CRG Defense
CRG Defense is a Miamisburg, Ohio-based defense technology company that designs, prototypes, and manufactures missionized drones, advanced batteries, electric machines, composites, and additive manufacturing systems for the U.S. Department of Defense and select federal agencies, monetizing primarily through SBIR Phase III awards, IDIQ contract vehicles, and OTA agreements.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1997
- HeadquartersMiamisburg, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What CRG Defense does
CRG Defense (legal entity Cornerstone Research Group, Inc., dba CRG Defense) is a Miamisburg, Ohio-based defense technology company founded in 1997 by Pat Hood and operating as a subsidiary of Rushlight Assets. The company designs, prototypes, and manufactures missionized systems, advanced materials, power and energy systems, and aerospace platforms for the U.S. Department of Defense and select federal civilian agencies, organized across four divisions: Systems (attritable drones, the AeroVox and Bellbird drone payloads, heavy-lift UAS), Power (battery cells and packs in G, L, and P Series, electric machines from 1.5 to 50 kW, flexible-fuel generators, integrated from sub-brands AgilePower and Lectratek), Materiel (additive manufacturing using Roboze ARGO 1000 HYPERMELT and ARGO 500 HYPERSPEED systems, compression moldable composite molding compounds protected by U.S. Patent 12,084,203, shape memory polymer composites, and DIRT Bag maintenance enclosures), and Innovation (Acoustilytix bioacoustics, Exposure Awareness System wearables, Techno-Tort predator decoys, and heated boot liners). Core technology strengths include proprietary battery chemistries operating reliably down to -40°C with energy density up to 400 Wh/kg, 95%+ efficient high-voltage electric machines, large-format 3D printing for aerospace-grade polymers, and a fully domestic non-FEOC supply chain aligned to FCC Covered List and NDAA Section 842 requirements.
The company makes money almost exclusively through U.S. government contracting. Primary revenue streams are SBIR/STTR Phase I and II R&D awards, sole-source Phase III production awards derived from prior SBIR work, prime IDIQ contract vehicles including Mobility Platform Prototyping, Power Systems SBIR III, MDA SHIELD ($151B ceiling), and JAMA, and Other Transaction Agreements through membership in 18+ DoD consortia. Customers include the U.S. Air Force (B-1 Bomber ALQ-161 modernization, Ballistic Conformal Battery, high-temperature 3D printer), U.S. Army (50 kW motor/generator under a $17.25M initiative), U.S. Navy and USMC (FOSOV), DARPA (XRQ-73 SHEPARD), Missile Defense Agency (hypersonic carbon-carbon composites), DHS (Bellbird drone audio), NASA (thermal protection 3D printing), and USSOCOM (Arctic Warrior Experiment, mobility platforms). Recent enterprise scale includes a 65-acre secure campus with 126,000 sq ft of manufacturing, approximately 100 CRG employees within a 180-person Rushlight Assets enterprise, and a stated plan to add 250 high-paying jobs over three years; historical scale includes eight Inc. 5000 appearances and 98% revenue growth from 2018 to 2021. The company is positioning around a fully domestic, non-FEOC supply chain as federal UAS and battery sourcing restrictions tighten.
CRG Defense firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- CRG Defense
- Legal name
- Cornerstone Research Group, Inc.
- Website
- https://crgdefense.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1997
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- CRG Defense is a Miamisburg, Ohio-based defense technology company that designs, prototypes, and manufactures missionized drones, advanced batteries, electric machines, composites, and additive manufacturing systems for the U.S. Department of Defense and select federal agencies, monetizing primarily through SBIR Phase III awards, IDIQ contract vehicles, and OTA agreements.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where CRG Defense is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Miamisburg
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
CRG Defense business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Government R&D Contracts (SBIR/STTR): Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer funding agreements with federal agencies including DoD, DHS, DOE, NASA, NIH, and NSF. Phase I and Phase II awards fund R&D prototyping, with Phase III contracts for production follow-on.
- Phase III SBIR Follow-On Production: Sole-source Phase III contracts derived from prior SBIR/STTR work, allowing rapid procurement without competition requirements already satisfied under Phase I/II awards.
- IDIQ Contract Task Orders: Prime contractor on multiple Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity vehicles including Mobility Platform Prototyping (MPP), Power Systems SBIR III, MDA SHIELD, and JAMA IDIQ for rapid-response government requirements.
- Defense and Commercial Products: Sale of advanced battery cells, packs, motors, propulsion systems, drone payloads, and additive manufacturing components to defense and commercial customers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Government contracting via established procurement vehicles |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels4 records
CRG Defense product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CRG Defense is a defense technology platform company that designs, develops, and manufactures advanced battery cells and packs, electric machines and motor/generator systems, drone communication and audio payloads, additive manufacturing, composite materials, and missionized systems (including attritable drones and hybrid-electric aircraft) for U.S. Department of Defense, federal agencies, and select commercial customers. The company operates four divisions—Systems, Power, Materiel, and Innovation—delivering integrated prototype-to-production capabilities on a 65-acre secure campus in Miamisburg, Ohio.
Product overview
CRG Defense operates as a defense technology platform company offering integrated product development and manufacturing across multiple divisions: Systems Division (missionized systems including drones, attritable aircraft, and embedded AI), Power Division (battery cells/packs, electric machines, flexible fuel generators, integrated from AgilePower and Lectratek), Materiel Division (additive manufacturing using ARGO 3D printers, DIRT Bag maintenance enclosures, composite materials), and Innovation Division (emerging technologies including bioacoustics, wearable systems, and training systems). The product portfolio includes AeroVox drone communication payload, battery solutions (G/L/P Series), electric motors/controllers (1.5-50 kW), heated boot liners, Ballistic Conformal Battery, Bellbird drone audio system, DIRT Bag maintenance enclosures, and specialty systems like Techno-Tort and Exposure Awareness System. The company serves DoD, federal agencies, and commercial customers through SBIR/STTR programs, IDIQ contract vehicles, and OTA agreements.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- AgilePower: Mobile power solutions including safe, lightweight battery packs and power electronics leveraging lithium-ion and lithium metal chemistries for mobile environments.
- Lectratek
- Techno-Tort
- DIRT Bag
- Acoustilytix
Products and services
- AeroVox Drone Communication Payload Lightweight two-way drone communication payload that enables remote two-way communication from the air without landing. Weighs under 2 kg, includes a directional microphone with background noise cancellation, and is designed for defense, public safety, and border security operators who need persistent aerial audio communication.
- Battery Cells and Packs (G/L/P Series) Advanced U.S.-made battery cells and packs including G Series graphite-anode cells, L Series lithium-metal cells, and P Series primary batteries. Operate reliably down to -40°C, with energy density up to 400 Wh/kg rechargeable and 450 Wh/kg primary; NDAA compliant with non-FEOC supply chain.
- Electric Machines and Control Systems Scalable electric motor and generator platforms spanning 1.5 kW to 50 kW with high-voltage (400-800 VDC) controllers, electromagnetic optimization, and 95%+ system efficiency. Includes portable generator systems and 25 kW motor controllers. AS9100D-compliant.
- 50 kW Electric Motor/Generator System Lightweight 50-kilowatt-class permanent magnet electric motor/generator for hybrid-electric military vehicles. Optimized for high-voltage (400-800V) military systems, designed, sourced, and manufactured entirely in the United States.
- Flexible Fuel Generator Ultra-efficient flex fuel generator technology that reduces fuel consumption by up to 45% compared to traditional diesel generators and enables seamless transitions between available fuels for resilient operations during fuel supply disruptions.
- Heated Boot Liners Slim, conformal, flame-resistant, Berry-compliant heated boot liner providing autonomous frostbite protection down to -49°F. Activates only when cold temperatures are detected and integrates seamlessly with existing military boots.
- Ballistic Conformal Battery (BCB) Centralized wearable power source that integrates into body armor vests to power radios, mobile devices, visual augmentation systems, and communication equipment. Provides 100-300 Wh of power with customizable threat protection.
- DIRT Bag DB-6090 Deployable Maintenance Enclosure 60 x 60 x 90 inch portable maintenance enclosure (DIRT Bag) for aircraft sustainment. Reconfigurable with customizable frame, provides FOD-free environment with 360-degree viewing area for field repairs.
- DIRT Bag DB-2424 Compact Maintenance Enclosure Compact 24 x 24 x 13 inch portable maintenance enclosure kit for aircraft repairs. Lightweight, quick-install, FOD-free with 360-degree transparent viewing area and reconfigurable frame.
- Bellbird High-Fidelity Drone Audio System Unmanned aircraft audio system equipped with Mobile Sound Shield for clear voice commands and warning tones at safe distances. VTOL-capable for rapid deployment from ground vehicles or stationary stations; designed for public safety and crowd management.
- Exposure Awareness System (EAS) Wearable sensor system developed with VigiLife using the SafeGuard platform to track heart rate, core body temperature, and exposure to airborne particles and gases for first responder and firefighter health and safety monitoring.
- Acoustilytix Intelligent Bioacoustics System Machine learning and ultrasonic sensing system that detects crop stress by capturing high-frequency 'pops' produced when plants experience water stress. Originally developed for NASA under SBIR/STTR contracts.
- Techno-Tort Training System Realistic 3D-printed juvenile desert tortoise decoy with motion-detecting cameras and non-lethal deterrent (methyl anthranilate) to modify raven predator behavior and protect endangered desert tortoises.
- Heavy Lift Drone Platforms Aircraft platforms developed by CRG Defense's Aerospace Systems Center, varying in weight from 50 to 1200 pounds with wingspans up to 30 feet; supports attritable drone and hybrid-electric missionized systems.
Quantifiable outcome
- Prototype to flight test in under 6 months
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use CRG Defense
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
CRG Defense technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
AI capability2 records
Feature6 records
CRG Defense partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and strategic.
- Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI)coreMulti-year collaboration on B-1 Bomber ALQ-161 Defensive Avionics modernization, working with MERC and B-1 Program Office to refine antenna angle of arrival kit design, manufacturing, and qualification testing.
- Mercer Engineering Research Center (MERC)coreMulti-year collaboration on B-1 Bomber ALQ-161 Defensive Avionics modernization, providing technical support alongside GTRI and CRG Defense.
- Draganfly Inc.coreCRG Defense integrated its AeroVox payload onto Draganfly's large unmanned aircraft systems for demonstration at U.S. border security operations in Cochise County, Arizona. Draganfly is a NASDAQ-listed drone solutions company (NASDAQ: DPRO) serving public safety, agriculture, and security markets.
- Central State UniversitysupportingCollaboration on Acoustilytix bioacoustics system adaptation for precision agriculture. University contributes expertise in urban agriculture and crop stress detection.
- UTAC (Uniting Technical and Tactical Excellence)supportingUTAC provides rapid prototyping shop and demonstration environment enabling CRG Defense to showcase and rapidly iterate AeroVox technology with defense and public safety operators.
- Norwegian Special Operations Command (NORSOCOM)supportingNORSOCOM co-organized Arctic Warrior Experiment 2025 with USSOCOM, providing international technical experimentation venue for testing CRG's heated boot liner technology in Norway's frigid environment.
- RobozestrategicItalian manufacturer of ARGO 1000 HYPERMELT and ARGO 500 HYPERSPEED 3D printing systems acquired by CRG Defense. CRG is among first companies globally and second in U.S. to acquire these systems for secure defense manufacturing.
- PDW (Precision Drone Works)supportingAlabama-based drone technology company that explored integrating AeroVox onto C100 sUAS platform during UTAC 2025 demonstration. Custom adapter plate was rapidly designed and 3D-printed on-site to complete integration.
- VigiLifecoreCollaboration to develop Exposure Awareness System (EAS) - wearable sensors and VigiLife's SafeGuard platform delivering real-time data on firefighter health and safety including heart rate, core body temperature, and airborne particle exposure.
- FirstSpear Technology GroupstrategicFirstSpear served as distribution and co-development partner for Heated Boot Liner technology, displaying prototypes at the SAFE Association Symposium and facilitating scaled-up production and distribution.
- EXO2coreCo-development partner with Clemson Textiles for heated boot liner technology providing frostbite protection down to -49°F with flame-resistant, Berry-compliant design.
- Clemson TextilescoreCo-development partner with EXO2 for heated boot liner technology providing frostbite protection down to -49°F with flame-resistant, Berry-compliant design.
- Rushlight VenturescoreCRG's sister company and commercialization arm of the Rushlight Assets enterprise. CRG's defense technologies are advanced commercially through Rushlight Ventures, including composite manufacturing technology licensing.
- HardShell LabscoreCo-development partnership to create Techno-Tort predator training system - realistic 3D-printed tortoise replicas with species-specific nonlethal repellent spray to protect endangered desert tortoises from raven predation.
- Karman Space & Defense (Trive Capital)strategicKarman Space & Defense acquired CRG's MG Resin family of technologies, backed by private equity firm Trive Capital. Acquisition represents significant expansion of Karman's carbon/carbon market competencies and assures MG Resin value delivery across space, missile, defense, and hypersonic supply chains.
- NASAcoreNASA selected CRG as one of 17 U.S. companies for Space Technology Mission Directorate partnerships to evaluate 3D printing methods using slurry-based thermoset resins for thermal protective systems, partnering with NASA Johnson and Ames centers.
- Spintech LLCcoreCRG's affiliate and contractor team member for aircraft engine inlet duct improvement project with AFRL. Joint team conducted research to replace legacy manufacturing with automated overbraid process and shape-memory polymer mandrels.
- A&P TechnologysupportingContractor team member with CRG and Spintech for AFRL aircraft engine inlet duct improvement project, contributing overbraid architecture expertise.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves11 records
Expansion highlights6 records
CRG Defense competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Parsons Corporation: Public defense and critical infrastructure integrator (NYSE: PSN) with deep DoD footprint in sensors, mission solutions, and advanced materials. Comparable as a broader competitor for the same DoD program dollars.
- L3Harris Technologies: Public defense prime (NYSE: LHX) providing integrated mission systems across space, air, land, sea, and cyber domains. Comparable as an incumbent competitor in power/propulsion, UAS, and tactical communications adjacencies.
Direct peers
- Kratos Defense & Security Solutions: Public defense platform (NASDAQ: KTOS) producing jet propulsion, unmanned tactical aircraft, and high-performance systems for DoD. Overlaps with CRG's unmanned systems, propulsion, and hypersonic adjacencies.
- AeroVironment: Public unmanned aircraft systems provider (NASDAQ: AVAV) producing tactical UAS, loitering munitions, and integrated tactical energy solutions. Comparable to CRG in the attritable/UAS and defense battery/power product lanes.
- Mercury Systems: Public mission-critical defense electronics provider (NASDAQ: MRCY) supplying sensors, RF/microwave, and processing subsystems to DoD primes. Comparable to CRG's missionized systems, sensor payloads, and defense electronics adjacencies.
- Karman Space & Defense: Trive Capital-backed integrator of composites for space, missile defense, and hypersonic applications. Direct peer — and acquirer of CRG's MG Resin family — operating in the same carbon-carbon composite, hypersonic, and space materials categories.
Emerging players
- Anduril Industries: Private venture-backed defense tech platform building attritable UAS, autonomous systems, and propulsion capabilities. Comparable to CRG's Systems Division roadmap and attritable drone ambition.
- Shield AI: Private AI-first defense technology company producing autonomous UAS (V-BAT) and Hivemind autonomy stack. Comparable to CRG on autonomous unmanned aircraft and defense AI.
- Skydio: Private UAS manufacturer with growing defense/public-safety unit. Comparable to CRG on small unmanned aircraft systems and dual-use drone payloads such as AeroVox and Bellbird.
Others
- Battelle Memorial Institute: Large nonprofit R&D organization that operates a federal-funded research portfolio closely resembling CRG's SBIR/STTR-driven defense lab model. Comparable in mission structure, technology diversification, and government customer base.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
CRG Defense social profiles
Digital presenceCRG Defense compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
CRG Defense financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
CRG Defense leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
CRG Defense subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
CRG Defense funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
CRG Defense M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about CRG Defense
What does CRG Defense do?
CRG Defense is a defense technology platform company that designs, develops, and manufactures advanced battery cells and packs, electric machines and motor/generator systems, drone communication and audio payloads, additive manufacturing, composite materials, and missionized systems (including attritable drones and hybrid-electric aircraft) for U.S. Department of Defense, federal agencies, and select commercial customers. The company operates four divisions—Systems, Power, Materiel, and Innovation—delivering integrated prototype-to-production capabilities on a 65-acre secure campus in Miamisburg, Ohio.
Is CRG Defense a public or private company?
CRG Defense is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was CRG Defense founded?
CRG Defense was founded in 1997. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is CRG Defense based?
CRG Defense is headquartered in Miamisburg, United States, in the North America region.
How does CRG Defense make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Government R&D Contracts (SBIR/STTR) is the primary driver. The others are phase III SBIR Follow-On Production, IDIQ Contract Task Orders and defense and Commercial Products.
Who are CRG Defense's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Parsons Corporation and L3Harris Technologies. Direct peers are Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, AeroVironment, Mercury Systems and Karman Space & Defense. Emerging players are Anduril Industries, Shield AI and Skydio. Battelle Memorial Institute is listed as an others.
Does CRG Defense have an API?
No public API is recorded for CRG Defense.