Advanced Compressor Design & Feasibility Analysis

The contract seeks the engineering design and thermodynamic modeling of a compact, high-pressure CO₂ compressor tailored for aviation thermal management systems, with emphasis on material selection and performance simulation to ensure optimal efficiency and reliability under extreme operational conditions. The project requires detailed analysis to validate feasibility, including computational modeling of thermodynamic cycles, stress analysis under high-pressure environments, and selection of lightweight, heat-resistant materials suitable for aerospace applications, all while meeting stringent size, weight, and power constraints inherent to aircraft integration. This is a small business set-aside subcontract under the SBIR/STTR mandate, restricted to entities with fewer than 500 employees, and falls under NAICS code 333911 for other general purpose machinery manufacturing. The opportunity was posted on June 24, 2026, with a response deadline of July 8, 2026, and is sponsored by the U.S. Air Force through the Department of Defense. The technical work must advance next-generation thermal management capabilities for aviation platforms, aligning with military goals for energy efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced system durability in high-altitude and high-temperature flight regimes.