AeroVironment Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) received a $20 million contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate to develop ceramic and ceramic matrix composite materials for aerospace and defense applications.

The 39-month Ceramics Advanced Materials and Processes contract will support research for the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. AeroVironment's materials experts will work with AFRL scientists and engineers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.

The collaboration will focus on developing lightweight, thermally resilient structures using advanced additive manufacturing, 3D printing, and sensor integration techniques. Applications include high-speed aerodynamic vehicles, turbine engines, rocket propulsion systems, transparent armor, thermal-protection tiles, and nozzle extensions.

Research activities will encompass precursor synthesis and processing, fabrication and design methods, microstructural characterization, and advanced modeling to predict performance and durability. The program will integrate embedded sensors for real-time health monitoring and develop multifunctional ceramics for aerospace, space, energy, and defense applications.

"CAMP represents a vital investment in technologies that will preserve America's advantage across air and space domains," said Johnathan Jones, Senior Vice President of Cyber and Mission Solutions at AeroVironment.

The contract covers the full lifecycle of material innovation, from satellite propulsion and helicopter armor to energy systems and advanced sensors, according to the company's press release.