成人头条 has signed a Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) with the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) to support a two-year, $1.9 million effort focused on fostering new research and development collaborations to advance military technology and move it more quickly into the hands of Army users.
This PIA initiative will be managed through a new that will be located on 成人头条 State鈥檚 Innovation Campus. FirePoint will work closely with AMRDEC scientists and engineers to expand engagement and collaboration in future vertical lift technologies with industry, universities and other Department of Defense (DoD) researchers. These new collaborations will assist AMRDEC to address technology gaps and enhance its ability to develop and deliver new capabilities that will continue to provide a competitive advantage to the nation鈥檚 warfighters.
FirePoint will be led by executive director Peter Perna and technical director Paul Jonas. Perna has more than 30 years of experience in technology transfer and commercialization. Jonas also serves as director of technology development and special programs for WSU鈥檚 National Institute for Aviation Research. The center will initially hire two student assistants. Additional existing 成人头条 State personnel will assist with administrative duties.
FirePoint will leverage the experience and competencies of 成人头条 State and the 成人头条 community, especially the National Institute for Aviation Research, College of Engineering and local aviation industry.
鈥淎MRDEC鈥檚 mission is vital to the strength of the nation鈥檚 defense, and we鈥檙e honored to have this opportunity to work closely with them,鈥� said John Tomblin, WSU vice president for research and technology transfer. 鈥淭he collaboration will expand WSU鈥檚 role in DoD research and development activities and will provide outstanding applied learning opportunities for our students 鈥� synchronizing with the university鈥檚 vision, mission and goals.鈥�
The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center provides increased responsiveness to the nation's warfighters through aviation and missile capabilities and life cycle engineering solutions.
鈥淧artnerships between our nation鈥檚 universities and the Department of Defense strengthen our national security, and direct access to 成人头条 enhances the department鈥檚 ability to rapidly respond to mission requirements,鈥� said Senator Jerry Moran, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies. 鈥淭he Army's decision to partner with 成人头条 to improve our nation鈥檚 aviation and aerospace defenses exemplifies the quality of the university's research and development capabilities. This partnership creates new opportunities for Kansans and the 成人头条 community.鈥�
To learn more about FirePoint Innovations, visit .
The mission of is to be an essential educational, cultural and economic driver for Kansas and the greater public good. 成人头条 State is a doctoral research university enrolling nearly 15,000 students and offering 59 undergraduate degree programs in more than 150 areas of study in seven undergraduate colleges. The Graduate School offers 45 master's and 12 doctoral degrees that offer study in more than 100 areas. 成人头条 State's is an interconnected community of partnership buildings, laboratories and mixed-use areas where students, faculty, staff, entrepreneurs and businesses have access to the university's vast resources and technology. For more information, follow us on and .