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
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper offers network-centric approach to sovereignty of space systems (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper offers network-centric approach to sovereignty of space systems (Studio)
Shephard's Alix Valenti interviewed Project Kuiper's Don Brown at DSEI 2025, discussing the company's innovative approach to sovereignty of space communications systems, which focuses on being able to control the network rather than ownership of satellite constellations.
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Shephard's Alix Valenti spoke to Project Kuiper's Rich Pang about the importance of enabling seamless communication between allied forces such as NATO members in challenging operational environments.
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper teams up with GRC to offer governments unprecedented capabilities (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper teams up with GRC to offer governments unprecedented capabilities (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Amazon Project Kuiper's Don Brown and GRC's Steve Slater talked to Shephard's Alix Valenti about how their partnership can offer unique capabilities in defence SATCOM to government customers, with a focus on assurance, security and choice.
-
![Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft]()
Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft
The procurement and acceleration production plans – some of which still await approval – across the air and land domains will aim to strengthen the operational needs of the Israel Defense Forces.
-
![US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities]()
US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities
This shift is planned to accelerate the procurement and fielding of capabilities. As part of this strategy, the US also intends modernise its regulations in an attempt to change its bureaucratic and risk-averse culture.
