The US Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) airbase technologies division has awarded a research and development contract to Jacobs Engineering.

Under the estimated $9.9m contract, Jacobs will perform research and development of technologies for deployed airbase infrastructure, force protection and homeland defence operations for three years.

The new technology will improve the physical protection of personnel from conventional and improvised explosive devices.

Jacobs will provide technical expertise to execute a comprehensive research and development programme.

The programme will include the design, development and testing of new protective structural systems and components.

The AFRL is a scientific research organisation operated by the USAF Materiel Command.

It leads discovery, development and integration of affordable aerospace warfighting technologies, and the planning and executing of the air force science and technology programme.