UA Joins DoD Partnership on Hypersonics Research

The University of Arizona has entered a partnership with the Department of Defense manufacturing innovation institute LIFT to support Hypersonic Thermal Management and Hypersonic Material Acceleration research programs. UA is supporting these programs through mechanical testing at elevated temperatures and in oxidative environments. LIFT is a public-private partnership between the U.S. Department of Defense, industry and academia. 

"We look forward to bringing our unique expertise to this hypersonics research coalition and work vital to our national defense," said MSE assistant professor Andrew Wessman. 

UA has long been a leader in the field of hypersonics research, with close relationships in both industry and government. In 2022, UA's Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering researchers received $3.5 million in funding from the state of Arizona's investment in the New Economy Initiative and $6.5 million in federal support through the Department of Defense's Test Resource Management Center to upgrade hypersonic facilities and related research infrastructure.