Skip to content

Celebrating National Aviation Day



National Aviation Day, celebrated every year on August 19th, was established in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to commemorate the development of aviation and honor the achievements of Orville Wright, whose birthday falls on that day.

The advent of aviation marked a pivotal moment not just in transportation, but also in national defense, with aircraft quickly becoming critical assets in military operations around the world. As aviation evolved, so too did its applications, particularly in the defense sector, where the need for precision, reliability, and advanced technology became paramount.

As we reflect on the incredible advancements in aviation and aerospace that have transformed the world, Andover Corporation is proud to be part of this journey. Leveraging our decades of experience in airborne and spaceborne optics, we deliver precision coatings and components that meet the stringent demands of the defense and aerospace markets.

A Legacy of Innovation in Aviation

Andover Corporation's long-standing expertise in optics has been a key driver of innovation in the aviation and aerospace sectors. With almost 50 years of experience, our company has continuouslySniper pod-Aug-19-2024-05-34-38-9466-PM pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in optical technology. Our AS9100 certification further underscores our commitment to quality, ensuring that every product we deliver meets the highest standards for mission-critical applications.

High-Performance Optical Filters for Aerospace Applications

Our combination of advanced equipment and deep expertise allows us to design and manufacture parts that are suitable for the harshest environments. Over the years, Andover Corporation has been privileged to be part of numerous prestigious military and defense projects, supplying critical optical components for a variety of applications. Some of our key contributions include:

  • MX Series Pod (2007): Air surveillance and reconnaissance systems, providing reliable optical components essential for high-altitude missions.
  • F-16 Boresight (2010): Laser tracking alignment systems, ensuring precision and accuracy in critical targeting operations.
  • F-35 Lightning II (2010): Advanced targeting systems, enhancing the capabilities of one of the most sophisticated fighter jets in the world.
  • C-17 Globemaster III (2011): Countermeasure retrofit, contributing to the safety and effectiveness of strategic airlift operations.
  • SNIPER ATP (2013): Multiplatform targeting systems, offering versatility and precision across multiple platforms.
  • Apache AH-64 (2015): Modernized targeting and vision systems, supporting the next generation of attack helicopters.

Our products are not only integral to these aviation and defense systems but also play crucial roles in other cutting-edge fields such as photolithography, agricultural imaging, medical imaging, water and gas analysis, and calibration.

Looking to the Future

As we look to the future, Andover Corporation remains committed to supporting the next generation of aerospace technologies from terrestrial aviation to satellites and deep-space probes. We understand the unique challenges associated with these markets, and our team is dedicated to delivering proven results that enable the success of our customers' most critical missions.

National Aviation Day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in aviation and aerospace and to look forward to the future of these industries. At Andover Corporation, we are honored to play a role in this ongoing journey, providing the precision optical solutions that help make aviation and aerospace innovations possible.

Andover Insights & Innovations

Discovering new possibilities in optical filtering

A collection of red-tinted chalcogenide glass optics, including circular, square, and cylindrical components, sourced from SCHOTT North America. These infrared optical materials are used in advanced optical systems for defense, aerospace, and industrial applications. Chalcogenide glass provides superior infrared transmission and thermal stability, making it a valuable alternative to germanium for IR optics.

Chalcogenide Glass: Advancing Optical Innovation in Defense

In the world of optical engineering for defense applications, material selection plays a critical role in system performance, durability, and...
Maria Josefa Yzuel, a distinguished physicist, sits in a laboratory surrounded by optical instruments and precision optics setups. She is known for her contributions to optical physics, particularly in the fields of diffractive optics and polarization. Her work has advanced applications in imaging, optical filtering, and photonics. The background features shelves with scientific books and equipment, reflecting her extensive research and academic contributions to optical sciences.

Celebrating Women in Optics: María Josefa Yzuel

As part of Andover Corporation's ongoing celebration of women pioneers in optics, this blog shines a spotlight on María Josefa...
Forensic Blog

Optics in Forensics: Advancing Criminal Investigations

Forensic science has played a vital role in criminal investigations for thousands of years. From magnifying glasses used in early...

Contact Our Team

Ready to discuss your optical needs? Whether you're looking for a quote or have technical questions, our expert team is here to help guide you to the perfect solution.