Wright State Research Institute lands $14M Air Force sensors deal

The U.S. Air Force Sensor  has tapped Wright State Research Institute for as much as $14 million in aerospace sensor work.

Late Friday, the Department of Defense announced WSRI won a seven-year contract for the Sensor and Information Research Center for Understanding Systems program. The work - which includes fundamental research in sensing and sensor exploitation technologies – will be done for Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

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Wright State Research Institute will perform as much as $14 million in aerospace sensor… more

Michael E. Boyd

Officials say the idea is to have researchers working on innovative ground-breaking solutions for fundamental research projects that address some of the most difficult sensor challenges and to find technology breakthroughs.

The high-profile contract will help Wright State Research Institute continue to build momentum in its quest to become a top-tier research organization. It may also lead to lucrative commercialization opportunities for the school.

Last year, the institute brought in some high-level talent, including Michael Deis, former leader of the sensors directorate at AFRL. That move certainly positioned it well to win this latest contract.

In recent years, WSRI has nearly doubled in size, from 69 employees to 120. In fiscal year 2014, it grew its portfolio 17 percent to $23.5 million, and officials say the institute is on track to grow 15 percent to 17 percent this year.

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