Jacobs is to provide support to the US Air Force research efforts in rocket propulsion under a multimillion eight year contract that starts next month.
The US$225 million Rocket and Propulsion Technology Research contract (RAPTR) with the US Air Force Research Laboratory, Aerospace Systems Directorate West (AFRL/RQ-West) at Edwards Air Force Base in California has an initial two year base period and two 41-month option periods.
Jacobs critical mission solutions senior vice president Steve Arnette said, “This is a premier opportunity for Jacobs to work with the US Air Force in developing and transitioning advanced technologies needed to address a complex and evolving threat environment and successfully execute their national defense mission.
Under RAPTR, Jacobs will provide on-site basic, exploratory and experimental R&D support to the AFRL/RQ-West for development and transitioning of a wide range of rocket and space propulsion-related technologies to the warfighter.
Specific scientific and technical R&D areas include combustion processes, fluid dynamics and materials sciences, chemical/material sciences, aerophysics and plasma physics; analytical chemistry; in-space propulsion; high-payoff propulsion technologies; and high energy density matter.
“The importance of AFRL’s mission and challenges is that they face turning rocket propulsion science into operational effectiveness for the nation’s warfighters. It’s a tremendous catalyst that energizes our entire workforce to redefine what’s possible in delivering innovative solutions for the client,” added Arnette.
Jacobs’ support to the AFRL at Edwards Air Force Base dates to the 1960s when the company began coordinating rocket test programs for the US Air Force.
