US Air Force seeks contractor for detonation-powered rocket engine

The US Air Force Research Laboratory is soliciting industry proposals to develop and flight-test a combined-cycle rotating detonation rocket engine (RDRE-CC) for future high-speed weapons. The 36–48 month program aims to move the technology from TRL 3 to TRL 6, with initial white papers due November 16, 2026.

• AFRL accepts initial proposals until November 16, 2026, under HERMES
• Development and testing timeline is 36 to 48 months
• Goal is to advance the technology from TRL 3 to TRL 6
• Engine supports the HAMM high-speed munitions program