The DoD's Bold Steps in Hypersonics, AI, and Renewable Energy

You can jump to any section of the National Aeronautics Science & Technology Priorities here. Department of Defense (DoD) DoD will enable the United States to continue leading the world in aeronautics innovation for national security purposes. Informed by the National Security Strategy[7] and National Defense Strategy[8], DoD will strengthen and maintain its technological advantage through research, science, technology, engineering, innovation, and deployment of advanced capabilities. DoD will invest, develop, and apply technology (modeling and simulation and design tools), test infrastructure, and workforce development to support key national security challenges. DoD technology areas supporting aeronautics innovation include advanced materials, renewable energy and storage, hypersonics, and digital transformation. Hypersonics will dramatically shorten U.S. response timelines and increase survivability in times of crisis or conflict. Digital transformation will revolutionize and accelerate optimized decision making by coupling aircraft design with mission utility analyses. The DoD will work with universities to develop new curriculum and applied programs to ensure a future generation of specialists with digital skill sets. Artificial Intelligence and machine learning, autonomy, aerothermodynamics, quantum sensing and other resilient position, navigation, and timing technologies are imperative for operational effectiveness. Advancements in renewable energy generation and storage, including electronic engines, more efficient batteries, and alternative fuels, are also critical. The electrification of future DoD aircraft platforms will include electric propulsion systems that will achieve the national objective of netzero emissions by 2050. [7] White House. “National Security Strategy”. https://www.whitehouse.gov/wpcontent/uploads/2022/10/Biden-Harris-Administrations-National-Security-Strategy-10.2022.pdf. Released October 2022 [8] Department of Defense. “National Defense Strategy”. https://media.defense.gov/2022/Oct/27/2003103845/-1/-1/1/2022-NATIONAL-DEFENSE-STRATEGYNPR-MDR.PDF. Released October 2022 This was originally published in March 2023 on whitehouse.gov. This content has been broken-up into bite sized sections, each with unique headlines and AI-generated lead images, in line with the provisions of Creative Commons 3.0.