AeroVironment has been selected for a $499-million contract with the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to develop capabilities that can shield troops and equipment from harmful electromagnetic radiation.
The 10-year agreement, part of the High-Performance Electromagnetic Spectrum Survivable Materials Advancement or HELMSSMAN program, will fund research to strengthen US defenses in environments where electronic signals can disrupt or damage military systems.
Vision Protection, Electromagnetic Impact
As part of the deal, AeroVironment received two task orders worth a combined $246 million.
The first, valued at $98 million, focuses on protective systems for soldiers’ vision against electromagnetic interference without compromising safety or performance.
Meanwhile, the second project, worth $148 million, will study how electromagnetic sources affect US weapons, sensors, and vehicles. This work aims to design new materials and testing approaches to reduce vulnerabilities and ensure mission success on complex battlefields.
Research and development are scheduled to start this month, with tasks to be coordinated with the company’s Advanced R&D team in Dayton, Ohio.
The unit specializes in “smart” solutions designed to adapt to changing environments and protect warfighters, land and airborne platforms, and infrastructure from electronic and energy-based threats.
Advancing Previous Efforts
The new award builds on past initiatives with the US Air Force that explored laser-hardened materials and electronic, optical, and quantum systems to support intelligence gathering and electronic warfare.
John Hogan, AeroVironment vice president of Advanced R&D, said the agreement continues long-term cooperation with the air force.
“This contract complements and continues our research and development work in material development with AFRL,” Hogan said. “We are honored to be a trusted partner in this effort.”
