ENGINE RESEARCH ASSOCIATES INC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF203-CSO1
ENGINE RESEARCH ASSOCIATES INC — SBIR Phase I award from Department of Defense.
Phase I SBIR feasibility signal
- Phase I awards fund proof-of-concept work. For capture teams, they mark early interest from Department of Defense in a technical approach.
- Watch for Phase II follow-ons from the same firm/topic family — that conversion path is where budgets and transition pressure rise.
- Obligated amount $49,574. Cross-check similar awards in the same agency and technology tags for going-rate context.
- Topic code AF203-CSO1 links this award to a solicitation family — search the same topic stem for incumbents and recompete timing.
- Amount
- $49,574
- Agency
- Department of Defense · Air Force
- Program / Phase
- SBIR · Phase I
- Topic
- AF203-CSO1
- Solicitation
- X20.3
- NAICS
- —
- Place of performance
- IN
- Period
- 2021-02-08 → 2021-05-03
Description
ERA will perform RDT&E that is needed for the Erickson Migrating Combustion Chamber (MCC) engine to prepare for flight testing in a Group 1 or Group 2 class unmanned vehicle. MCC internal combustion (IC) engines can operate on many fuels including JP-8 and provide extremely low acoustic and IR signatures for covert operation. This Phase I will complete a feasibility study that determines the required MCC engine enhancements for UAV flight testing. ERA will optimize their MCC IC engine technology and provide ultra-quiet operation that rivals electric powered UAVs while providing extended mission duration times that are not possible with current battery technology. Development will include JP-8 fuel operation and cold starting enhancements.