Airframe, propulsion & avionics development; materials and structural testing; simulation & qualification.
Estimate your credit →Aerospace and defense programs are heavily R&D-intensive: airframe, propulsion, and avionics development, advanced materials and structural testing, and simulation and qualification work.
Note that funded research (e.g., certain government contracts where the payer retains rights and risk) may be excluded — business-component analysis and contract review are especially important here.
Wages for time these roles spend on qualified research may count toward your credit.
Note: Review for funded-research exclusions (e.g., government contracts where the payer retains rights and risk) before relying on this figure.
Illustrative example using sample figures. Your actual credit depends on your facts; see Form 6765 and consult a tax professional.
The IRS requires qualifying research to satisfy four tests. Here's how each typically maps in this industry:
The activity aims at improving airframe strength-to-weight or propulsion efficiency.
The work relies on aerospace and materials engineering.
Unknown whether a design will pass structural/qualification testing.
Teams use simulation, prototype builds, and qualification test campaigns.
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