This contract encompasses a broad range of work areas that allows for the rapid delivery
of innovative capabilities to the warfighter with increased speed and agility.
NIAR expects to leverage our expertise and capabilities in advanced materials, manufacturing,
automation, and digital twins in support of SHIELD. SHIELD is one of the contracting
vehicles issued to support the establishment of President Donald Trump’s Golden Dome.
“Wichita State is honored to be part of the group of organizations positioned to support
national defense objectives through a broad range of activities tied to layered homeland
defense, including research and development, systems engineering, prototyping, experimentation,
modernization and sustainment,” said John Tomblin, WSU executive vice president for
Research and Industry and Defense Programs and NIAR executive director. “By advancing
technologies that protect our homeland, we are not only addressing today’s challenges,
but also laying the foundation for future generations.”
The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University provides
research, testing, certification and training for aviation and manufacturing technologies.
Established in 1985, NIAR has a $500+ million annual budget, 2,000 personnel and over two million
square feet of laboratory and office space in six locations across Wichita, Kan and
one in Huntsville, Ala.
