OAI Co-Leads Breakthrough Study on Quantum for Hypersonics

Press Release for Immediate Release:

John Jackson

Senior Program Coordinator

(440) 962-3011

Ohio Aerospace Institute Co-Leads Breakthrough Study on Quantum Computing for Hypersonics

Cleveland, OH — A newly released technical report outlines an important advancement in the application of quantum computing to hypersonic platform development, reinforcing the U.S. commitment to technological leadership in aerospace. Parallax Advanced Research and Ohio Aerospace Institute’s (OAI) Bob Dirgo, program manager of the D.R.I.V.E. Consortium, is a research contributor to this study.

The study, a result of close collaboration among IBM, Collins Aerospace, the Aerospace Systems Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory, and RTX Technology Research Center, provides a compelling case for how quantum computing could tackle the critical challenge of simulating the extreme thermochemistry inherent in hypersonic flight.

“This research represents a vital step forward in advancing the U.S. aerospace industrial base,” stated Bob Dirgo of OAI. “Through the D.R.I.V.E. Consortium, we are demonstrating how quantum technologies could address complex challenges and accelerate the development of next-generation hypersonic systems essential to maintaining U.S. air and space superiority.”

The D.R.I.V.E. Consortium — which stands for Digital, Research, Innovation, Validation, and Experimentation — is a public-private initiative focused on accelerating innovation in aerospace technologies and is funded by the Air Force Research Laboratory and managed by the Ohio Aerospace Institute. By uniting government, industry, and academia, D.R.I.V.E. fosters collaborative research and rapid prototyping to address critical technology and national security challenges.

The report identifies opportunities for how quantum computing could improve modeling the N4 reaction—an essential component of hypersonic atmospheric thermochemistry. Accurate simulations of such high-temperature chemical interactions are key to improving vehicle performance predictions and enhancing materials durability in extreme environments. Currently limited by classical computing capabilities, this research demonstrates that improved, quantum-enabled simulations could be feasible in the near future. The Ohio Aerospace Institute emphasized the significance of early investment and public-private alignment to secure national advantage. The report forecasts that early adopters could capture as much as 90% of the value generated by quantum computing, underlining the urgency of U.S. leadership in this field.

The study’s findings also stress the importance of workforce development and ecosystem collaboration to overcome anticipated demand surges for quantum computing resources. Establishing domestic quantum capability is critical for ensuring supply chain security and maintaining technological leadership in the face of global competition.

“This research presents a significant advancement for the aviation industry,” said Dr. Michael S. Brown, principal scientist, Aerospace Systems Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory. “The demonstration of quantum technologies allows us to tackle complex challenges, potentially propelling the development of next-generation hypersonic systems and ensuring the U.S. maintains a crucial edge.”

Read the study here: https://www.ndia.org/-/media/sites/ndia/divisions/manufacturing/documents/ndia_drive_workshop-report_v5.pdf?download=1

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About Parallax Advanced Research & The Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI)

Parallax is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. With offices in Ohio and Virginia, Parallax aims to deliver new solutions and speed them to market. In 2023, Parallax and OAI formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements in Ohio and for the nation. OAI plays a pivotal role in advancing the aerospace industry in Ohio and the nation by fostering collaborations between universities, aerospace industries, and government organizations, and managing aerospace research, education, and workforce development projects.