Localization, Characterization, and Modeling of Freestream Disturbances in Hypersonic Wind Tunnels

Description: The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency seeks Direct-to-Phase-II STTR proposals to develop and demonstrate robust non-intrusive or minimally intrusive diagnostics and coupled multi-fidelity simulation methods for locating, characterizing, and modeling upstream noise and flow disturbances in hypersonic wind tunnels. The effort targets inaccessible regions such as drivers, reservoirs, nozzle throats, and walls, and includes a 12-month base for diagnostic prototype and integration planning followed by an optional 12-month facility integration and upstream-noise mapping period. The topic was pre-released September 2, 2026, opens September 23, 2026, and closes October 23, 2026; awards may be made as FAR contracts or prototype other transactions, so it is a procurement solicitation rather than a grant.