Artis

Artis, LLC, established in 2001, operates as a research and development contractor primarily serving United States government and defense agencies. The firm was co-founded by Keith Brendley, who serves as the President. Brendley's background includes a significant tenure at the Institute for Defense Analyses, where he focused on armaments and technology transfer, experience that directly informs Artis's specialization in advanced defense systems. The company's core business revolves around developing and maturing next-generation technology, with a notable focus on active protection systems (APS) for military vehicles.

A key product in the Artis portfolio is the Iron Curtain active protection system. This system is designed to defeat rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and other threats by detecting them as they approach a vehicle and deploying a countermeasure to neutralize them before impact. The technology utilizes a combination of radar sensors for detection and tracking, and a controlled explosive charge to defeat the incoming projectile. Artis has also developed other sophisticated technologies, including advanced sensor systems, embedded systems for real-time processing, and 3D imaging sensors. Another area of development is autonomous highway safety systems, specifically the 'Sentinel' system, which aims to protect highway workers from errant vehicles by creating an automated, actively protective work zone.

Artis's business model is centered on securing contracts from government entities such as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Office of Naval Research (ONR), and various branches of the U.S. Army. Revenue is generated through these research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) contracts, which position the company at the forefront of defense technology development. The firm serves a highly specialized market, providing bespoke solutions to complex national security challenges.

Keywords: active protection systems, government contracting, defense technology, R&D, military vehicles, Iron Curtain APS, embedded systems, highway safety systems, sensor technology, DARPA contractor