SPA — FLASH Innovative Naval Prototype (Hypersonic Boost-Glide)

ONR FLASH INP — SPA

Funds critical enabling technologies for hypersonic boost-glide vehicle development and performance.

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) issued Special Program Announcement N0001426SBC05 on May 21, 2026, soliciting proposals under the Flight Advancement of Structures for Hypersonics (FLASH) Innovative Naval Prototype (INP) program. FLASH seeks research on Critical Enabling Technologies (CETs) for hypersonic boost-glide vehicles — specifically covering vehicle structural performance, aerodynamic and thermal management, controllability, and affordability, as well as compatibility with the Navy's Vertical Launch System (VLS) and Virginia Payload Module (VPM). ONR, established in 1946, sits within the Department of the Navy and leads the science and technology investments that sustain naval superiority across the fleet.

Eligible respondents include US government agencies, industry partners, universities, and research organizations; individual applicants are not eligible, and organizational conflict-of-interest policies apply under standard ONR terms. The white paper stage closed May 28, 2026 at 4:00 PM EST. Full proposals are due August 31, 2026 at 4:00 PM EST. Award amounts and period of performance are specified in PDF N0001426SBC05.pdf; ITAR, EAR, and FOCI restrictions are likely to apply given the classified nature of hypersonic defense development.

Applicants should download the full solicitation PDF and ONR standardized contract proposal templates before drafting. Hypersonic vehicle research represents one of ONR's highest-priority investment areas, aligning with the Naval Air Warfare and Weapons department. Teams with demonstrated expertise in high-temperature materials, aerothermodynamics, structural mechanics, or precision guidance and control are well positioned to address the stated CET areas and should plan for multi-year performance periods typical of INP-class programs.