DAYTON, Ohio (AP) -- A research laboratory at Ohio's Wright-Patterson Air Force Base has awarded a $24.1 million equipment development contract to a company in nearby Beavercreek.

The Dayton Daily News ( http://bit.ly/HtaMFZ ) reports Defense Engineering Corp. was awarded a six-year contract to create sensing equipment to keep aircraft from colliding in midair. Such technology could enable unmanned aircraft to detect oncoming planes and automatically change course to avoid crashing.

A lab official says the sensor technology would boost flight safety and be a key to allowing unmanned aircraft to pass through airspace used by planes carrying people.

He says the company also is tasked with creating sensors to help protect troops from small-arms fire and surface-to-air missiles.

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Information from: Dayton Daily News, http://www.daytondailynews.com