RESEARCH FRONTIERS ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF MICHAEL R. LAPOINTE, WHO LED EXPANSION OF SPD-SMART AEROSPACE PROGRAMS
Research Frontiers (Nasdaq: REFR), developer of SPD-SmartGlass technology, announced the retirement of Michael R. LaPointe, Vice President of Aerospace Products, effective September 15, 2025. LaPointe's 30-year association with the company since 1994 has been instrumental in commercializing SPD-Smart Electronically Dimmable Windows (EDWs) across various industries.
Under LaPointe's leadership, SPD-Smart EDWs have been adopted by major aircraft manufacturers including Airbus, Honda Aircraft, Textron Beechcraft, Epic Aircraft, Daher, and Dassault. The technology has been implemented in 5 helicopter OEM programs, 12 aircraft OEM programs, an airline retrofit program, and over 40 aftermarket aircraft models.
Research Frontiers (Nasdaq: REFR), sviluppatore della tecnologia SPD-SmartGlass, annuncia il pensionamento di Michael R. LaPointe, Vice Presidente dei Prodotti Aerospaziali, con effetto dal 15 settembre 2025. La sua collaborazione di 30 anni con l'azienda, dall'inizio nel 1994, è stata determinante per la commercializzazione delle SPD-Smart Electronic Dimmable Windows (EDWs) in vari settori.
Sotto la sua guida, SPD-Smart EDWs è stato adottato da importanti costruttori aerospaziali tra cui Airbus, Honda Aircraft, Textron Beechcraft, Epic Aircraft, Daher e Dassault. La tecnologia è stata implementata in 5 programmi OEM perelicotteri, 12 programmi OEM per aeromobili, in un programma di retrofit per una compagnia aerea e in oltre 40 modelli di aeromobili aftermarket.
Research Frontiers (Nasdaq: REFR), desarrollador de la tecnología SPD-SmartGlass, anunció la jubilación de Michael R. LaPointe, Vicepresidente de Productos Aeroespaciales, con efecto a partir del 15 de septiembre de 2025. La asociación de 30 años de LaPointe con la empresa, desde 1994, ha sido fundamental para comercializar las SPD-Smart Electronic Dimmable Windows (EDWs) en diversos sectores.
Bajo su liderazgo, SPD-Smart EDWs han sido adoptadas por importantes fabricantes de aeronaves, entre ellos Airbus, Honda Aircraft, Textron Beechcraft, Epic Aircraft, Daher y Dassault. La tecnología se ha implementado en 5 programas OEM de helicópteros, 12 programas OEM de aeronaves, un programa de modernización de una aerolínea y más de 40 modelos de aeronaves de posventa.
Research Frontiers (나스닥: REFR), SPD-SmartGlass 기술 개발사는 Michael R. LaPointe 이사회의 항공우주 제품 부문 부사장의 은퇴를 2025년 9월 15일부로 발표했습니다. 1994년부터 30년 간의 회사와의 협력은 SPD-Smart Electronically Dimmable Windows (EDWs) 를 다양한 산업에 상용화하는 데 중요한 역할을 했습니다.
그의 리더십 아래 SPD-Smart EDWs 는 에어버스, Honda Aircraft, Textron Beechcraft, Epic Aircraft, Daher, Dassault 와 같은 주요 항공기 제조사에 채택되었습니다. 이 기술은 5개의 헬리콥터 OEM 프로그램, 12개의 항공기 OEM 프로그램, 항공사 개조 프로그램, 그리고 40개 이상의 애프터마켓 항공기 모델에 구현되었습니다.
Research Frontiers (Nasdaq: REFR), développeur de la technologie SPD-SmartGlass, a annoncé la retraite de Michael R. LaPointe, Vice-président des produits aéronautiques, à compter du 15 septembre 2025. L’association de 30 ans de LaPointe avec l’entreprise, depuis 1994, a été déterminante pour la commercialisation des SPD-Smart Electronic Dimmable Windows (EDWs) dans divers secteurs.
Sous sa direction, les SPD-Smart EDWs ont été adoptés par les principaux constructeurs aéronautiques tels que Airbus, Honda Aircraft, Textron Beechcraft, Epic Aircraft, Daher et Dassault. La technologie a été mise en œuvre dans 5 programmes OEM d’hélicoptères, 12 programmes OEM d’aéronefs, un programme de retrofit aérien et plus de 40 modèles d’aéronefs après-vente.
Research Frontiers (Nasdaq: REFR), Entwickler der SPD-SmartGlass-Technologie, kündigte die Pensionierung von Michael R. LaPointe, Vizepräsident für Luft- und Raumfahrtprodukte, mit Wirkung zum 15. September 2025 an. LaPointes 30-jährige Verbindung zum Unternehmen seit 1994 war maßgeblich an der Kommerzialisierung von SPD-Smart Electronically Dimmable Windows (EDWs) in verschiedenen Branchen beteiligt.
Unter seiner Führung wurden SPD-Smart EDWs von großen Flugzeugherstellern wie Airbus, Honda Aircraft, Textron Beechcraft, Epic Aircraft, Daher und Dassault übernommen. Die Technologie wurde in 5 Hubschrauber-OEM-Programmen, 12 Flugzeug-OEM-Programmen, einem Airline-Retrofit-Programm und in über 40 Aftermarket-Flugzeugmodellen implementiert.
Research Frontiers (بورصة ناسداك: REFR)، مطوّر تقنية SPD-SmartGlass، يعلن تقاعد ميخائيل آر. لا بوانت، نائب رئيس منتجات الفضاء الجوية، اعتبارًا من 15 سبتمبر 2025. شراكة لا بوانت التي امتدت 30 عامًا مع الشركة منذ 1994 كانت حاسمة في تسويق SPD-Smart Electronically Dimmable Windows (EDWs) عبر صناعات مختلفة.
تحت قيادته، اعتمدت SPD-Smart EDWs من قبل كبار مصنّعي الطائرات بما في ذلك Airbus و Honda Aircraft و Textron Beechcraft و Epic Aircraft و Daher وDassault. تم تنفيذ التقنية في 5 برامج OEM للمروحيات، 12 برنامج OEM للطائرات، وبرنامج تعديل لطيران، وأكثر من 40 طرازًا من طائرات ما بعد البيع.
Research Frontiers (纳斯达克股票代码：REFR)，SPD-SmartGlass 技术的开发商，宣布 Michael R. LaPointe 将于 2025 年 9 月 15 日起退休，担任航空航天产品副总裁一职。LaPointe 自 1994 年起与公司的 30 年合作，对 SPD-Smart Electronically Dimmable Windows (EDWs) 在各行各业的商业化发挥了关键作用。
在他的领导下，SPD-Smart EDWs 已被主要航空制造商采用，包括 Airbus、Honda Aircraft、Textron Beechcraft、Epic Aircraft、Daher 和 Dassault。这项技术已在 5 个直升机 OEM 项目、12 个飞机 OEM 项目、一个航空公司改装项目以及超过 40 款售后市场飞机型号 中得到应用。
- Strong market adoption with SPD-Smart EDWs implemented across multiple major aircraft manufacturers
- Technology successfully commercialized in 5 helicopter OEM programs, 12 aircraft OEM programs, and 40+ aftermarket aircraft models
- Established partnerships with leading aerospace companies including Airbus, Honda Aircraft, and Dassault
- None.
WOODBURY, NY, Sept. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Research Frontiers Inc. (Nasdaq: REFR), the developer and licensor of SPD-SmartGlass technology, today announced that Michael R. LaPointe, Vice President – Aerospace Products, has retired from the Company effective September 15, 2025.
Mr. LaPointe has worked with Research Frontiers since 1994 and joined Research Frontiers as an employee in 2000 and served in a variety of senior leadership roles, including Vice President – Marketing, and Vice President – Aerospace Products. During his over 30 years of association with the Company, Mr. LaPointe made significant contributions to the commercialization and growth of SPD-Smart technology across architectural, automotive, museum and aerospace applications.
Under Mr. LaPointe’s leadership, Research Frontiers’ patented SPD-Smart Electronically Dimmable Windows (EDWs) have redefined the passenger experience across general aviation, business jets, helicopters, and commercial transport aircraft. Supplied through Research Frontiers’ licensed partners, SPD-Smart EDWs allow passengers and crews to instantly and precisely control light, glare, and heat at the touch of a button — preserving views, improving the perception of cabin space, reducing fatigue, and creating cooler, quieter cabins. Unlike slower electrochromic alternatives, SPD-Smart EDWs respond instantly to changing conditions, and automatically shift to their maximum heat-blocking state when needed most, such as during boarding on hot tarmacs. This unique performance delivers healthier daylight management, thermal and acoustic insulation, and seamless integration with other cabin systems for a superior passenger experience.
The programs that developed under Mr. LaPointe’s leadership highlight the growing adoption of SPD-Smart technology throughout aerospace. Today, leading aircraft OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, and airlines are embracing SPD-Smart EDWs as standard or featured equipment. Airbus has incorporated SPD-Smart EDWs into its ACJ TwoTwenty, while Airbus Helicopters has also selected SPD solutions. Additional adoption includes Honda Aircraft, Textron Beechcraft, Epic Aircraft, Daher, and Dassault. SPD-Smart EDWs have been contracted across five helicopter OEM programs, 12 aircraft OEM programs, an airline retrofit program, and more than 40 aftermarket aircraft models, confirming their unmatched ability to elevate passenger comfort, well-being, and operational efficiency in modern aviation.
Joseph M. Harary, President and CEO of Research Frontiers, noted: “Mike’s vision, energy, and commitment helped shape our aerospace business and strengthened our global partnerships. We are deeply grateful for his many contributions to Research Frontiers and the aerospace industry, and extend our warmest wishes as he begins his well-deserved retirement.”
Mr. LaPointe commented: “I am proud of my years at Research Frontiers and of our work to bring SPD-Smart technology to market. It has been an honor to work alongside such talented colleagues at Research Frontiers and to collaborate with the exceptional teams at our licensed partners around the world. Together, we have built lasting partnerships and advanced a technology that I’m certain will continue to transform the aerospace industry. I look forward to following the Company’s continued growth and success, and even broader adoption of SPD-Smart products for all industries.”
About Research Frontiers
Research Frontiers (Nasdaq: REFR) is a publicly traded technology company and the developer of patented SPD-Smart light-control film technology which allows users to instantly, precisely and uniformly control the shading of glass or plastic products, either manually or automatically. Research Frontiers has licensed its smart glass technology to numerous companies that include well known chemical, material science and glass companies. Products using Research Frontiers’ smart glass technology are being used in tens of thousands of cars, aircraft, yachts, trains, homes, offices, museums and other buildings. For more information, please visit our website at www.SmartGlass.com, and on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Note: From time to time Research Frontiers may issue forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. This press release contains forward-looking statements. Actual results, especially those reliant on activities by third parties, could differ and are not guaranteed. Any forward-looking statements should be considered accordingly. “SPD-Smart” and “SPD-SmartGlass” are trademarks of Research Frontiers Inc.
CONTACT
Joseph M. Harary
President and CEO
Research Frontiers Inc.
+1-516-364-1902
Info@SmartGlass.com
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