AeroVironment has secured a $20-million US Air Force contract to develop next-generation ceramic materials for future aerospace and defense systems.
AeroVironment (AV) has secured a $20-million US Air Force contract to develop next-generation ceramic materials for future aerospace and defense systems.
The award, issued through the Air Force Research Laboratory's Ceramics Advanced Materials and Processes (CAMP) program, funds a 39-month effort to improve high-performance ceramics and ceramic matrix composites for military and space applications.
Working with researchers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, AV will focus on materials capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and operating conditions.
The project will use additive manufacturing and embedded sensor technologies to develop lighter, more durable components for aircraft, missiles, rocket propulsion systems, and space platforms.
Potential applications include thermal protection systems, turbine engines, transparent armor, nozzle extensions, and high-speed aerospace vehicles.
“CAMP represents a vital investment in technologies that will preserve America’s advantage across air and space domains,” Johnathan Jones, Senior Vice President of Cyber and Mission Solutions at AV, said.
US Defense Pushes Advanced Materials
The US has increased investment in advanced materials and manufacturing technologies as it seeks to improve the performance and durability of next-generation military systems.
In May, scientists at the US Army Research Laboratory developed the kappa(k)Chip, a microfluidic device designed to accelerate the discovery of binding agents for next-generation military technologies. These molecules can be used in applications such as sensing, detection, and materials development.
In April, ACMI Federal secured a $50-million contract from the US Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division to support a new research and production initiative focused on energetics, including explosives and propellants.
Earlier, in January, the US Air Force partnered with AV to develop advanced polymers and responsive materials aimed at improving resilience, reducing lifecycle costs, and accelerating next-generation defense technologies.
