Anduril wins $85 million U.S. Air Force contract for aircraft design software

Anduril Industries has secured a contract with a ceiling of $85 million from the U.S. Air Force to develop advanced digital design software for next-generation combat aircraft. Managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory in Ohio, the project is part of the VOLARE program, which prioritizes virtual simulation and testing over the immediate construction of physical prototypes to accelerate aircraft development.

The contract, which extends through September 17, 2036, is structured as an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity agreement. Anduril was selected from a group of eight competing companies and will conduct operations out of Dayton, Ohio.

The project focuses on two primary technical objectives: creating software capable of simulating entire vehicle systems and developing sophisticated thermal management strategies. These strategies are critical for modern combat aircraft, which utilize high-energy sensors, powerful computing systems, and advanced radar that require precise cooling to prevent overheating of electronic components and engines.