Anduril has secured a significant contract with the United States Air Force to develop advanced aircraft systems modeling software. The contract, part of the VOLARE program, is valued at a ceiling of $85 million and spans a period of ten years, ending in September 2036.
The program focuses on creating tools that simulate an aircraft’s entire vehicle systems, including thermal management, which is becoming increasingly critical due to heat-related constraints in modern combat aircraft. This approach aims to identify and resolve design issues through modeling before physical prototypes are built, significantly reducing costs and development time.
The contract is a multiple-award vehicle with several companies participating, including DCS Corporation, which announced its own prime position alongside Anduril. Currently, only $50,000 has been obligated from the initial research funds, a typical amount at this stage in such long-term programs.
The need for better thermal management stems from the fact that heat limits the operational capabilities of contemporary military aircraft more than thrust or speed. The software and methodologies developed under VOLARE will aid in designing aircraft that handle heat more effectively, potentially influencing future air combat systems.
In related efforts, Anduril's earlier work includes developing hardware such as the YFQ-44A Fury, which has enhanced their reputation in aerospace innovation. The program reflects a strategic shift towards digital engineering, emphasizing software as infrastructure rather than a one-time study. Overall, the initiative signifies a long-term plan to embed digital design tools into military aircraft development, ensuring the U.S. Air Force maintains technological superiority.
