- FY24
- $233.4M
- FY25
- $333.3M
- FY26
- $321.1M
● actuals (line) · ○ enacted · ◇ request — gaps are editions the program is absent from, never interpolated.
| Series | FY15 | FY16 | FY17 | FY18 | FY19 | FY20 | FY21 | FY22 | FY23 | FY24 | FY25 | FY26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actuals | $168.6M | $184.5M | $192.6M | $192.8M | $202.6M | $214.8M | $190.7M | $173.7M | $201.8M | $233.4M | ||
| Enacted | $185.9M | $185.7M | $192.7M | $218.4M | $226.8M | $201.0M | $190.7M | $212.4M | $184.9M | $333.3M | ||
| Request | $185.7M | $192.7M | $190.9M | $198.8M | $0 | $174.7M | $172.9M | $184.9M | $339.5M | $321.1M |
blank = series not published for this year; – = absent from that edition.
Asked vs spent: the PB2021 book requested $0 for FY2021; the PB2023 book reports $190.7M actually spent — $190.7M above the request.
Program Lineage
Predecessors (funding flowed in)
- realigned from · per FY2026 J-book · BA2
show sentence
“In FY 2025, the RDT&E Budget Activity 02 (BA02) Aerospace Vehicles Technologies efforts and activities under PE 0602201F, was transferred to PE 0602203F, Aerospace Propulsion for increased integration between airframe, flight control, propulsion, electrical, power and thermal management.”
0602203F — Aerospace Systems TechnologiesFamily Funding Line
Funding chain: 0602201F0602203F — Aerospace Vehicle Technologies
- FY2017
0602201F$122.8M0602203F$185.7M - FY2018
0602201F$124.7M0602203F$192.7M - FY2019
0602201F$130.5M0602203F$190.9M - FY2020
0602201F$147.7M0602203F$198.8M - FY2021
0602201F$349.2M0602203F$0 - FY2022
0602201F$163.0M0602203F$174.7M - FY2023
0602201F$159.5M0602203F$172.9M - FY2024
0602201F$161.3M0602203F$184.9M - FY2025
0602201F$5.24M0602203F$339.5M - FY2026$321.1M
Description
Mission — Structures
This project performs technology development to advance aerodynamic and structural systems of the aerospace vehicle to address Department of the Air Force capability needs and anticipated future capability needs. Requisite technology area competencies in design, analysis, synthesis, and validation, work in synergy with design integration of other aerospace vehicle systems to define and provide technology gap solutions. FY 2026 change - 622401 "Structures” project is retitled "Aerodynamics and Structures Technology”. In FY 2025, the entirety of PE 0602201F, Aerospace Vehicle Technologies, Project 622401 Structures and Project 622404 Aeromechanics, were transferred to PE 0602203F, Aerospace Propulsion, Project 622401 Structures (FY2026 Structures project retitled Aerodynamics and Structures Technology). This is an administrative realignment to provide increased enhanced project transparency and not a new start.
Mission — Aerospace Systems Technologies
In FY 2026, the RDT&E Budget Activity 02 (BA02) 0602203F Aerospace Propulsion program is renamed Aerospace Systems Technologies program. Aerospace Systems Technologies program includes Applied Research funds for contracts, in-house efforts, civilian pay, travel, and infrastructure support costs for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Aerospace Systems Directorate (RQ) located at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, Edwards AFB, CA, and Arnold AFB, TN. Aerospace Systems investigates, develops, and analyzes aerospace system technologies for military applications that remove operational limitations while advancing warfighter capabilities critical to the future threat. Technologies being developed include Aerodynamics and Structures Technology, Aerospace Power & Flight Control Technology, High Speed Systems, Advanced Propulsion, Turbine Engine, Aerospace Power, Rocket Propulsion, and Aerospace Fuels. These technologies enable Autonomous Collaborative Platforms, High Speed Weapons and Platforms, and Rapidly Produced and Upgraded Platforms. This program investigates, develops, and analyzes aerospace system technologies for military applications that remove operational limitations and advance warfighter capabilities critical to the future threat. The specific areas of applied research are in: -Aerodynamics and Structures Technology: Develops and exploits advanced aerodynamic vehicle configurations, new materials, fabrication processes, design techniques, and incorporates vehicle, inter-vehicle, and intra-vehicle control systems enabling advanced capabilities for the Air Force. -Aerospace Power & Flight Control Technology: Develops technologies that enable maximum affordable capability focusing on manned and autonomous collaborative platforms for military applications that remove operational limitations and enable advanced vehicle designs and mission systems. -High-Speed Systems Technology: Design and develop cutting-edge technologies for high-speed and hypersonic aerospace systems, including advanced high-temperature structures and innovative aerodynamic vehicle designs. These advancements will enable the creation of next-generation high-speed weapons, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms, and multi-domain vehicles. Furthermore, high-speed aerospace vehicles, including hypersonic capabilities, and high-speed air-breathing propulsion systems will be developed, enabling revolutionary capabilities to counter near-peer competitors. -Advanced Propulsion Technology: Note: In FY2026 this effort is transferred to High-Speed Systems Technology. Develops high-speed (to include hypersonic) aerospace vehicles as well as high-speed air breathing propulsion enabling revolutionary capabilities for near peer-to-peer competition. -Combustion and Mechanical Systems: Evaluates lubricants, for advanced turbine engines, and combined cycle engines with emphasis on low cost and high-speed applications. -Turbine Engine Technology: Develops engine technology to address military specific needs for manned systems, autonomous collaborative platforms, and munition applications in various class sizes. -Aerospace Power Technology: Note: In FY2026 this effort is transferred to Aerospace Power & Flight Control Technology. Develops electrical and thermal control technologies for military applications that remove operational limitations enabling advanced vehicle designs and high-power mission systems. - Rocket Propulsion Technologies: Develops rocket propulsion technologies for the design, development, and fabrication of strategic systems and tactical missiles enabling timely and affordable capacity. -Aerospace Fuel Technology: Evaluates fuels and related technologies to enable increased performance and affordability of high-speed and munition capabilities. In FY 2025, the RDT&E Budget Activity 02 (BA02) Aerospace Vehicles Technologies efforts and activities under PE 0602201F, were transferred to PE 0602203F, Aerospace Propulsion for increased integration between airframe, flight control, propulsion, electrical, power and thermal management. In FY 2025, the entirety of PE 0602201F, Aerospace Vehicle Technologies, Project 622401 Structures, was transferred to PE 0602203F, Aerospace Propulsion, Project 622401 Structures. In FY 2025, the entirety of PE 0602201F, Aerospace Vehicle Technologies, Project 622404, Aeromechanics, was transferred to PE 0602203F, Aerospace Propulsion, Project 622401 Structures. In FY 2025, the entirety of PE 0602201F, Aerospace Vehicle Technologies, Project 622403, Flight Controls and Pilot-Vehicle Interface, was transferred to PE 0602203F, Aerospace Propulsion, Project 622403 Flight Controls and Pilot-Vehicle Interface. In FY 2025, the entirety of PE 0602201F, Aerospace Vehicle Technologies, Project 622405, High Speed Systems Technology, was transferred to PE 0602203F, Aerospace Propulsion, Project 622405 High Speed Systems Technology. Efforts in this program have been coordinated through the Department of Defense (DoD) Science and Technology (S&T) Executive Committee process to harmonize efforts and eliminate duplication. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver science & technology capabilities. In FY 2026, $122.064 million is budgeted in this program for 616 Civilian Full- Time Equivalents (FTEs). The use of program funds in this program element would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0601102F, 0602020F, 0602102F, 0602202F, 0602204F, 0602336F, 0602602F, 0602605F, 0602788F, 0602298F, 0603680F, 1206601SF and 1206616SF. This program element may include necessary expenses to support the operation and maintenance of facilities to manage, execute, and deliver S&T capabilities. Funds in this program element may be used to investigate specified technology advancements in multiple domains. The FY 2026 request was reduced by $1.238 million for Advisory and Assistance Services to promote efficiencies and advance the policies of the Administration in alignment with Executive Order 14222, "Implementing the President's Department of Government Efficiency Cost Efficiency Initiative." The FY 2026 request was reduced by $13.547 million for civilian personnel to optimize the workforce in compliance with Executive Order 14210, "Implementing the President's Department of Government Efficiency Workforce Optimization Initiative." This program is in Budget Activity 2, Applied Research because this budget activity includes studies, investigations, and non-system specific technology efforts directed toward general military needs with a view toward developing and evaluating the feasibility and practicality of proposed solutions and determining their parameters.
Mission — Aerospace Fuel Technology
This project evaluates fuels for advanced turbine engines, scramjets, detonation, and combined cycle engines. This project also considers fuel related concepts that can increase turbine engine operational reliability, durability, mission flexibility, energy efficiency, and performance while reducing weight, fuel consumption, and cost of ownership. Applications include autonomous collaborative platforms, munitions, and high-speed systems (to include hypersonics). Research areas of emphasis include evaluations of fuel properties and characteristics of traditional, specialty, and alternative fuels developed from unconventional sources.
Mission — Missile Rocket Propulsion
This project develops rocket propulsion technologies for the design, development, and fabrication of strategic systems (including solid boost/missile motors, post boost control, aging and surveillance efforts), and tactical missiles. Analytical and experimental areas of emphasis are propellants, propellant management, combustion, rocket material applications, model-based system engineering, digital design of manufacture and test, test stand live-fire testing, and technology for sustainment of strategic systems. This project develops the next generation of physics-based Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A) tools for rapid and agile missile propulsion design, analysis, and production, as well as the digital engineering concepts to manage the entire process of design, test, and validation of solid rocket motors through live-fire tests. All efforts in this project contribute to the sustainment of the rocket propulsion industry, providing rocket propulsion technology for the entire DoD. All efforts are reviewed by a DoD level steering committee yearly for relevance to DoD missions.
Mission — Aerospace Power Technology
This project develops integrated electrical and thermal management components, controls and systems for military aerospace applications. Power component technologies are developed to increase reliability, maintainability, commonality, affordability, and supportability of aircraft and flight line equipment. Research is conducted in energy storage and hybrid power system technologies to enable special purpose applications. Electrical power and thermal management technologies enable future military power and thermal needs. Controls and system integration technologies ensure the interoperability of aircraft, power, thermal, engine and other systems and subsystems. This project supports development of electrical power and thermal management components, controls and systems suitable for applications to legacy and future aircraft platforms including strike and mobility concepts. Lightweight power systems suitable for other aerospace applications are also developed. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding ($38.640 million) from 623145 Aerospace Power Technology Project to 622403, Aerospace Power & Flight Control Technology project for system level thrusts versus component level to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work.
Mission — Turbine Engine Technology
This project develops air breathing engine technology to address military specific needs for manned systems, autonomous vehicles, and munition applications. Technology development includes Mission Optimized Air Breathing Propulsion Technology Development and Revolutionary Propulsion Technology Development by utilizing military utility and physics-based analysis. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding to system level thrusts versus component level to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work. In FY 2025, Lubricant Technologies efforts transferred from PE 0602203F, Aerospace Propulsion, Project 623048, Combustion and Mechanical Systems, to 623066 Turbine Engine Technology project, to align resources to Aerospace Systems priorities.
Mission — High Speed Systems Technology
This project investigates, analyzes, and develops applied technologies that enable future multi-Mach, responsive high-speed/hypersonic weapons and platforms (vehicles) via modeling, simulation and analysis (MS&A), and ground and flight tests. The extreme conditions high-speed/hypersonic weapons or platforms are subjected to manifest as complex multi-disciplinary technical challenges, namely: durability, broad operability from Mach 0 to Mach 5+ (multi-Mach operability), vehicle-level integrated power and thermal management, and integration of mission systems. The development of technical solutions to these multi-disciplinary challenges at the subsystem level, and the subsequent integration of them at the system level, is critical to reduce the risk and time required to transition technologies into operational systems. Digital material management is utilized to develop and deliver an integrated digital environment (IDE) to assess technology, evaluate its impacts, and make capability-focused investment decisions. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding ($18.430 million) from 623012 Advanced Propulsion Technology project to 622405 High Speed Systems Technology project for system level thrusts versus component level to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work. In FY 2025, the entirety of PE 0602201F, Aerospace Vehicle Technologies, Project 622405 High Speed Systems Technology, was transferred to PE 0602203F, Aerospace Propulsion, Project 622405 High Speed Systems Technology. This is an administrative realignment to provide increased enhanced project transparency and not a new start.
Mission — Advanced Propulsion Technology
This project develops combined/advanced cycle air breathing high-speed and hypersonic propulsion technologies to provide revolutionary propulsion options for the Air Force. These new engine technologies will enable future high-speed/hypersonic weapons and aircraft concepts. The primary focus is on hydrocarbon-fueled engines capable of operating over a broad range of flight Mach numbers. Efforts include modeling, simulations, and proof of concept demonstrations of critical components; advanced component development; and ground-based demonstrations. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding (18.430 million) from 623012 Advanced Propulsion Technology project to 622405 High Speed Systems Technology project for system level thrusts versus component level to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work.
Mission — Combustion and Mechanical Systems
This project evaluates lubricants, for advanced turbine engines, and combined cycle engines with emphasis on low cost and high-speed applications. In FY 2025, Lubricant Technologies effort in this project will transfer to Program 0602203F, Aerospace Propulsion, Project 623066, Turbine Engine Technology, to align resources to Aerospace Systems Core Technical Competencies.
Mission — Flight Controls and Pilot-Vehicle Interface
This project is dedicated to advancing technologies for manned, remotely piloted, and autonomous aerospace vehicles, with a focus on achieving maximum performance and affordability. The development of advanced control, automation, and autonomy technologies is a key aspect, aiming to deliver safe and efficient vehicle operation and mission execution through the use of digital engineering, flight experimentation, and evaluation. These efforts contribute significantly to the development of reliable autonomous collaborative platforms, high-speed aircraft, and operational aircraft. Furthermore, the project encompasses the design of integrated electrical and thermal management components, controls, and systems for military aerospace applications, ensuring that the power and thermal needs of future aerospace capabilities can be met. By developing controls and system integration technologies, the project also ensures the interoperability of aircraft, power, thermal, engine, and other systems and subsystems, ultimately supporting the development of electrical power and thermal management components, controls, and systems suitable for various aircraft platforms, including autonomous collaborative platforms and future aircraft, while addressing reliability, maintainability, affordability, and supportability. FY 2026 Changes: • Due to administrative transfer of work and funding ($38.640 million) from 623145, Aerospace Power Technology project to 622403, Aerospace Power & Flight Control Technology project for system level thrusts versus component level thrusts to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work. • 622403 "Flight Controls and Pilot-Vehicle Interface” project is retitled "Aerospace Power & Flight Control Technology”. FY 2025, the entirety of PE 0602201F, Aerospace Vehicle Technologies, Project 622403 Flight Controls and Pilot-Vehicle Interface, was transferred to PE 0602203F, Aerospace Propulsion, Project 622403 Flight Controls and Pilot-Vehicle Interface. This is an administrative realignment to provide increased enhanced project transparency and not a new start
Justification
Accomplishments & Planned Programs (35)
Structural Concepts
Develop design methods, processes, and lightweight, adaptive, and multifunctional structural concepts to capitalize on new materials, multi-role considerations, and technology integration into aircraft systems. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding into system level thrusts versus component level thrusts to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work. For FY 2024 and prior years, this work was performed under PE 0602201F, Aerospace Vehicle Technologies, Project 622401, Structures, Structural Concepts effort.
Rapid Aerospace Vehicles Design and Integration Technology Development
Develop aerodynamics and structures technologies in a multidisciplinary approach for aerospace vehicle application-agnostic competencies for maturation to address technology gaps resulting from mission-driven analysis unique to specific capability focus on next generation systems or forecasted future capability needs. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding into system level thrusts versus component level thrusts to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work.
Mission Optimized Aerospace Vehicles Technology Development
Develop aerodynamics and structures technologies that address the mission requirements and associated capability gaps and unique attributes of a range of aerospace vehicles identified and prioritized by urgency for technology development. Technology development is accomplished with full consideration for systems interaction and integration in the aerospace vehicle component/system design, analysis, and experimental validation or verification activities. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding into system level thrusts versus component level thrusts to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work.
Mission Optimized Air Breathing Propulsion Technology Development
Air Breathing Propulsion Technology Development for Autonomous Collaboration Embedded Applications, Low-Cost, and Mass Producibility. Technology focus on high quantity production and affordability consistent with survivability and performance requirements: improvements to compressor fan for embedded applications, model validation and reducing design time. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding to system level thrusts versus component level to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work.
Combustion Emissions and Performance
Investigate novel sustainable aviation fuels for engines, missiles, aircraft, sustained high-speed vehicles, hypersonic, and responsive space launch applications. Conduct evaluations and perform technical assessments of alternative fuels developed from unconventional sources for use in legacy and advanced aerospace systems. Support development of alternative fuel specification for commercial jet fuels with Federal Aviation Agency.
Fuel Logistics and Sustainment
Study and evaluate low-cost approaches to reduce fuel logistics footprint to reduce cost. Study fuel logistics vulnerabilities and develop detection and mitigation technologies. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding to system level thrusts versus component level to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work.
Integrated Thermal and Energy Management
Investigate and evaluate stability and performance of advanced and specialty fuels for air breathing propulsion systems. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding to system level thrusts versus component level to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work.
Alternative Fuels
Investigate novel sustainable aviation fuels for engines, missiles, aircraft, sustained high-speed vehicles, hypersonic, and responsive space launch applications. Conduct evaluations and perform technical assessments of alternative fuels developed from unconventional sources for use in legacy and advanced aerospace systems. Support development of alternative fuel specification for commercial jet fuels with Federal Aviation Agency. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding to system level thrusts versus component level to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work.
Aerospace Fuel Technology Development
Investigating fuel for use in air breathing propulsion technologies in higher speed and temperature application for higher speed and temperature applications. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding to system level thrusts versus component level to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work.
Ballistic and Tactical Propulsion Technologies
Develop and demonstrate missile propulsion technologies for ballistic and tactical missile applications. Research develops digital design and test with novel manufacturing processes to support national defense needs for performance, effectiveness, and industrial manufacturing capability for missile propulsion. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding to system level thrusts versus component level to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation transfer of work.
Missile Propellant Research
Develop, characterize, and test advanced fuels, energetics, solid propellants, formulations, and their ingredients to increase missile launch vehicles and refine new synthesis methodologies. Development of propellant management devices in support of fabrication and fuel delivery. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding to system level thrusts versus component level to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation transfer of work to Missile Propulsion Technology Development effort.
Missile Propulsion Technology Development
Develop, characterize, and test advanced fuels, energetics, solid propellants, formulations, and their ingredients to increase missile launch vehicles and refine new synthesis methodologies. Development of propellant management devices in support of fabrication and fuel delivery. Develop and demonstrate missile propulsion technologies for ballistic and tactical missile applications. Research leads to digital design and test with novel manufacturing processes to support national defense needs for performance, effectiveness, and industrial manufacturing capability for missile propulsion. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding to system level thrusts versus component level to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation transfer of work.
High Power Systems Technology
Develop integrated system architecture, controls, and component technologies to provide for the large amounts of electrical power needed, and concurrent thermal mitigation required, by current and future manned and unmanned systems. Address the challenges imposed by the decreased volume, surface area, airflow, etc. of Autonomous Collaborative Platforms relative to current combat aircraft.
Lubricant Technologies
This project evaluates lubricants, for advanced turbine engines, and combined cycle engines with emphasis on low cost and high-speed applications. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding into system level thrusts versus component level thrusts to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work.
Bearing Technologies
Develop and test advanced bearing material technology and bearing concepts for small, intermediate, and large- scale turbine engine applications. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding into system level thrusts versus component level thrusts to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work.
Diagnostic Technologies
Develop and demonstrate optical, electromechanical, and laser diagnostic tools and sensors for application to revolutionary propulsion technologies. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding into system level thrusts versus component level thrusts to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work.
Combustion Technologies
Develop, test, and evaluate revolutionary combustion and propulsion concepts for gas turbine, pulse detonation, and combined cycle engines for missiles, limited life systems. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding into system level thrusts versus component level thrusts to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work.
Engine Technologies for Autonomous Vehicles and Munitions
Develop methodologies to design low cost and limited life engine components for autonomous vehicles and munitions. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding into system level thrusts versus component level thrusts to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work.
Turboshaft/Turboprop and Turbofan Engine Technologies
Develop components for turboshaft/turboprop and small turbofan engines for trainers, special operations aircraft, and long-range strike. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding into system level thrusts versus component level thrusts to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work.
Turbine Engine Components
Develop core turbofan/turbojet engine components (i.e., compressors, and turbines) for strike and air superiority capabilities FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding into system level thrusts versus component level thrusts to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work.
Advanced Flight Controls Technologies
Develop technologies for advanced control-enabled capabilities, including flight controls, components, integrated vehicle management systems, and software and system certification techniques for both manned aircraft and autonomous collaborative platforms. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding into system level thrusts versus component level thrusts to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work.
Manned and Unmanned Teaming Technologies
Develop technology for flight control systems that will permit safe interoperability between manned aircraft and autonomous collaborative platforms and effective teaming in adverse and contested environments. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding into system level thrusts versus component level thrusts to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work.
Strategic Analysis Technology Development
Develop tools and methods that enhance digital materiel management for aerospace system capability research and development to enable enhanced, near-real-time decision making and rapid innovation from technology discovery to technology transition. Develop and apply tools and methods for simulation-based research and development of future aerospace system capabilities to enable efficient and effective assessment of emerging capabilities in multi-domain battlespace simulation environments resulting in focused science and technology investments toward modern operational challenges. FY 2026 change - "Flight Controls Technologies Modeling and Simulation” effort is retitled "Strategic Analysis Technology and Tool Development".
Power and Thermal Systems Technology Development
Develop integrated system architectures, controls, and component technologies to meet the high electrical power demands and concurrent thermal mitigation required by current and future manned and unmanned systems, including hybrid architectures and digital development and experimentation. Address the challenges imposed by the decreased volume, surface area, airflow, etc. of Autonomous Collaborative Platforms relative to current combat aircraft. Address the challenges imposed by hypersonic aircraft scaling and increased flight durations. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding to project and system level thrusts versus component level to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work. 0602203F Aerospace Systems Technologies (FY 2025 Aerospace Propulsion), 623145 Aerospace Power Technology Project, High Power System Technologies transferred to 622403, Aerospace Power & Flight Control Technology project, Power and Thermal Management Technology Development effort.
High-Speed Systems Technology Development
Develop design analysis methods and technologies for high-speed systems at extreme flight conditions. Efforts will enable validation methods and analysis tools for design, test and certification of hypersonic vehicles; high speed system design, analysis, and development; revolutionary capabilities for affordable expendable and robust, survivable systems. FY 2026 change - "High-Speed Systems Technology” effort is retitled "High-Speed Systems Technology Development”.
High Speed Vehicle Aeromechanics Technology Development
Develop new and improved components, concepts, and designs for sustained flight of high-speed/hypersonic expendable and re-useable vehicles. Conduct analysis of high speed/hypersonic vehicles to enable revolutionary capabilities. Efforts will enable multi-Mach platforms capable of normal runway, approach, departure and other off-cruise operations while maintaining high-Mach number cruise capability; expansion of design and analysis capabilities that inform capability-focused tech investments for high-speed vehicle concepts; data-driven decisions when evaluating next generation hypersonic designs; stores separation development; improved understanding of multi-Mach fluid dynamic phenomena; design of efficient control surfaces and actuators for high speeds; efficient engine operations over multi-Mach flight regime; next-gen high speed system integrated design, analysis, and development across the entire integrated vehicle; mature technology solutions required to close the kill chain using weapons released from high-speed platforms. FY 2026 change - "High-Speed Vehicle Aeromechanics and Integration” effort is retitled "High-Speed Vehicle Aeromechanics Technology Development”.
High Speed Propulsion Technology Development
FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding to project and system level thrusts versus component level to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work. • 0602203F Aerospace Systems Technologies (FY 2025 Aerospace Propulsion), 623012, Advanced Propulsion Technology project, Hypersonic Scramjet Technologies effort transferred to 622405, High Speed Systems Technology project, High-Speed Propulsion Technology Development effort. Develop robust high-speed and hypersonic propulsion technologies, including hydrocarbon fueled scramjet, ramjet, and combined cycle engine components and technologies to improve performance, operability, durability, and scalability for future platforms. Efforts will enable improved responsive strike capability by improved operating margin and operating time for hypersonic and multi-Mach capable platforms, and enhanced high-speed air induction system starting, operability, and performance for propulsion integration concepts over a wide range of flight conditions.
Hypersonic Scramjet Technologies
Develop robust high-speed and hypersonic propulsion technologies, including hydrocarbon fueled scramjet, ramjet, and combined cycle engine components and technologies to improve performance, operability, durability, and scalability for future platforms.
Lubricant Technologies
Develop, test, and model advanced turbine engine lubricants and applied lubrication technologies.
Revolutionary Propulsion Technology Development
Investigation of air breathing propulsion technology to enable rapid development of future, revolutionary, and high-speed propulsion systems and concepts. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding into system level thrusts versus component level thrusts to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work. In FY 2026 effort "Revolutionary Propulsion Technology” is retitled "Revolutionary Propulsion Technology Development”
Autonomy Technology Development
Develop control tools and technologies for autonomous collaborative platforms in adverse and contested environments to address all aspects of flight and robust mission performance. Develop technologies for advanced control- enabled capabilities, including flight controls, components, integrated vehicle management systems, and software and system certification techniques to enable Autonomy Technology Development for Autonomous Collaboration and affordable mass, including usage of a Government Reference Architecture. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding into system level thrusts versus component level thrusts to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work.
Aerodynamic Systems Technology
Develop aerodynamic assessment prediction methods centered on expanding the design capabilities of future air vehicles. For FY 2024 and prior years, this work was performed under PE 0602201F, Aerospace Vehicle Technologies, Project 622404, Aeromechanics, Aerodynamic Systems Technologies effort.
Aircraft Integration Technologies
Develop enabling technologies to allow efficient and effective integration of propulsion, weapons, and subsystems into current and future air vehicles. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding into system level thrusts versus component level thrusts to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work. For FY 2024 and prior years, this work was performed under PE 0602201F, Aerospace Vehicle Technologies, Project 622401, Structures, Aircraft Integration Technologies effort.
Next Generation Aerodynamic Technologies
Develop and assess technologies for the next generation of multi-role large aircraft. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding into system level thrusts versus component level thrusts to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work. For FY 2024 and prior years, this work was performed under PE 0602201F, Aerospace Vehicle Technologies, Project 622401, Structures, Next Generation Aerodynamic Technologies effort.
Vehicle Design Technologies
Develop methodologies to reduce the cost and time involved from design to full-scale testing of structural concepts and aerospace systems. FY 2026 change - due to administrative transfer of work and funding into system level thrusts versus component level thrusts to enable acceleration of integrated system capabilities and capture realistic representation of work. For FY 2024 and prior years, this work was performed under PE 0602201F, Aerospace Vehicle Technologies, Project 622401, Structures, Vehicle Design Technologies effort.
Budget Line Items(workbook-cited)
Exhibit R-1
| Account | Org | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force | F | FY24 Actuals | $233.4M |
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force | F | FY25 Enacted | $333.3M |
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force | F | FY25 Total | $333.3M |
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force | F | FY26 Disc. Request | $321.1M |
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force | F | FY26 Total | $321.1M |
Budget Details(R-2/P-40 facts)
| Project | All Prior Years | FY24 Actuals | FY25 Total | FY26 Base | FY26 Request |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 625171: Missile Rocket Propulsion | $0 | $37.1M | $36.9M | $34.4M | $34.4M |
| 623012: Advanced Propulsion Technology | $0 | $31.3M | $21.4M | $0 | $0 |
| 623048: Combustion and Mechanical Systems | $0 | $4.84M | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 623066: Turbine Engine Technology | $0 | $81.1M | $70.9M | $71.8M | $71.8M |
| 623145: Aerospace Power Technology | $0 | $70.5M | $38.6M | $0 | $0 |
| 625330: Aerospace Fuel Technology | $0 | $8.53M | $5.44M | $8.53M | $8.53M |
| Program Element | $0 | $233.4M | $333.3M | $321.1M | $321.1M |
| 622401: Structures | $0 | $0 | $76.1M | $75.0M | $75.0M |
| 622403: Flight Controls and Pilot-Vehicle Interface | $0 | $0 | $42.7M | $76.1M | $76.1M |
| 622405: High Speed Systems Technology | $0 | $0 | $41.1M | $55.2M | $55.2M |
No follow-the-dollar view — this program's awards haven't been crosswalked at high confidence (flows cover 17 of 1741 programs). why coverage is partial? →
Awards
No awards are linked to this program element at high confidence — the budget→award crosswalk only asserts links it can defend, and this line has none yet.
Lobbying Mentions
No Senate LDA lobbying filing in the tracked data mentions this program element by code or alias.
No research dossier for this program — dossiers cover 50 of 1741 programs, the largest fully J-book-detailed lines by FY2026 requested dollars. why no dossier here? →