Luna Innovations Inc., a developer of molecular technology and sensing solutions, has been awarded $4 million in US Air Force contracts for continued research and development of nanotechnology-enabled products, the company announced today. The $4 million includes a $2.3 million subcontract from General Dynamics Information Technology Inc. (formerly Anteon Corp.) and a $1.7 million contract from the US Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). Both contracts will be performed over the next several years. General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) previously awarded Luna $3.3 million in nanotechnology research funding. Luna is primarily focused on researching and developing products enhanced by nanomaterials. In 2004, the company opened a 24,000-sq-ft manufacturing, research and development facility in Danville, Va., to produce nanomaterials for applications such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, electromagnetic interference coatings and next-generation solar cells. Under the subcontract, Luna will support GDIT's goal of producing nanomaterials in sufficient quantities and at a price that makes them feasible to use in real-world systems. A pilot plant, expected to be completed during this program, is intended to enable accelerated application of advanced nanostructured material systems. Under the AFOSR contract, Luna will work through the Nanophotonic Component Program (NCP) to support Department of Defense needs regarding future air combat systems and ground support optoelectronics. The objective of the NCP is to use nanotechnology to develop new components such as next-generation solar cells and lighter-weight electromagnetic interference- (EMI) resistant composites. For more information, visit: www.lunainnovations.com