US military could start new nanotech tests by 2023
Graphene material (Photo Credits: AMD)
Progress in nanomaterial technologies could help militaries to counter directed-energy weapons, as the latest research finds new applications for defence.
The US federal government has awarded UK-based SME Advanced Material Development (AMD) a contract to develop protective films to be applied to laser protective eyewear.
The contract with the Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) will allow AMD to develop unique multi-frequency layered meta-material films and coatings based on its photonic crystal superlattices.
Although financial details of the contract remain undisclosed at the time of writing, AMD stated that the technology provides a ‘low-cost’ and ‘tuneable’ solution.
Defence applications include fitting on wearable vision systems, electro-optic protection from cameras and anti-laser dazzle.
In an interview with Shephard, Alan Dalton,
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Defence Notes
-
![US military seeks common controllers for drones and robotic systems]()
US military seeks common controllers for drones and robotic systems
US Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Special Operations Command initiatives signal demand for interoperable uncrewed systems control, creating opportunities for suppliers of hardware, software and integration services.
-
![“Engage with the operational problem”: how software innovation can boost UK defence]()
“Engage with the operational problem”: how software innovation can boost UK defence
In Conversation… Shephard’s Andrew White talks to Zafer Şen, CEO and co-founder of OBSS, about the future of command-and-control software in the age of artificial intelligence, and his company’s ambitions in the UK defence market.
-
![“Capital follows confidence” as defence courts private money]()
“Capital follows confidence” as defence courts private money
Outside investment and the direction in which venture money flows may reveal what defence will buy years before formal programmes begin.
-
![Canada’s new military drone marketplace targets rapid acquisition pipeline]()
Canada’s new military drone marketplace targets rapid acquisition pipeline
The Department of National Defence expects initial contracts to deliver thousands of uncrewed systems, but has yet to establish the quantities, capability mix or deadline behind Ottawa’s promised tenfold expansion.
