UA Experts Contribute to $100M Hypersonics Consortium

Researchers from the University of Arizona are working on a  $100 million award from the U.S. Department of Defense to establish a national University Consortium for Applied Hypersonics. More than 60 member universities – including 11 leadership institutions – will work with government agencies, laboratories and industry to accelerate research and technology for hypersonic flight.

Researchers include MSE associate professor Erica Corral, an expert in thermal protection systems, materials and manufacturing. Corral also heads a consortium cross-functional team in manufacturing and serves as deputy director for industry and national laboratory engagement.

"The University of Arizona has significant representation on the consortium," Corral said. "In fact, more than 12 faculty members from across the College of Engineering are contributing members." 

In addition to the University of Arizona, lead institutions for initial operations include Texas A&M, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Minnesota, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Tennessee Space Institute, Morgan State University, California Institute of Technology, Purdue University, University of California, Los Angeles, and Georgia Institute of Technology.

"This first-of-its kind consortium will be critical to advancing hypersonics research and innovation, a key priority of the Department of Defense," said Michael Kratsios, the department's acting under secretary of defense for research and engineering.