FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Cree Fayetteville, a research development firm that frequently collaborates with University of Arkansas researchers and faculty, has received a $4.1 million U.S. Air Force contract to develop a high-performance power electronic module for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

Cree Fayetteville, formerly as Arkansas Power Electronics Inc., will create the power electronic module at its facilities at the Arkansas Research and Technology Park in Fayetteville.

U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., toured Cree Fayetteville headquarters on Tuesday after the announcement.

“Cree is on the forefront of a number of exciting advancements, including the effort to modernize our aircraft for the U.S. Air Force,” he said. “The company’s contributions to an increase in high-tech domestic manufacturing in Northwest Arkansas help drive economic growth in our state and create more well-paying jobs for Arkansans.”

North Carolina-based Cree began operating in Arkansas in July with the acquisition of APEI.

In April 2014, the Air Force awarded another $3.5 million contract to Cree Fayetteville to develop the silicon power module for the F-35 fighter.

Cree Fayetteville specializes in advanced, high-performance electronics for the defense, aerospace and hybrid/electric vehicle markets. It specializes in silicon carbide semiconductors, multichip power modules, high-temperature packaging for electronic components and high-temperature circuits.