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DI Tech Showcase – Hypersonics Radomes

April 21

At a Glance

  • Event: DI Tech Showcase – Hypersonics Radomes
  • Format: Virtual | Invitation‑Only
  • Focus: Mass-Producible Radio Frequency (RF) Radome Solutions for Hypersonic Weapon Systems
  • When: 21-23 April
  • Who Should Participate: small businesses, academia, research institutions & federal labs
  • Why Participate: to be considered for future AFRL collaboration and funding opportunities.
  • Submission Deadline: NLT 31 March 2026 at 1700 CST

RFI DOCUMENT DI Tech Showcase – Radomes-RFI_for-Public-Release_pdf

 

Overview:

Doolittle Institute (DI), in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Eglin Air Force Base, is hosting a virtual Tech Showcase to identify and assess scalable, mass-producible RF-transparent radome solutions for hypersonic weapon systems.

AFRL is seeking information from industry on state‑of‑the‑art and emerging materials, manufacturing processes, and technologies that enable scalable, mass‑producible RF‑transparent radomes for air‑breathing and boost‑glide hypersonic weapon systems. The goal is to identify material systems and production approaches capable of surviving the extreme thermo‑mechanical environment of hypersonic flight while supporting affordable large‑scale manufacturing of 3‑D radome nose cones. Submitting your capabilities positions your organization for consideration in future collaboration or funding opportunities aligned with AFRL needs.

This Call for Interest is intended to identify relevant capabilities and better understand the current technology landscape. Information submitted will be used to inform potential future showcase and collaboration activities.

Technologies of Interest

Responses should address the following technical challenges using publicly releasable data where available.

  • Extreme Thermal Management –Material systems capable of maintaining structural and electromagnetic integrity at temperatures exceeding 900°C (~1600°F). Please describe the proposed solutions resistance to thermal shock during rapid temperature changes and ability to maintain stable electromagnetic properties across a broad range of temperatures.
  • Stable Electromagnetic (EM) Performance – Solutions that achieve stable dielectric constants and loss tangents across a wide frequency band and the full range of operational temperatures. Respondents are encouraged to provide available data on dielectric properties as a function of temperature.
  • Structural Integrity & Aerodynamic Shape Stability –Materials and manufacturing processes that can produce and maintain complex aerodynamic shapes (e.g., ogive, tangent ogive) with a build volume larger than 200 in3 under severe aerodynamic pressure and vibroacoustic loads without degradation.
  • Environmental Durability – Resistance to erosion from rain, ice, dust, and other particulates. Responses should describe any specialized coatings or surface treatments used to enhance durability.

Manufacturing & Producibility

A primary objective of this effort is to identify solutions that are viable for mass production. Responses should explicitly detail how the proposed approach enables scalability, affordability, and high-yield manufacturing. Information provided in this section will inform down-selection for invitation to the virtual Tech Showcase.

Information is requested in the following areas:

  • Scalable Manufacturing Techniques
  • Supply Chain and Material Availability
  • Cost Models
  • Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) Techniques

For complete manufacturing and inspection details, visit: DI Tech Showcase – Radomes-RFI_for-Public-Release_pdf

Who Should Submit

Opportunities for future collaboration and funding may be informed by the outcomes of this Tech Showcase.

This Tech Showcase is intended for organizations with relevant capabilities in advanced materials, manufacturing processes, and technologies for RF-transparent radomes. Eligible participants include:

  • U.S.-based companies (industry and startups)
  • Small businesses
  • Academic and research institutions
  • Government-affiliated laboratories and innovation centers
  • Technology integrators with demonstrated experience in high-temperature or hypersonic environments

Participation is by invitation only and based on review of submitted technical information describing their capabilities. Submissions will be reviewed to inform down-selection for the virtual showcase.

Note: Only publicly releasable information should be included; no classified material should be submitted. Participation is not guaranteed and will depend on government review and down‑selection.

Submission Details

Submitting your capabilities positions your organization for consideration as AFRL identifies future collaboration and funding opportunities.  Interested organizations are requested to complete a two-step submission process:

Step 1: Expression of Interest (EOI) Form

  • Link: Hypersonics Radomes – Fill out form
  • Complete the online EOI form to provide basic organizational and contact information.
  • This step is required for initial consideration in the down-selection process.

Step 2: Technical Capability Summary

  • Submit a Capabilities Summary (maximum 5 pages) addressing the technical focus areas and manufacturing considerations outlined in Sections 3.0 and 4.0 of the RFI [View Here].
  • Maximum 5 pages
  • Include company information, relevant past performance, and primary technical points of contact.
  • Provide data, models, and technical descriptions to the maximum extent possible in a publicly releasable format. No classified material should be included.
  • Please name your file according to the following format: CompanyName_DITS_Month_Topic
    • Example: DoolittleInstitute_DITS_April_HypersonicsRadomes
  • Submit responses or direct inquiries to: techtransfer@doolittleinstitute.org

Express Your Interest

Note:  Submissions will be evaluated to inform down-selection for invitation to the virtual Tech Showcase.

Important Dates

  • Expression of Interest & Technical Capability Summary Deadline: 31 March 2026 at 1700 CST
  • Virtual Tech Showcase: 21-23 April

Dates are subject to adjustment based on government review and scheduling.

Path Forward

  • Submissions will be reviewed by AFRL to assess alignment with the technical focus areas and manufacturing objectives.
  • Selected organizations will be invited to present or demonstrate their technology during the virtual, invitation-only Tech Showcase.
  • Invitation to participate is not guaranteed and depends on down-selection.
  • Post-event, AFRL may use the insights to inform potential future showcase or follow on collaboration activities.

Points of Contact:

Participation in the showcase is by invitation only and based on review of submitted information.

Details

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