Applied Energetics to Exhibit PLAID™ Laser System at 2026 Air Force Innovation Expo
News related to:Applied Energetics, Inc · 2 min read
Applied Energetics, Inc., a leader in ultrashort pulse laser (USPL) technology for defense applications, will showcase its PLAID™ ultrashort pulse laser system at the 2026 Air Force Innovation Expo (AIX), taking place October 26-27, 2026, at the Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Arizona. The company will be located at Booth #712, where attendees can learn about its technology designed to counter unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
The PLAID™ system, which will be on display, uses picosecond-duration laser pulses to defeat the electro-optical sensors that small drones rely on for navigation, target acquisition, and imagery transmission. According to the company, PLAID™ is a high-volume effector within a layered counter-UAS architecture, complementing other technologies such as sensors, command-and-control software, and kinetic and continuous-wave laser systems.
The expo, co-located with the 2026 Air Reserve Component Weapons and Tactics (ARC WEPTAC/DCP) Conference, brings together Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve tacticians, operators, and senior leaders to define the capability needs of the Total Force. The event aims to connect solution providers directly with the operational decision-makers who are evaluating technologies for readiness, modernization, and operational effectiveness.
Applied Energetics' participation follows its selection for an AFWERX Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) award sponsored by the Air National Guard, announced in August 2026. The company's technology is designed to offer flexibility, scale, and power, enhancing layered defense strategies to counter emerging threats.
The market for advanced functional materials is expected to grow significantly over the next few years. According to a report, the global advanced functional market is projected to reach $1,074 million from $828 million by 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4%. This growth is driven by increasing demand for advanced materials in various industries, including aerospace, defense, and consumer goods.
In the industrial brakes market, the North American segment is expected to grow at a moderate rate during the forecast period, driven by the rise in activities in the construction and mining industries. The market was valued at $146 million in 2017 and is projected to reach $189.48 million by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 3.4%. Industrial brakes play a crucial role in mechanical power transmission, facilitating motion in industrial equipment and controlling the speed of the motion to deliver the desired action.
The global industrial brakes market is expected to grow from $828 million in 2016 to $1,074 million by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 3.70% from 2017 to 2023. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for industrial brakes in various industries, including automotive, manufacturing, and construction.
The 2026 Air Force Innovation Expo is an important platform for Applied Energetics to showcase its cutting-edge technology and engage directly with decision-makers in the defense sector. The company's participation underscores its commitment to developing innovative solutions for the defense industry.