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SBIR/STTR WORKSHOP

CSULB COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AFRL LAB: SBIR PROCESS & INSIGHT

DR. SHAWN PHILLIPS, CHIEF, ROCKET PROPULSION DIVISION

DR. RICHARD COHN, CHIEF ENGINEER, ROCKET PROPULSION DIVISION

AEROSPACE SYSTEMS DIRECTORATE

21 Feb 2019

Distribution A: Public Release Air Force Research Lab, Aerospace Systems Directorate, Rocket Propulsion Division

RQ-East (Wright Patterson AFB OH) RQ-West (Edwards AFB CA)  Air Structures  Controls  Turbine Engines  Rocket Engines & Motors  Ramjet Engines  Propulsion  Hypersonic Engines  Advanced Propulsion  Aircraft Power  Fuels and  Thermal Management  Modeling & Simulation  Fuels and Propellants  System Analysis  System Analysis We are the of revolutionary rocket R&D and the innovation hotspot

for the ’ weapons, launch and satellite propulsion systems • Distribution A: Public Release 4 Replacement of Russian RD-180 engine Prognostic Capability for Strategic Systems

AFRL

Distribution Statement C: Distribution authorized to U.S. Government agencies and their contractors only; Critical Technology; Aug 2016. Other requests for this documents must be referred to AFRL/RZS, 5 Pollux Drive, Edwards AFB, CA 93524. WARNING - Export Controlled Green Infusion Mission for Adv Tactical Tech for High

In-Space PropulsionDistribution Statement C. Distribution authorized to U.S. Government agencies and their contractorsSpeed only Strike Weapon 5 AFRL Rocket Lab National Asset •65 Square Mile Development Facility – Air quality limits do not inhibit research activities – Noise abatement not a problem – Wind/population corridor does not inhibit research – Environmental monitor/control systems in place – Flight Test Center relation/support ongoing •135 Major Lab/Engineering Facilities & Buildings •30 Major Active Areas and Stands – High Thrust Facilities •19 Liquid Engine stands (up to 2.5M lbs thrust) •13 Solid Rocket Motor pads (up to 4.0M lbs thrust) – Altitude Facilities (micro-newtons to 50K lbs thrust) • Unique geophysical set-up ($2.5B+ investment) • 515 On-Site Personnel Distribution A: Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited 6 AFRL Rocket Lab: Timeline

RS Maverick SM-3 Super SRAM-A/SRAM II 38HP Trident I MM III Strypi PRP Peacekeeper

MM I MM II MM III SICBM RS Sidewinder Pershing II SLS AMRAAM SRM M&S  Operational Systems and Solid Rocket Motors  Trident II Programs Boost 1957 Today  Liquid  STS X-33

F-1 Upper Stage IHPRPT Missile Propulsion IV

Atlas I IV V

Delta II AR-1 AFRL IPD XLR-132

Navajo RL10-B2 HC Boost Linear Aerospike AFRL XLR-129 7 V SSME • Distribution A: Public Release History of “the Rock”

• Minuteman I, II, & III ICBMs 1960-Present • Peacekeeper ICBM 1970s-1980s • Titan I & II ICBM – Test Stand 1-3 in Early 1960s MM I MM II MM III • Titan IV – 1980s – 1990s in Area 1-32 and Test Stand 1- C • Shuttle & strap-on boosters (F-1)

Atlas I-V Delta II-IV Titan 1-IV Peacekeeper STS-Shuttle 8 Not STINFO Approved: Distribution A: Unlimited • Distribution A: Public Release Facilities

Bench-level Labs High Thrust Facilities • 19 Liquid Engine stands, up to 8,000,000 lbs thrust • 13 Solid Rocket Motor pads, up to 10,000,000 lbs thrust Altitude Facilities • From micro-newtons to 50,000 lbs thrust

9 Not STINFO Approved: Distribution A • Distribution A: Public Release The AFRL Rocket Lab Mission: Perform cutting-edge rocket propulsion R&D, while addressing our customer’s requirements and future needs Vision: To be the symbol of revolutionary rocket R&D and the innovation hotspot for the United States’ weapons, launch and satellite propulsion systems - ENABLE RAPIDLY FIELDED SYSTEMS TO ADJUST TO & COUNTER ADVERSARIES - PREDICTIVE CAPABILITY R&D FOR THE FUTURE OF ROCKET PROPULSION - MULTI-POINT DESIGN FOR ADAPTIVE, AFFORDABLE, LOW-COST NEEDS Produce On-Demand (POD) Solid Rocket Motors Affordable Responsive (ARMR) Develop, Leverage and Innovate Advanced Methodologies for Mat’ls, Propellants, Processing Build Any Rocket, Any Size in <2 Years - Integrated Modular Rocket Engine - Flexible design and manufacturing methods for changing threats enables: low cost development & test - Mission-specific weapons available at the right time and place through AM, scalability from 20K- 1,000Kblf thrust -based Design Tools - Reduce development cost & time for new strategic and Rapid Reconstitution tactical propulsion systems Strategic - Parts for integrated units of any size (& Tactical) Space readily available - Input requirements and output new motor design to avoid Access test-fail-fix cycle Systems - Leverages commercial space push for small sat launches

Multi-Mode Satellite Propulsion Modular Engine Component Test Same Fuel for Electric and Chemical Propulsion Skid-Mounted, Quickly Configurable Engine - Leverages AFRL/RQR Green Ionic Liquid Fuel In-Space Experimental Component Testing - Combines Electrosprays with Green Chem Thrusters Propulsion Demonstration - Multiple propellants, flows, pressures - Concentrate on most valuable data products Space Resiliency and Responsiveness - Space and high altitude testing of small - Common propellant increases operational flexibility to components to 50K thrust engines and motors more effectively adapt to handle unplanned maneuvers - Small characterization to large atmospheric test

• Distribution A: Public Release SBIR Program and the AFL Rocket Lab

Distribution A: Public Release SBIR Program goals

• Develop and transition technology to the warfighter • Cost effectively solve current problems • Infuse innovative ideas/solutions into existing and new programs to develop new capabilities • Better utilize Small Businesses to develop creative solutions • The overall SBIR program has emphasized increasing the number and quality of transitions in recent years

• Recent trends • Emphasis on transitions • Commercialization Readiness Program (CRP) • Seeing less opportunity for “Blue Sky” topics which explore a technology area

• Distribution A: Public Release SBIR Phases

• Funding: 3.2% of R&D Budget • Three phase effort (typical AF values and lengths) • Phase 1: 6 month/$150K – Technical merit, feasibility, commercial potential (plus 3 month reporting) • Phase 2: 2 years/$750K – Reduce risk of phase 1 effort to enable transition (plus 3 month reporting) • Phase 3: Develop the technical product – no typical dollar amounts or time frames. • Uses Program dollars – not funded through SBIR program

Distribution A: Public Release AF Commercialization Readiness Program

• Strategically driven process to enhance and accelerate transition process • Recognition that valuable technologies may require more than the $150K phase 1/$750K phase 2 • Links AFRL and Air Force Centers/Commands • Award additional Phase II efforts, enhance/augment existing programs to accelerate and enable transition • Total value of SBIR funding allowed on phase 2 normally $1.5M • Solves an unanticipated problem which occurred during phase 2 • Waivers process recently approved – used successfully • Compelling argument for transition • Requirements • Identified and interested customer (Air Force program office, major contractor, etc.) • Customer driven defined need • SBIR/STTR technology that meets the need and shows high potential for providing viable results

Distribution A: Public Release AFRL Rocket Lab SBIR program

• Our goal is to develop and transition SBIR technologies supporting Launch and In-Space Propulsion activities • Typically manage 12-15 topics per year • ~30 phase 1 awards (including SBIRs and STTRs) • ~20 phase 2 awards (including SBIRs and STTRs) • ~2-3 enhancements/extensions • ~2-3 phase 3 efforts • ~$25M per year • Topic sponsors Air Force (Space and Missile Systems Center), Air Force Global Strike Command (Nuclear Weapons Center)

Distribution A: Public Release Topics

Distribution A: Public Release Topic Creation

• Topic idea can be developed by any AF employee • Works with organizational leadership to hone idea, understand transition potential and customers • Topic can be generated by nearly any AF employee – Must meet following requirements • Develops technology to solve an Air Force problem, need, or capability deficiency • Does not mandate a solution or a specific technology approach • Clearly defined technology area (sensor, material) and problem to be solved or desired capability • Solution requires basic research, applied research, or technology development • Required parameters clearly stated and current state of the art described • Identifies military and/or civilian uses for technology to be developed • Required use of government materials/equipment/data/facilities defined • Phase 1 & Phase 2 task requirements reasonable given time and funding constraints • Does not duplicate another topic • Topic submitted to Topic Submission Module • Topics in the Submission Module are reviewed by Centers/Major Commands for applicability and selection • Need and transition potential are key criteria

Distribution A: Public Release Topic Selection

• Each AF command/center is allocated topics based on Research/Engineering/Development budget • Each command/center has their own topic selection process • Generally, command/centers look for • Applicability to current programs • Program need/criticality • Potential for transition of technology into fielded systems • Selected topics released three times per year • Pre-release: November, April, August • Open for submission: January, May, September • Closed: Feb, June, Oct • Open communication between government and contractor permitted between pre-release and opening for submission • Once proposals can be submitted, all communication goes through specified processes and must be made available to any potential offeror • Awards typically 6 months after topic closes

Distribution A: Public Release Key people in SBIR process

• Technical Point of Contact – Responsible for technical portion of the topic, • Responds to technical questions regarding topic • Leads topic evaluation team • Manages/recommends manager for selected proposals • Contracting Point of Contact • Contracting officer is only person who can obligate government funds • SBIR office • Provides administrative support and ensures compliance with SBIR rules • SBIR approving advisor • Confirms topics meet SBIR requirements • Reviews technical evaluations • Approves Commercialization readiness Program proposals

Distribution A: Public Release Evaluation Process

Distribution A: Public Release Evaluation Process

• Contracting ensures proposals meet BAA requirements • Technical Point of Contact identifies review team • Team reviews proposals • Three criteria • Technical Merit – 50 points • Typically, there are multiple proposals with very high technical merit • Qualifications of /Team – 30 points (phase 1), 20 points (phase 2) • Typically, there are multiple proposals with exceptionally well qualified teams • Commercialization Potential – 20 points (phase 1), 30 points (phase 2) • Includes the ability of the offeror to commercialize the technology • Often becomes the “tie breaker” • Awards • Two phase 1 awards • One phase 2 award • Opportunities exist for additional awards – we have been very successful getting an additional award

Distribution A: Public Release Common “Concerns” in Proposals

• Technical Merit • Generic description of solution • No solution presented to problem – the government is seeking contractor proposals • Little description of how the contractor is going perform the task • Personnel qualifications • Required skill set missing • Not bringing in system-level expertise • Commercialization • No commercialization plan • No description of how the company plans on commercializing the product • Discussion of partnerships in the text, but no letter of support from partner • Do not assume the evaluators will “know” an important detail about your organization

Distribution A: Public Release Data Rights

• Confusing issue with SBIRs • Governed by DFARS 252.227-7018(b)(4), Rights in Noncommercial Technical Data and Computer Software – Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program • Limited rights for technical data, restricted rights on software • In effect for five years from completion of SBIR contract, followed by Unlimited Rights • Clock resets if firm awarded another SBIR contract and data rights properly asserted • SBIR contract does not have to be from same topic – data rights must be properly asserted • May not be continuous – gaps can sometimes be present in data rights • Negotiation of other than SBIR data rights on SBIR contracts prohibited • Government retains royalty-free license for Government use of technical data delivered under SBIR contract, whether patented or not

Distribution A: Public Release SBIR Successes

Distribution A: Public Release Transition of Innovative CT Imaging Techniques for Solid Rocket Motors

Computed Tomography Program Schedule FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 Facility for Solid Rocket Motors Algorithm Translation Scanned Object Cross-scan Comparison Sensor Array 3D Model Development

Integration

Warfighter Need: Documentation X-ray Source Software Development TRL 6 for ICBM Sustainment End User validation TRL 7 New AFRL Technology Benefit • Computed tomography (CT) advancements improve • Sustainment of critical ICBM surveillance capability in surveillance of the ICBM fleet in quality and quantity support of Nuclear Deterrence Operations • Algorithms to improve scanning precision • Direct impact on ICBM reliability and service life estimations; necessary to support aging fleet • 3D superresolution for detailed analysis Customer Implementation Actions • Computational recoding to leverage GPUs for faster scans • Hardware upgrades coordinated with software development • Validation data during and after software development

Distribution A: Public Release Transition of Non-Destructive Evaluation Software (CRP)

Program Schedule FY18 FY19 FY20 Fan Beam CT Cone Beam CT Cone Beam Algorithm

Microfocus Inspection toolkit Cone Beam CT Cross-platform integration

Integration

Software Kit

Documentation TRL 7 Transition technology for better inspection Benefit • Cone Beam Computed tomography (CBCT) was developed for • Non-destructive inspection of enclosed components medical imaging, specifically dentistry for 3D X-rays with millimeter-level resolution • Lickenbrock, through SBIR phase I and II and CRP agreement, • Wide applicability, from airframes to electric motors are developing commercial software to apply CBCT for non- to missiles to electronic components destructive evaluation (NDE) of equipment • Direct inspection for metal fatigue in three dimensions • Image improvements linked to inspection tools for a single without removing components from an airframe analysis package for wide range of cone beam x-ray machines • Enables in-situ inspections for condition-based Technology Product maintenance programs • Commercial-grade software for NDE inspection for all parts of • Software analysis capabilities to include component USAF, direct support integrated to AFNWC inspections at HAFB color-coding, 3D slice cut-aways, component isolation

Distribution A: Public Release CRP 2nd Phase II: Integrated Igniter System for ULA Vulcan launch Hydrogen/Oxygen Engines vehicle RL-10

RL-10CX NGIS Igniter Design The RL-10CX will support multiple future government launch needs as it is integrated into new launch systems. (e.g. ULA’s Vulcan, NGIS Omega)

TECHNOLOGY TRANSITIONS BENEFITS • IES has designed an igniter system for Aerojet (AR) to integrate into new AR RL- • Simplified, lower cost ignition 10CX engine systems for a variety of combustion  IES is delivering 1 igniter system to AR in support of RL-10CX systems (e.g. rocket engines, developmental testing reciprocating engines, and gas • Designed and fabricated flight-like igniter turbines) systems for use in the ULA Centaur. • Insertion of small business  Centaur is the Atlas V and Vulcan launch vehicle upper stage Multiple exciter circuits and complete igniter systems innovative technology to Aerojet  3 igniter systems will be delivered to ULA for system testing have been built, tested and ultimately transitioned for integration into launch systems by United Launch Rocketdyne and ULA. Alliance (ULA), Roush, and

• Distribution A: Public Release Phase III: Maturation of SNC VR35K Upper Stage Liquid Rocket Engine –

Sierra Nevada Corporation OBJECTIVES: 1.Mature full-scale integrated engine on test stand to inform detailed flight EXEC OVERVIEW: designs 2.Produce and test 2 Protoflight engines for rapid “plug and play” replacement • Unique VORTEX combustion promotes efficient combustion while maintaining cool combustion chamber walls , of existing options simplifying the engine while sustaining high-performance 3.On-Ramp to multiple USAF launch service providers and give NASA low-cost SLS option • Proactive mixing generates high-performance, while simplicity enables low-cost, reusable, -weight, robust & scalable rocket engines & systems in a wide range of sizes MILESTONES: RFI for NASA to replace 4x 30 lbf O2/CH4 Vacuum Test • Significant SNC IRAD investment including Thrust Chamber, RL10 with 3x TurboPump, Preburner, Ignitor, Valves, Systems VR35K-A Next Gen Upper Stage −Vortex Thrust Chamber Assembly testing currently- 100% Predicted Performance Engine on matrix to date Vulcan Upper −Turbopump competed, designed, fabricated and integrated; testing starts on new replace 4x Stage Test Cell Summer 2019 −Full Breadboard integration early 2020; integrated testing to start Q2 2020 RL10 with Engine for 3x VR35K-A OmegA • Maturation of Flight Design into Protoflight Engines (2) for Test Flight 30,000 lbf LOX/RP Test

Upper Stage Engine Teaming on Boeing XSP VR35K prototype chamber testing

ORBITEC’s Vortex-cooled liquid engine technology Developed under various AFRL SBIRs  Uses simple swirl LOX injector located at the rear of the combustion chamber  Confines combustion to the center core region  Protects the chamber surfaces from hot gases and thermal loads  Core configuration appropriate for various propellants NASA ULA NGIS DARPA / Boeing Cost Benefits SLS Vulcan OmegA XSP  Short, lightweight chamber with no cooling channels and simple injectors  Stable combustion – reliable, robust TPA to be tested IMMEDIATE OPPORTUNITIES EXIST FOR  Low manufacturing and material costs VR-35K TO LOWER LAUNCH COSTS under PHASE iii CONTRACT • Distribution A: Public Release SBIR POCs

• AFRL Rocket Lab • AFRL Rocket Lab – Technical POC • Trisha Spears • Dr. Richard Cohn RQ-W SBIR/STTR Program Manager Chief Engineer [email protected] [email protected] 661-275-5321 661-275-6177 • Aerospace Systems Directorate • Barb Scenters RQ SBIR/STTR Program Manager [email protected] 937-938-4708 • AFRL • Anissa Lumpkin AFRL SBIR/STTR Program Manager [email protected] 937-269-3481

Distribution A: Public Release Questions?

Distribution A: Public Release