AV and AFRL researchers will develop advanced ceramics, composites, and modeling techniques for extreme aerospace environments

AeroVironment, Inc. ("AV") (NASDAQ:AVAV), a global leader in defense technology innovation, today announced it has been awarded a $20 million Ceramics Advanced Materials and Processes (CAMP) contract by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Materials and Manufacturing Directorate 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.

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—designed to perform in the most extreme environments.