AFRL, AOT agree to tech transfer
The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Directed Energy Directorate has signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Advanced Optical Technologies (AOT) that allows the use of air force instrumentation at AOT's new facility in the Sandia Science and Technology Park, AFRL announced on 5 February.
The instrumentation was developed by AOT for defence department contracts. The CRADA, which has a term of five years with options to renew up to 20 years, will facilitate transition of AOT's multi-dimensional laser sensors and metrology into the aerospace, defence, manufacturing and environmental markets.
The multi-dimensional sensors have been developed for space classification, material-mapping and assessment, and non-destructive testing; and supporting models and metrology for machine vision and graphics, manufacturing control, and photonic materials.
Malini Hoover, CEO of AOT, said: 'It's gratifying to see the air force recognise the success and commercialisation of our technology and facilitate a quick turnaround for the new CRADA.
'This CRADA will benefit the government, the private sector and the scientific community. The most effective deployment of such specialised instrumentation is in the hands of those who know how to get the most out of it, and that's us.'
More from Defence Notes
-
![Estonia opts for smart, adaptable and cooperative solutions in the face of Russian threat]()
Estonia opts for smart, adaptable and cooperative solutions in the face of Russian threat
Estonian-made equipment is being put through the toughest of evaluations in the hands of Ukrainian soldiers resisting the full-scale Russian invasion which began in 2022. The country has long seen the threat and is continuing to adapt for the future.
-
![Estonia boosting defence industry with lessons from Ukraine, says country’s economic minister]()
Estonia boosting defence industry with lessons from Ukraine, says country’s economic minister
Estonia is looking to boost its local defence industry with directed funding, industry parks, support through international orders for equipment and rapid prototyping.
-
![White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production]()
White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production
Intended to sustain Operation Epic Fury against Iran, efforts to increase the production of weapons and ammunition could expose long-standing weaknesses in the US defence industrial base.
-
![India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict]()
India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict
The latest escalation between Iran and Israel could shape New Delhi’s next-generation shield as India deepens cooperation with Israel on missile defence and drone production.
-
![Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?]()
Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?
The Pentagon spent a considerable number of THAAD and SM-3 rounds to defend against Iranian missiles in 2025 and has not fully replenished its reserves.
