Texas A&M regents approve $79.3M for aero-optics site, proving grounds
Rendering of Bush Combat Development Complex
Once complete, the BAM will feature the nation’s largest enclosed-tube hypersonic testing facility. It will house two highly instrumented 1-kilometer long and 2-meter diameter closed steel tubes to provide opportunities to conduct research pertaining to aero-optic effects on high-energy laser propagation, realistic hypersonic flight conditions, and large-scale hypervelocity impacts. The facility also will have space for a smaller existing 12-meter light gas gun, small offices, fabrication shop, restrooms, and storage and mechanical rooms.
Board members also approved a $42 million amendment to add innovation proving grounds (IPG) to the complex.
- Mobility Challenge Course, an engineered one-mile test course for testing a range of vehicles;
- Off-Road Test Area, an engineered maneuver area that tests prototypes’ ability to operate in a cross-country environment; and,
- Subterranean Test Area, an underground facility for testing navigational capabilities and sensor effectiveness.