Wichita State University 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 FirePoint Innovations Center that will be located on Wichita State’s 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’s 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’s National Institute for Aviation Research. The center will initially hire two student assistants. Additional existing Wichita State personnel will assist with administrative duties.

FirePoint will leverage the experience and competencies of Wichita State and the Wichita community, especially the National Institute for Aviation Research, College of Engineering and local aviation industry.

“AMRDEC’s mission is vital to the strength of the nation’s defense, and we’re honored to have this opportunity to work closely with them,” said John Tomblin, WSU vice president for research and technology transfer. “The collaboration will expand WSU’s role in DoD research and development activities and will provide outstanding applied learning opportunities for our students – synchronizing with the university’s vision, mission and goals.”

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.

“Partnerships between our nation’s universities and the Department of Defense strengthen our national security, and direct access to Wichita State University enhances the department’s ability to rapidly respond to mission requirements,” said Senator Jerry Moran, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies. “The Army's decision to partner with Wichita State University to improve our nation’s aviation and aerospace defenses exemplifies the quality of the university's research and development capabilities. This partnership creates new opportunities for Kansans and the Wichita community.”

To learn more about FirePoint Innovations, visit gofirepoint.org.