Funding will advance dry-weave overmolding technology to deliver lighter, stronger, more efficient propulsion components for U.S. Air Force aircraft.
DALLAS, Texas – Alpine Advanced Materials announces it has been selected by AFWERX for a SBIR Phase II contract in the amount of $1,243,226 focused on advanced dry-weave composite overmolding to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded and now on August 27, 2025, Alpine Advanced Materials will start its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.
“This Phase II SBIR award reflects the Air Force’s commitment to accelerating innovation in advanced materials,” said Joe D’Cruz, Executive Chairman of Alpine Advanced Materials. “Alpine’s innovative approach to dry-weave overmolding, will transform how propulsion components are designed and manufactured, with benefits that extend beyond defense. By reducing weight, increasing efficiency, and scaling production, we’re not only strengthening U.S. airpower but also advancing aerospace manufacturing.”
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.
About Alpine Advanced Materials
Alpine Advanced Materials is a leading expert in the design, prototype and supply of custom-engineered parts for the world’s most demanding defense, commercial aerospace and space applications. With experience across multiple industries and deep expertise in designing for manufacturing, Alpine delivers the future of innovation with high-performance thermoplastic composite materials. For more information, visit alpineadvancedmaterials.com.
About AFWERX
As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at four hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has awarded over 10,400 contracts worth more than $7.24 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: afwerx.com.
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace forces. With a workforce spanning across nine technology areas and 40 other operations around the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.