Texas A&M has begun its search for an architect/engineering firm to oversee and manage the design of a $70.6 million project to expand the Ballistic Aero-Optics and Materials (BAM) Range at its RELLIS Campus in Bryan.
The BAM Range is the largest and most advanced enclosed testing range for laser and hypersonic weapons in the United States. The range, which was built to address a gap in research capabilities between laboratory wind tunnels and open-air testing ranges, is designed to provide a more realistic testing environment than laboratories can provide while allowing for diagnostic tools that would be unsafe to use at outdoor ranges.
The first phase of the facility was completed in 2024. The project involves expanding the testing channels and adding specialized testing buildings and storage facilities.
The university’s office of planning and construction will accept applications until 2 p.m. on Sept. 1.
The total planning amount includes a construction contract allocation of $17.1 million.
Elements of the project include:
- Expanding the range to extend hypervelocity and hypersonic testing capabilities beyond 500 meters and pushing the aero-optics testing range past 1 km in total length.
- A new tail building at the south end of the site to house relocated support and diagnostic equipment.
- Two new specialized test buildings that align with the expanded testing sections.
Photo courtesy Texas A&M University