Research & Innovation

At Canopy A&D, our Research & Innovation Center of Excellence is the catalyst of our enterprise, empowering breakthroughs in thermal protection systems (TPS), signal reduction technologies, and advanced materials. From concept through sustainment, we move at the speed of the mission, enabling aerospace and defense platforms to perform faster, cooler, and quieter.

Request a Meeting with our Experts

Autonomously Applied TPS Coatings

Automation is precision. Our systems eliminate human variability, ensuring coatings are applied consistently, rapidly, and precisely, slashing both cost and lead time. We have experience with both legacy and emerging ultra-high-temperature ceramic coatings for space and defense platforms.

Custom Material Development

Every mission is unique. Our engineering and manufacturing teams work hand-in-hand with customers to design and qualify custom materials that meet specialized requirements ranging from signal reduction against the most challenging environmental and electromagnetic threats to advanced thermal protection systems for hypersonics and space. Each material is purpose-built, mission-ready, and proven under the most demanding conditions.

Smart TPS Through Embedded Sensing

For decades TPS has been functionally one-dimensional. TPS failures can be catastrophic and that risk coupled with a lack of data produces stagnation. Canopy is pioneering advances in TPS through the use of embedded sensors, unlocking mid-flight adaptation and reliability under stress. We are transforming passive systems in to functional nervous systems for our missions and our customers.

Ceramic Additive Manufacturing

We are pioneers in 3D-printed ceramics, producing mission-critical components with unmatched durability, precision, and thermal performance. This is innovation at the material level, bridging the gap between research and mission success.

Transpiration-Cooled TPS

Pioneering active thermal control, our TPS “breathes” via complex internal geometries, expelling cooling fluid to form insulating layers during hypersonic flight and reentry — a breakthrough in survivability under extreme thermal conditions.

Heatshield Additive Manufacturing

Our additive manufacturing expertise unlocks new design freedom in ablative and reusable heatshields. We can support innovative mission architectures once thought impractical all while delivering thermal protection faster and more affordably than ever before.

Partnership-Driven R&I

Center of Excellence: In Action

Working closely with leading academic and federal labs, we translate cutting-edge research into real-world solutions.

From hypersonic environments to electromagnetic theaters, our innovations — like smart TPS and signal reduction technologies are tested, validated, and deployed under the toughest conditions.

Innovation Partners:

Fueling Innovation from the Inside Out

Built-In Infrastructure

Our 20,000 sq ft R&I and manufacturing campus in Littleton, CO, is the nexus of discovery — home to additive manufacturing, high‑temp furnaces, and material labs that turn ideas into reality.

Multidisciplinary Expertise

Scientists, engineers, software developers, and manufacturing specialists come together to blend ceramics, coatings, sensing, and signal reduction technologies into cohesive, mission-ready systems.

Mission-Driven Culture

Guided by our ethos — we lead with purpose, idealism, and the relentless drive to solve tomorrow’s challenges today.

Why It Matters

Canopy A&D doesn’t just manufacture — we anticipate, adapt, and accelerate. From TPS to stealth and signal reduction, our integrated innovations empower platforms to push boundaries, operate resiliently, and succeed under the most demanding conditions.

We don’t just build at the speed of innovation — we build certainty for those who dare to reach beyond.

Connect

Accelerate Discovery with Canopy

We're not just a service provider — we're your partner in materials innovation. Our in-house tools, multidisciplinary team, and commitment to precision make us the ideal collaborator for ceramics-driven R&D.

Contact