In contested environments, mission success relies on mobility, endurance and survivability. Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) delivers advanced powertrain, battery and propulsion engineering services tailored for the defense sector. From high-altitude UAVs to tactical ground vehicles and unmanned surface vessels, our integrated hardware and software solutions ensure your platforms maintain overmatch in any domain. By leveraging decades of experience in engine and propulsion system design and validation, SwRI supports the mission of the United States military in developing and maintaining the best capabilities for the warfighter. SwRI has supported propulsion system design and validation programs for every branch of the U.S. military directly and in partnerships with prime contractors.
SwRI is also home to the Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) Fuels and Lubricants Research Facility (GFLRF), a government-owned contractor-operated (GOCO) facility that provides state-of-the-art research, development and engineering services.
Mission-Critical Power & Propulsion Design
Engineering for extreme environments, heavy-duty applications, and optimized logistics.
We understand that power generation and energy storage are the lifelines of any mission. Our propulsion teams design scalable, ruggedized solutions that reduce logistical footprints while maximizing operational range and payload capacity.
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Tank transmission durability and performance testing.
- SWaP-C Optimization: We engineer power-dense propulsion systems that drastically reduce size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) constraints, giving your platforms the endurance they need without sacrificing lethality or payload.
- Multi-Fuel & Hybrid Architectures: We develop internal combustion and hybrid-electric powertrains compatible with single battlefield fuel mandates (JP-8, F-24). Our hybrid solutions enable silent watch capabilities, reduced thermal signatures and localized power generation.
- Scalable Energy Storage: Our advanced battery design services focus on high-energy-density packaging, sophisticated thermal management, and strict thermal runaway mitigation to ensure safe, reliable power for both manned and unmanned platforms.
Secure Controls, Hardware & Software Integration
Interoperability, autonomous readiness, and cyber-resilience.
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SwRI has many engine dynomometer stands for development and validation.
A powertrain is only as effective as the systems governing it. We develop and integrate resilient control architectures designed to keep your platforms moving, even when operating in degraded or electronically contested environments.
- MOSA Alignment: We develop software and hardware in strict alignment with the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), ensuring seamless upgrades, cross-platform interoperability and freedom from vendor lock-in.
- Ruggedized COTS/MOTS Solutions: We rapidly integrate commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and modified off-the-shelf (MOTS) components, hardening them to withstand the shock, vibration, and temperature extremes of the tactical edge.
- Fault-Tolerant Architecture: We build redundant, cyber-secure control systems with fail-safes designed specifically for the survivability of autonomous unmanned aerial, ground and naval assets.
Rigorous Testing, Validation & TRL Advancement
Proven reliability before deployment.
Field failures are not an option. Our comprehensive testing and validation protocols accelerate your Technology Readiness Level (TRL), moving your systems from concept to combat-ready with documented reliability.
- MIL-SPEC & MIL-STD Compliance: We test and validate every subsystem and full-vehicle integration against critical government standards, including MIL-STD-810 (environmental engineering) and MIL-STD-461 (electromagnetic interference).
- Advanced HIL/SIL Simulation: Before physical prototyping begins, we utilize hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) simulations to stress-test control algorithms, reduce integration risks and cut development costs.
- Full-Vehicle Integration Testing: From subsystem dynamometer bench tests to full-platform field validation, we provide the data-driven proof required for successful program milestones and fielding decisions.
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Left: Southwest Research Institute performs validation testing on large marine engines to meet angularity requirements. Right: FMTV field trials to validate alternative engine lubricant formulations.
Platform-Specific Expertise
Tailored propulsion solutions for every theater of operation.
- Tactical & Combat Ground Vehicles: High-torque, heavy-duty powertrain system integrations designed for off-road mobility, high survivability under armor and exportable power generation.
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): Ultra-lightweight, high-efficiency propulsion and battery systems optimized for High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) and Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) missions.
- Naval & Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs): High-reliability marine powertrains engineered for extended, unsupported maritime deployments and littoral operations.
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Left: SwRI supports concept vehicles which include hybridized or electrified powertrain solutions. Right: Southwest Research pairs its powertrain expertise with autonomy and sensor stacks to provide complete vehicle solutions.