Solid-Fuel Rotating Detonation Ramjet (SF-RDR) for High-Speed Propulsion - SBIR Topic DON26BZ01-NV036

Disclaimer:
This topic was temporarily posted by the Department of War SBIR Program on March 2nd 2026 and removed the following day.
We believe this topic is planned to be released once the SBIR program is reauthorized; however, this topic may ultimately be modified or withdrawn.

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Funding Amount:

Est. $240,000

Deadline to Apply:

Est. April 29th, 2026.

Objective:

Develop a throttleable solid-fuel Rotating Detonation Ramjet Engine (SFRDE) system by integrating a controllable gas generator to precisely regulate fuel supply, enabling stable and efficient Rotating Detonation Engine (RDE) operation.

Description:

The Department of Navy (DON) seeks innovative solid-fuel detonation-based propulsion solutions that can deliver superior performance and operational flexibility. The RDE is a promising candidate to replace current constant-pressure combustion systems, due to its high-thermal efficiency, wide-operating Mach range, short combustion time, and small volume. However, to fully realize the benefits of an RDE for naval applications, particularly in the context of ramjet operation, the ability to operate an RDE on solid fuels and precisely control thrust output is crucial. This SBIR topic focuses on developing a throttleable solid-fuel rotating detonation ramjet (SFRDE) system, enabling dynamic adjustments to a coupled gas generator to enable optimal performance across a wide range of mission profiles.

To date, RDEs have been demonstrated to operate at ramjet relevant conditions; however, the applicability of RDEs to ramjet cycles has largely focused on the use of gaseous or liquid fuels [Refs 1, 2]. The use of solid fuels in RDEs presents additional complexities. Fuel formulations must be carefully tailored to provide detonable fuel at ramjet relevant temperatures. The use of a gas generator to provide the combustible mixture could potentially lead to solid particles clogging the fuel injectors. The design of the gas generator is also crucial to provide a mixture adequate for sustained detonability and coupling with the RDE inlet. Recent studies have demonstrated the viability integration of solid propellants and rotating detonation engines through the use of gas generators [Ref 3]. The proposed research should address the following two key areas to achieve a throttleable SFRDE:

Throttleable Gas Generator Development: Design and develop a compact, lightweight, and throttleable gas generator capable of precisely controlling the flow rate and composition of the fuel and/or oxidizer supplied to the RDE. Additional considerations should include the selection of appropriate gas generator propellants based on performance, stability, and safety considerations, as well as consideration of ignition methods suitable for the gas generator.

Combustion Chamber Design: Optimize the rotating detonation engine combustion chamber design for stable rotating detonation wave propagation and efficient mixing of the gas generator's output with the primary oxidizer stream. Design considerations should include injector geometry and placement to promote rapid mixing and flame stabilization; chamber geometry to facilitate detonation wave initiation and propagation; and thermal management strategies for both the gas generator and combustion chamber.

Who will win?

If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any company that meets the following criteria:

• For-profit company

• U.S.-owned and controlled.

• 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)

How Can BW&CO Help?

1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.

2) Proposal strategy and review.

3) Administrative & compliance support.

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