Under a $20 million contract awarded to AV, researchers will work to develop advanced ceramics, composites, and modeling techniques for extreme aerospace environments.
ARLINGTON, Va.—Defense technology company AeroVironment, Inc. (AV) reported in May that it was awarded a $20 million Ceramics Advanced Materials and Processes (CAMP) contract by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Materials and Manufacturing Directorate. AeroVironment was awarded the contract to advance next-generation ceramic and ceramic matrix composite materials (CMCs) for extreme aerospace and defense applications supporting the U.S. Air and Space Forces, according to a company release.
AeroVironment (AV) researchers and AFRL engineers will collaborate at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to advance next-generation ceramic materials and aerospace manufacturing technologies supporting future Air and Space Force missions. (Photo courtesy AV)
Under the 39-month contract, AV’s materials experts will partner with AFRL scientists and engineers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, to accelerate development, field advanced capabilities faster, and strengthen mission readiness while reducing lifecycle costs. The team will apply advanced additive manufacturing, three-dimensional (3D) printing, and sensor integration techniques to create lightweight, thermally resilient structures—such as high speed aerodynamic vehicles, turbine engines, rocket propulsion systems, transparent armor, thermal-protection tiles, and nozzle extensions—that are designed to perform in the most extreme environments, the release stated.
“CAMP represents a vital investment in technologies that will preserve America’s advantage across air and space domains,” said AV Senior Vice President of Cyber and Mission Solutions, Johnathan Jones, in a statement. “By advancing the next generation of high-temperature materials and manufacturing processes, we will deliver capabilities that enhance mission readiness, extend operational endurance, and strengthen the technological superiority of our Air and Space Forces.”
Research conducted under the CAMP program will advance next-generation ceramics through precursor synthesis and processing, novel fabrication and design methods, microstructural characterization, and advanced modeling to better predict performance and durability. The effort will span the full lifecycle of material innovation, integrating embedded sensors for real-time health monitoring and developing multifunctional ceramics for aerospace, space, energy, and defense applications. The applications are expected to range from satellite propulsion and helicopter armor to ultra-efficient energy systems and advanced sensors, according to the release.
“Collaborations with our customers are at the heart of what we do,” said AV Vice President of Defense and Interagency Service, John Hogan, Ph.D., in a statement. “Through the CAMP program, we’re not just developing better ceramics—we’re creating the materials foundation for the future of flight and space operations. This collaboration ensures our research directly supports mission readiness, durability, and operational effectiveness for the Air and Space Forces.”