Acoustic Emissions Testing of Air Storage Vessels at APTU Is Cost-Savings Effort by Deidre Ortiz AEDC Public Affairs

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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID TULLAHOMA TN Vol. 64, No. 20 Arnold AFB, Tenn. PERMIT NO. 29 October 23, 2017 Acoustic emissions testing of air storage vessels at APTU is cost-savings effort By Deidre Ortiz AEDC Public Affairs

In an effort to save money and have less facility down-time, a new technique was used at the AEDC Aerodynamic and Propulsion Test Unit (APTU) at Arnold Air Force Base to inspect the high pressure air storage vessels. Adam Fanning, Air Force Asset manager for the von Kármán Gas Dy- namics Facility, explained that high pressure acoustic emissions testing is being implemented to inspect the large bottles at APTU for cracks. “We haven’t done this at Arnold before, but the inspection technique has been used since the 1970s at other places,” he said. “This technique has been identified as a replacement for volumetric testing.” Fanning added that this technique also prevents the bottles from being taken physically out of the system. “There is less down time, because previously you’d have to take the 90 Top and inset: A member of a rope crew with an outside bottles and X-ray them,” he contractor sets sensors on the bottles at the AEDC Aero- said. “With this, you pump dynamic and Propulsion Test Unit (APTU) to detect flaws. the bottles to 105 to 110 In an effort to save money and have less facility down- percent pressure and listen time, a new technique was used to inspect the high pressure air storage vessels at APTU. (U.S. Air Force photo/ for a flaw or crack growth.” Rick Goodfriend)

See EMISSIONS, page 4 Tunnel 9 celebrates a historic milestone this month By Bradley Hicks AEDC Public Affairs

In the same year the U.S. Air Force is celebrating its 70th anniversary, Hypervelocity Wind Tunnel 9 is celebrating a historic milestone of its own. October marks the 20th anniversary of the Hyperve- locity Wind Tunnel 9 as an Air Force facility. Tunnel 9, an AEDC site located at White Oak, Mary- land near Silver Spring, became operational in 1976. The facility provides aerodynamic simulation critical to the development of hypersonic systems, including critical altitude regimes associated with strategic missile systems and advanced defensive interceptor systems, and hypersonic vehicle technologies. The facility supports testing for Air Force, Navy, Army, Missile Defense Agency and NASA programs, as well as advanced hypersonic technologies such as wave-rider-type vehicles, scramjet inlets and transat- mospheric space planes. “As we pass this 20-year milestone as an Air Force Test Facility, a few recollections come to mind,” said Tunnel 9 Site Director Dan Marren. “In the first decade as an AEDC facility, we were getting our balance as we The Air Force HIFEX vehicle geometry test was conducted in the AEDC Hypervelocity Wind Tunnel 9. HIFEX strived to build our processes, adjust to a new manager, is a joint U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and German Aerospace Centre effort to advance the maturity and exist without any local support. In the second de- of enabling technologies for the realization of a next generation hypersonic aerospace system. October cade, having put the basics in place, the Tunnel 9 team marks the 20th anniversary of the Hypervelocity Wind Tunnel 9 as an Air Force facility. (AEDC file photo) operating as a true CTF [Combined Test Force], made amazing strides in revolutionizing our product, offer- many, Tunnel 9 was kept open and continues to provide storage heater with pressures up to 1,900 standard at- ing several new capabilities, diagnostics and insights renowned capabilities to test hypersonic weapons at mosphere and temperatures up to 3,650 degrees Reyn- for our customers. The advances in capability matched speeds as high as 14 times the speed of sound and over olds. Axisymmetric contoured nozzles for Mach 6, 7, 8, with growth of our technical staff skills was impres- a wide range of altitude conditions. 10 and 14 operation are also available. sive.” Tunnel 9 is the primary high Mach number and high The facility is also unique worldwide in its ability In 1995, just two years before becoming an Air Force Reynolds number facility for hypersonic ground testing to provide a high Mach number, flight-representative facility, the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) and the validation of computational simulations for the environment for seconds of run time on large-scale ge- commission closed the Navy White Oak site and threat- Air Force and Department of Defense, or DOD. Advan- ometries. ened to close Tunnel 9. However, through the efforts of tages of Tunnel 9 over other facilities include its unique See MILESTONE, page 3

AEDC team member Kim Russell and her mule Gus land cover of Western Mule Magazine …Page 3 2 • October 23, 2017

Arnold Air Force Air Force psychologist considers social Base media’s role in suicide prevention By Peter Holstein Air Force Surgeon ocial media can be Public Affairs General Office of Public San effective tool to Affairs connect leaders to their As a relative newcomer to the world Col. Scott Cain FALLS CHURCH, Airmen, including civilians to ensure she receives the latest Commander Va. (AFNS) – Social in the total force media connects us to more Lt. Col. Alicia Matteson Russell, AEDC real property spe- Jason Austin people than ever before, ” - Chief, but these contacts may Public Affairs social media with suicide, social media can also not be the type that help it is often in a negative way. play a valuable role in The magazines are typically build resiliency. Strong We think of cyber-bullying suicide prevention efforts, with photographs, stories and interpersonal connections or lonely teenagers with especially to help officers play a critical role in “ Airmen,” said Matteson. their posts change, if they Cynthia Rivera thousands of virtual friends know the Airmen under suicide prevention. Used “It’s true, we are very are saying things that are But the June edition of Western General Manager, but none in real life. Those their command. correctly, social media can examples do exist and are “I recently served as a busy, but it is critical to uncharacteristic of them, National Aerospace take the time to know your or things like ‘I’m done, Solutions be an important tool in the a serious concern, says squadron commander, and Airmen, and what’s going I’m fed up, I hate my High Mach Staff: suicide prevention toolbox Lt. Col. Alicia Matteson, I sometimes heard from the “When I went out to the mailbox, it for commanders, friends, on in their lives, to ask the life,’ it can be a sign that Kathy Gattis, chief of Air Force suicide leaders in my organization questions.” a leader needs to engage A photograph of Russell atop her NAS Executive Editor and family. prevention programs. that they were too busy When people associate However, she says that to be connected to their Keeping a finger on the immediately.” -old mule, whose full name is Raquel March, emotional pulse of Airmen Although socialIt’s All About the Gusto, graced that NAS Editor is extremely important media can be an effective s cover. High Mach is published by for leaders to gauge the window into Airmen’s Lakeway Publishers, Inc. a pri- The picture, which depicts Russell vate firm in no way connected emotional well-being of inner thoughts, it is not fectionately known as with the U.S. Air Force, Arnold their subordinates, and necessarily the best tool Air Force Base, Arnold Engi- know when they may need to respond, says Matteson. neering Development Complex additional assistance. An in-person interaction, (AEDC) or National Aerospace “Social media can be or over the phone if that Solutions (NAS), under exclu- - sive written contract with NAS an effective tool to connect connection is not possible,mer in Shelbyville. at Arnold AFB, Tenn., 37389. leaders to their Airmen, is more likely to make an While pleased, Russell wanted to Everything advertised in including civilians in the impact. The first line of this publication will be made total force,” said Matteson. defense against suicide available for purchase, use action ended up on the cover of or patronage without regard “It can be texting groups, is human interaction, and estern Mule Magazine. This led her to race, color, religion, sex, Facebook groups, or connecting with something s editors, who national origin, age, marital sta- something else. It’s a good bigger then yourself. f go through proofs tus, physical handicap, political way to get information Leaders can make their affiliation or any other non- - merit factor of the purchaser, out quickly, but it’s also Airmen feel like valuedlecting an image for the cover. user or patron. a means to look at what members of the unit, and Landing the cover of Western Mule The High Mach office is people are saying and help build resiliency. located at 100 Kindel Drive, posting.” Preventing suicide is Suite A236, Arnold AFB, Tenn. 37389-1236. Editorial content Social media the responsibility of every is edited and prepared by NAS. documents major life member of the Air Force “Ten years ago, if somebody had Deadline for copy is Wednes- events, like the death of a community, from the day at close of business one loved one or a divorce that highest-ranking military ,’” Russell said. week before publication. can be triggers for suicidal and civilian leadership, This commercial enterprise Russell came across Gus three newspaper is an allowable behavior. Sudden changes all the way to the new NAS contractor publication in online behavior, enrollees in basic training. Although the then 7-year-old for personnel at Arnold AFB. negative posts that are Using every tool to build The content of High Mach out of character, or even connections strengthens does not necessarily reflect the views of the Air Force, Arnold explicit contemplation of relationships within a unit, “[The ad said that] this mule can AFB, AEDC or NAS. The ap- suicide, can all be warning and helps build a sense f of him and he will pearance of advertising in this signs. of community that is a - publication does not constitute “Sometimes, social valuable bulwark againstmount,” Russell said. “Now I’m inter- endorsement of the products media is where you feelings of isolation, or services advertised by the ested.” Department of Defense, the will see the first sign depression, and substance Russell traveled to southern Indiana Department of the Air Force, that something is going abuse, all of which are - Arnold AFB, AEDC, NAS or wrong,” said Matteson. “If major risk factors forern middle Tennessee. Lakeway Publishers, Inc. their posts, or the tone of suicide. “This is the first mule I’ve ever For general information about High Mach, call (931) 454-5655 or visit www. And Russell had big plans for Gus. arnold.af.mil. Use High Mach to market your products and services. Contact Renee at 931- 455-4545 or tnadvmgr@ lcs.net. 1. Russell applied the reining skills

Core Values • Integrity first • Service before self • Excellence in all we do

Vision “NAS will be integral to the success of AEDC, the U. S. Air Force’s premier aerospace testing facilities, while applying the highest standards of ethics, innovation, safety, security, and quality to daily operations.” Values • Ethics. We are uncompromising in our Action Line integrity, honesty, and fairness. Smoking Policy • Safety & Health. We are relentless in keeping people safe from harm, and 1. The following revised Arnold AFB smoking policy is effective immediately and applies to all individuals on Team AEDC we provide a safe and healthy work Arnold AFB. I believe in free and open communications environment. 2. Traditional Tobacco products (e.g. cigars and cigarettes): with our Team AEDC employees, and that’s • Security. We are disciplined and vigilant a. Smoking is permitted solely in Designated Tobacco Areas (DTAs) identified by designated signage. If no in protecting sensitive AEDC information why we have the Action Line available. and ensuring system integrity to support signage exists, smoking is not permitted in that area. It is the responsibility of all smokers to keep DTAs People can use the Action Line to clear national security and our customers. clean of cigarette butts. • Excellence. We thrive on challenge, b. Tobacco use on the Arnold AFB Golf Course is permitted, but discouraged based on the health hazards up rumors, ask questions, suggest ideas accomplishment, and mission success. of tobacco use and secondhand smoke. No smoking is permitted within 50 feet of golf course buildings on improvements, enter complaints or • Quality. We are passionate about doing our work right the first time. except in the approved DTA. get other issues off their chests. They • People. We have a mission-focused, c. Smoking in government-owned/leased vehicles is strictly prohibited. Personnel are allowed to smoke in their can access the Action Line via the AEDC inclusive workforce who have a diverse personal vehicles at any time; however, at no time will personnel discard cigarette butts outside their vehicle. intranet home page and by calling 454-6000. skill set, are committed to success, d. For government employees, the fact that a person smokes has no bearing on the number of breaks they demonstrate innovation and have a can Although the Action Line is always do attitude. may take. Breaks should be taken in accordance with the current supervisory and personnel policies that available, the best and fastest way to get • Culture. Our team is proud of our diver- afford all employees the same break opportunities consistent with good work practices and accomplish- things resolved is by using your chain of sity, inclusiveness, and collaborative work ment of the mission. environment. We are proud of what we do 3. Smokeless Tobacco products (e.g. snuff and dip): command or by contacting the organization and how we do it. directly involved. I encourage everyone to • Relationships. We build positive, long- Smokeless tobacco products are not to be restricted to DTAs. Smokeless tobacco use will be permitted in all term business relationships through trust, workplace areas (inside and out) subject to reasonable safety and sanitary conditions. Specifically, containers go that route first, then if the situation isn’t respect, and collaboration. of tobacco waste product, including sealed containers, must not be left unattended or disposed of in trash made right, give us a chance. • Innovation. We overcome challenges receptacles. Users of smokeless tobacco must flush tobacco waste down the toilet. through creativity, perseverance, technol- 4. Electronic Cigarettes (also known as “e-cigs”): ogy, and flexibility. We actively seek to Col. Scott Cain continually improve. Pursuant to Air Force Instruction (AFI) 40-102, Tobacco Free Living, e-cigs are considered to be equivalent to AEDC Commander • Sustainability. We plan and act for the tobacco products; however, e-cigs are not restricted to DTAs and are allowed to be used outdoors at a minimum long term benefit of our communities and distance of 25 feet from building entry/egress points. (This policy is dated July 27, 2016) our environment. October 23, 2017 • 3 Air Force psychologist considers social AEDC team member Kim Russell and her mule media’s role in suicide prevention Gus land cover of Western Mule Magazine By Bradley Hicks day after work and on the weekends. AEDC Public Affairs “I did it myself,” Russell said. “I didn’t send him off to anyone.” As a relative newcomer to the world Gus had received basic training of mule ownership, Kim Russell takes from his prior owner, just enough, Rus- steps to ensure she receives the latest sell said, to break the mule for riding. mule-related news and tips. But Gus proved to be a quick study Russell, AEDC real property spe- and, just seven months after acquiring cialist, subscribes to both of the na- him, Russell entered Gus into his first tional periodicals devoted to all things national show – the 2015 Great Cel- mule. The magazines are typically ebration Mule & Donkey Show held in filled with photographs, stories and Shelbyville. information on activities such as rides Gus took home top prize in the their posts change, and shows. Open Silver Amateur Trail competi- But the June edition of Western tion. uncharacteristic Mule Magazine contained something During the 2016 show, when the or things like ‘I’m unexpected. image that would eventually find its “When I went out to the mailbox, it way onto the cover of Western Mule life,’ was a complete surprise,” Russell said. Magazine was snapped by photogra- A photograph of Russell atop her pher Jon McCarthy, Gus won the Open immediately.” 10-year-old mule, whose full name is Mule Reining Class, a competition that It’s All About the Gusto, graced that Russell said is typically dominated by media can be an efmonth’s cover. quarter horses. window into Airmen’ The picture, which depicts Russell Reining is a discipline in which ani- and the mule affectionately known as mals are judged on their ability to be necessarily “Gus” participating in an open mule willingly guided through a precise pat- to respond, says reining class competition, was taken tern that has a series of spins, circles An in-person during the 2016 Great Celebration and stops. or over the phone if Mule & Donkey Show held last sum- Gus continued his winning ways connection mer in Shelbyville. this past summer by placing first in is more likely to make While pleased, Russell wanted to an open reining class held in Missouri impact. The first lineknow how the picture of her and Gus over Labor Day weekend. He also won defense against in action ended up on the cover of one of the two obstacle course classes is human interaction, Western Mule Magazine. This led her in which he competed in the Alabama to contact the magazine’s editors, who Chuckwagon Races, an event held an- bigger then advised that the staff go through proofs nually in Tuscumbia, Alabama. of previously taken photos when se- An illness prevented Russell from lecting an image for the cover. getting Gus to the Great Celebration Landing the cover of Western Mule Mule & Donkey Show held this past help build resiliency. Magazine is just the latest feather in July, but she said she may take him to To the surprise of Kim Russell, AEDC property specialist, the June edition of West- the cap of the mule Russell acquired in a show to be held in Oklahoma the first ern Mule Magazine featured herself and her mule Gus at the 2016 Great Celebration the responsibility November 2014. weekend of November. Mule & Donkey Show held last summer in Shelbyville, where Gus won the Open member of the “Ten years ago, if somebody had Mules, the offspring of female Mule Reining Class. (Courtesy photo) community said I was going to own a mule, I would horses and male donkeys, have a repu- highest-ranking have said, ‘No way,’” Russell said. tation for being “dumb” and “stub- and civilian Russell came across Gus three born,” Russell said. years ago while perusing Craigslist for But she added, if Gus is any indi- enrollees mules. Although the then 7-year-old cation, mules are the equine equal to Using every tool mule had never been shown, several horses and are even more surefooted things about Gus appealed to Russell. than horses on riding trails. “[The ad said that] this mule can “He’s a great multipurpose ride,” and helps build a have a gun shot off of him and he will Russell said of Gus. “I turn around and of community that lay down for you to mount or dis- also trail ride him, too. He wears many valuable mount,” Russell said. “Now I’m inter- hats.” feelings ested.” Russell said she was previously Russell traveled to southern Indiana contacted by an author working on a abuse, all of which to bring Gus to his new home in south- book to dispel the stigma surround- ern middle Tennessee. ing mules. This author asked if Gus’ suicide. “This is the first mule I’ve ever pictures could be included within the bought or owned,” Russell said. book’s pages. And Russell had big plans for Gus. Russell’s 3-year-old grandson She became interested in getting a Caisen adores Gus, and she also plans mule several years after stepping away on acquiring more mules in the future, from training and showing horses, an as Gus, now a cover boy to go along activity she had participated in since with being a multi-time national cham- the age of 11. pion, has proven to be a great invest- Russell applied the reining skills ment. Kim Russell, AEDC property specialist, shows off the reining skills of her mule Gus. Russell had shown horses in competitions for many years but later became she had honed during her years of “Right now, I’m just afraid to sell interested in acquiring a mule. She later found Gus through an ad on Craigslist and training horses to Gus. She rode and him because I know he’s going to be has since trained him to become a competition-winning mule. (Courtesy photo/Kim worked with the mule virtually each really difficult to replace,” she said. Russell)

MILESTONE from page 1

Other hypervelocity facilities have run times of a few milliseconds, but the long test times available at Tunnel 9, typically on the order of 1 second up to 15 seconds, provide higher productivity by allowing for parametric variation such as an angle-of-attack sweep or flow survey during a single run. The 5-foot diameter test cell accommodates large-scale heavily instrumented test ar- ticles. This combination of operational range, long test times and a large test cell makes Tunnel 9 the highest Reynolds number, largest scale ground-test facility in the world, capable of simul- taneously collecting continuous pitch-polar static force and mo- ment, pressure and heat-transfer data during each run. Having the capability to test at flight- matched Reynolds numbers provides a significant risk re- duction for the design and eval- Hypervelocity Wind Tunnel 9 staff looks on as the test crew executes run 4000 in 2015. October marks the 20th anniversary of uation of hypersonic systems. the Hypervelocity Wind Tunnel 9 as an Air Force facility. (U.S. Air Force photo/A.J. Spicer) Tunnel 9 provides a useful window thermal-structural and ready see increasing workload difficult challenge. Editorial note: Information and cost-effective environment aero-optic, shroud removal, with some of the highest prior- “Finally, I see the seeds of for this article was gathered for research and development hypersonic inlet, fundamental ity work in the DOD, helping workforce skills development from the article, “White Oak test and evaluation as well as flow physics and computational hypersonic technologies reach we put in place grow to where reaches 10-year mark as AEDC for investigating the complex fluid dynamics validation- ex acquisition. I also see recapital- not only will we have the right facility,” from the Oct. 5, 2007, physics associated with hyper- periments. izing our aging infrastructure in capability and tools but an ex- edition of High Mach and the sonic science and technology. “In our next decade, I can a way that guarantees that we tremely insightful and curious “Hypervelocity Wind Tunnel 9” Past testing includes aero- truly say it is our time,” Mar- can provide the war winning workforce to knit it all togeth- excerpt from the AEDC Test Fa- dynamic, aerothermal, seeker ren said. “On our horizon I al- test capabilities required for this er.” cility Guide. 4 • October 23, 2017 Safety Campaign for October emphasizes precautions when working with hazardous chemicals By AEDC Safety lists all of the requirements for Hazardous Materials chemical transfer label. The label shall be durable, Management and SHE Standard A9 lists all requirements legible and located so it can be easily read. For the month of October, the focus for the monthly for Hazard Communication. They are summarized as: The only materials authorized for storage in flammable Safety Condition Campaign is on being safety-minded Each workplace using hazardous chemicals shall storage cabinets are flammable and combustible liquids. when working with hazardous chemicals on the job and make the SDS available for each item listed on its All flammable storage cabinets shall be registered how to handle these substances and also dispose of them chemical inventory. A hard copy of each SDS shall be with AEDC Fire Prevention. A certificate shall be properly. kept in the workplace’s hazard communication notebook attached to the outside of the cabinet. Hazardous materials (HazMats) are defined as for easy access. The SDSs shall be cross-referenced to Other Safety Condition Campaign topics that have substances whose characteristics present a potential the chemical inventory for easy retrieval. been covered this year include: aerial work platforms, risk to human health and/or the environment. A All containers of hazardous chemicals, other than fall protection, barricades and signs, lockout/tagout, HazMat may be: flammable, corrosive, reactive, toxic, portable containers into which hazardous chemicals confined spaces, electrical hot work, lifting and rigging radioactive, poisonous, carcinogenic and infectious or are transferred from labeled containers, and which are and scaffolds. SHE Standards on each of these topics any combination of these characteristics. intended only for the immediate use of the employee can be found on the AEDC Team site via the AEDC Safety, Health and Enviornmental Standard E6 who performs the transfer, shall be affixed with a yellow Safety Site link.

EMISSIONS from page 1 Air Force releases call to industry for directed As part of the inspection, an outside contractor was hired and its ropes crew hung sensors on the bottles which will detect flaws. “We used the JM3 compressors to pump the bottles to their max energy experimentation as part of flight plan pressure capacity to stress them and see if there were any cracks or By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs flaws,” he said. “Whenever a crack grows, a sensor sounds letting us know there’s something there.” WASHINGTON (AFNS) – The Strategic Development Planning and Fanning also mentioned the process took several hours and the Experimentation office recently released a request for information to industry weather conditions to perform the inspection had to be just right. as part of market research analyses in support of an upcoming experimentation “We couldn’t do it in the rain because it’s so sensitive to any noise demonstration using directed energy technology to counter unmanned aircraft outside.” systems. Fanning said it’s estimated that cost savings of using this technique This experimentation campaign comes at the direction of the Air Force Directed is more than $300,000, and the inspection is part of the system’s 20 year Energy Weapons Flight Plan, signed in May 2017 by the Secretary of the Air Force recertification effort. and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. “It’s a less labor intensive way to do the job that requires less down “We identified directed energy as a game-changing technology area in our Air time and overall less man power,” he said. Force strategy and pressed forward with developing a flight plan to define what we needed to do to get from the laboratory to operational capability,” said Dr. Greg Zacharias, Chief Scientist of the Air Force. “Experimentation and prototyping are critical tools to help make this happen.” The Air Force is seeking information regarding the industry capability to provide a directed energy weapons system for targeting group 1 and group 2 unmanned aircraft systems during a counter-UAS operation. The SDPE office is planning the experimentation campaign for fiscal year 2018. “Forward base defense was one of the used cases for directed energy outlined in the flight plan,” said Dr. Michael Jirjis, experimentation campaign program manager. “We’re looking to assess capabilities and maturity of directed energy technologies available today and in the near-term.” Directed energy weapons, which includes high energy lasers and high power microwaves, can provide the ability to precisely engage targets of interest with little to no collateral impacts and provide protection to Air Force assets that must operate in harm’s way. “Experimentation will be key to the deployment of directed energy weapons, but the required critical thinking will come from all corners of the Air Force, not just A contractor engineer performs calibrations on sensors as they are being installed on the bottles for inspecting the high pressure scientists and engineers,” said Jirjis. “There will be collaboration from warfighters, air storage vessels at the AEDC Aerodynamic and Propulsion Test planners, logisticians and more.” Unit. An outside contractor was hired to perform high pressure The request for information can be found at the fedbidopps.gov webpage. acoustic emissions testing on the large bottles at APTU to detect flaws. U.S.( Air Force photo/Rick Goodfriend) October 23, 2017 • 5 Small antennas could bring big benefits to the Air Force By Holly Jordan Air Force Research Laboratory Materials & Manufacturing Directorate

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) – When it comes to military and consumer electronics, smaller is often better, and the Air Force Research Laboratory’s revolutionary new antenna design is promising to make military electronics much better. Researchers at the AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, in partnership with Northeastern University, recently developed an ultra-compact antenna that uses a whole different approach in transmitting and receiving signals. This breakthrough could be a big step in the miniaturization of many military and commercial communication systems. Typical antennas rely on size to function effectively in the electromagnetic spectrum. If the antenna is not long enough to resonate at the proper frequency, the antenna will not be able to transmit or receive the desired electromagnetic waves efficiently. Over the years, impressive strides have been made in antenna miniaturization, with cellphones being a prime example. However, the quality Researchers from the Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, along with Northeastern of antennas degrades as they become University, developed an ultra-compact antenna smaller than a flea. This innovation could help miniaturize or add greater smaller, hence the need for cellular functionality to many devices used by the warfighter. (U.S. Air Force photo by Michael McConney) carriers to put in place large numbers of cellular antenna towers to ensure adequate phone reception for consumers. “We identified ultra-compact antennas as the critical last step in true device miniaturization,” said Dr. Brandon Howe, AFRL materials scientist. “Researchers had successfully shrunk most electronic components, but the true miniaturization of antennas was still a missing piece.” The size of an efficient miniature antenna is typically about ten percent of the wavelength, whereas the ultra- compact AFRL antennas are as small as fractions of a percent of the wavelength. As a result, microwave antennas that were previously approximately a half inch can now be reduced to an object smaller than a flea (less than one millimeter). Although not an immediate replacement for small antennas, this miniaturization could be an important step toward incorporating antennas into a number of applications for This team from the Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, along with researchers from which they were previously impractical. Northeastern University, developed an ultra-compact antenna that could help miniaturize or add greater functionality to These ultra-compact antennas many devices used by the warfighter.(U.S. Air Force photo by David Dixon) represent a whole different approach new way, they were able to reimagine to this type of technology. Instead how an antenna functions. of using an electrically-conductive This new approach allowed the AFRL material to sense the electric field of and Northeastern University research microwaves, these antennas use special team to reduce the size of an antenna by insulating materials, called “multiferroic over 90 percent, dramatically changing composites.” These materials are their potential design space. As McConney composed of magnetostrictive materials, explains, this new design allows antennas which convert magnetism to strain, and to retain much more of their functionality piezoelectric materials, which convert compared to traditional antennas scaled strain to voltage converting material. down to the same size. This development Using the multiferroic composites allows could result in smaller devices including the ultra-compact antennas to function by wearable antennas, bio-implantable and sensing the magnetic field of microwaves. bio-injectable antennas, smart phones, “We miniaturized the antennas by and wireless communication systems, to borrowing a trick from acoustic filters name a few. in cellphones, which convert microwave “The miniaturization of military voltages to strain waves. Strain waves electronics is of significant benefit to travel much slower than the speed of light, the warfighter, not only in terms of so by doing this, we are able to shrink the device size, but in transportability, space wavelengths while keeping the frequency requirements, weight, and many factors,” the same. This allowed us to make the said Howe. “It can allow us to fit more antennas much smaller,” said Dr. Michael into a given space, whether that be in a McConney an AFRL materials scientist. field pack or on an aerial platform. It gives He added that by coating conventional us greater capability in a smaller space.” bulk acoustic wave filters with a magnetic The team plans to continue its material, these slower strain waves can be research by working toward matching converted into radiation, which enabled the ferromagnetic resonance to the them to break the inefficient scaling acoustic (strain) resonance, as well as laws associated with shrinking typical by integrating a new low-loss, highly- antennas to very small sizes. sensitive magnetic material that the According to the researchers, this group has pioneered. By doing so, the antenna represents a new way of thinking. researchers hope to further enhance the By combining material technologies in a efficiency of the antenna. 6 • October 23, 2017 October 23, 2017 • 7 8 • October 23, 2017

See the November Services Calendar on page 11. October 23, 2017 • 9 AF awards contracts for next-generation ICBM airborne launch control system By Air Force Nuclear mission system that can be easily upgraded to legacy system and provide Weapons Center Public provides U.S. Strategic address new technologies continued ICBM airborne Affairs Command with the and threats as they command-and-control capability to launch emerge,” said Maj. Gen. capability through 2075.” HILL AIR FORCE ICBMs through commands Scott Jansson, Air Force The Air Force BASE, Utah (AFNS) – from the Navy’s E-6B Nuclear Weapons Center Nuclear Weapons The Air Force awarded Mercury. Both the current commander and program Center is responsible for two contracts Oct. 3 for Minuteman III and future executive officer for synchronizing all aspects upgrading the system Ground Based Strategic strategic systems. of nuclear materiel that enables an aircraft to Deterrent ICBMs require The goal of the center’s management on behalf control an intercontinental an alternate launch control program office at Hill Air of Air Force Materiel ballistic missile’s launch capability should anything Force Base is to field the Command in direct from a silo in the ground. interfere with the ability of upgraded replacement support of Air Force Capt. Greg Carter, 625th Strategic Operations Squad- The three-year the ground-based facilities system by 2024. Global Strike Command. ron deputy missile combat crew commander, launches contracts, of about to launch ICBMs. a simulated Minuteman III missile aboard a Navy E-6B “The Airborne Launch Headquartered at Kirtland $81 million each, were For the Minuteman Mercury during Glory Trip 220 above the Pacific Ocean Control System provides AFB, New Mexico, the awarded to Lockheed III, the current Airborne April 25. Glory Trip is an operational test launch which the strategic capability center has about 1,100 Martin Space Systems, Launch Control System continues a long history of launches from Vandenberg of survivable airborne personnel assigned to Littleton, Colorado, and provides this capability Air Force Base, Calif., used to verify, validate and im- command and control for 17 locations worldwide, Rockwell Collins, Cedar through 1960s-era radio prove the capability of the nation’s ICBM force. (U.S. the Air Force’s fleet of including at Hanscom Rapids, Iowa. equipment at each of 450 Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Keifer Bowes) ICBMs,” said Col. Scott AFB, Massachusetts; Hill The awards begin a Air Force ICBM launch The control system’s ICBMs through aircraft Jones, the center’s ICBM AFB; Eglin AFB, Florida; design competition for facilities in the U.S. replacement will provide commands. Systems director. “The Tinker AFB, Oklahoma; upgrading the nuclear and aging equipment a sustainable and low- “We are developing new system will be a and Ramstein Air Base, command-and-control on the Mercury aircraft. cost capability to launch a modular system that timely replacement of the Germany. From the base to the fight, every Airman can protect the power By Melissa Tiedeman assurance through energy interests. With so many energy a consideration in all Airman making smarter formance contracts that fi- Secretary of the Air Force assurance is critical to readi- of our missions operated they do and, in turn, increase energy choices and integrat- nance multimillion dollar for Installations ness. Now is the time to ad- from our bases, building our capabilities.” ing energy efficient technol- energy saving infrastructure dress these challenges; every resilience, reliability and ef- “Fuel consumes 82 per- ogies and fuel optimization improvements or optimizing WASHINGTON kilowatt-hour, every gallon, ficiency into energy opera- cent of the total Air Force measures has a direct posi- fuel use and increasing train- (AFNS) – October is Energy and every idea counts,” said tions is vital to our combat energy budget, however in- tive impact on combat ca- ing opportunities by adjust- Action Month across the Richard Hartley, acting as- capability. To achieve these creasing energy efficiency pability. That is why the Air ing aircraft training routes. federal government, and for sistant secretary of the Air objectives, Mark Correll, means more than just cost Force is challenging Airmen No matter the size or com- the Air Force, it represents Force for installations, envi- deputy assistant secretary of savings,” said Roberto to increase their awareness plexity of the change, every an opportunity to remind ronment and energy. the Air Force for environ- Guerrero, deputy assistant of the energy and water they Airman can take action to Airmen of the role energy “As we look to the fu- ment, safety and infrastruc- secretary of the Air Force for use, understand its impact on “Protect the Power.” plays in fulfilling the Air ture, improving resiliency ture, encourages Airmen to operational energy. “Mak- the mission, and continuous- For more information Force’s mission. through optimized demand participate, both at work and ing energy a consideration in ly look for ways to better uti- on Energy Action Month, The Air Force theme this and assured supply will play at home. future platforms and looking lize these critical resources. visit the Secretary of the Air year, “Protect the Power,” a key role in enhancing our “Energy Action Month at current processes for ways This means many Air- Force for Installations, Envi- calls on Airmen and the combat capabilities. We is an important reminder to optimize energy use is the men taking small steps, such ronment and Energy’s Ener- larger Air Force community need every Airman to play a to everyone that energy is key to bringing greater com- as turning off lights. And it gy Action Month website at: to practice smarter, more part, reducing their demand a critical aspect of all Air bat capability, more training, means the Air Force making http://www.safie.hq.af.mil/ efficient energy and water for energy and innovating to Force missions,” said Cor- and lower sustainment costs large enterprise-level moves, Programs/Energy/Action- consumption behaviors to bring resilient and efficient rell. “Regardless of where to the Air Force mission.” such as energy savings per- Month/. enhance mission assurance. approaches to the table,” or what the mission is, we “With threats to our Hartley said. require electricity and fuel to power infrastructure increas- The Air Force consumes operate. By increasing their ing – in numbers and se- significant quantities of- en energy awareness and un- verity – enhancing mission ergy protecting the nation’s derstanding, Airmen make 10 • October 23, 2017 Meteorologist Dan Thomas scheduled to speak at AEDC Woman’s Club Nov. 2 meeting By Barbara McGuire AEDC Woman’s Club

On Nov. 2, the women of the AEDC Woman’s Club will host Dan Thom- as, from WSMV TV/ Channel 4 in Nashville, at the Arnold Lakeside Cen- ter. Dan is a certified -me teorologist and graduated from Pennsylvania State University. He served in the Air Force, briefing pilots in the Middle East about weather conditions. Dan will talk about “Sur- viving the Storm” and weather experiments. The AEDCWC will also be voting on the Queen of three Secret Shoppers. Table donations at the November meeting will go to the Fisher House of Murfreesboro. The Oct. 5 meeting featured Julie Willmering’s Members of the AEDC Woman’s Club who ride bicycles enjoyed listening to Julie Willmering, the Oct. 5 meeting guest speaker. She photos and story about talked about her 3,000 mile ride with the group at the Arnold Lakeside Center. Pictured left to right is Joan Hartvigsen, Anne Marie her bicycle ride from San Pender, speaker Julie Willmering, Stephanie Mittuch and Jane Ricci. (Courtesy photo) Diego to St. Augustine. It lahoma. made no later than noon ing is open to the public Arnold Air Force Base to Disclaimer: This is took her 52 days and 3,000 The social hour of the Oct. 26 and are required and provides the oppor- visit and become a mem- a private organization miles to ride the bicycle Nov. 2 meeting starts at to gain access to the ALC. tunity to meet the AEDC- ber. which is not part of the that distance. Table dona- 9:30 a.m., with the busi- Make reservations by call- WC members and become For information about Department of Defense tions collected at the Oct. ness meeting and program ing (931) 393-2552 or a member. You don’t need the AEDC Woman’s Club or any of its components 5 meeting totaled $110 for beginning at 10 a.m. (931) 636-4152. to have military connec- call the membership chair- and has no governmental Shepherd’s House of Tul- Reservations must be The November meet- tions or be involved with man at (931) 455-3569. status. Minuteman III receives upgrade By Tech. Sgt. Jarad Denton designed to replace the legacy Cartridge Squadron’s Operation Olympic Step.” same amount of data as 12 LFLC’s. 5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs Tape Unit and Launch Facility Load During Olympic Step, which refers to “The DTU has increased productivity Cartridge systems. the annual ICBM code change operation, and shortened the time required to MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. “The DTU loads the Missile Guidance maintenance teams using DTUs observed conduct coding operations,” said (AFNS) – As part of move to further Set, which is the brain of the Minuteman a significant increase in productivity. Drumm. “It’s also 25-pounds lighter modernize the nuclear enterprise, Airmen III, with sensitive cryptographic data “The legacy LFLC’s take about 45 than the CTU.” from the 91st Missile Wing at Minot and other information the missile needs minutes to produce the Wing Codes Under the previous system, Airmen Air Force Base recently implemented a in order to function,” said Capt. Kevin Processing System, and about 30 carried two CTUs – which weighed $68 million upgrade to the LGM-30G Drumm, 91st Operations Support minutes to load at a launch facility,” said roughly 90-pounds. Now, they only Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic Squadron ICBM codes operations Drumm. “The new DTU takes less than need to take one DTU, which is only missile. chief. “After its first operational use, we 30 minutes to produce, and about seven 20-pounds. Drumm said this new system First used on June 23, this new device transitioned to using DTUs 100 percent minutes to load.” enables faster, more reliable and more – known as the Data Transfer Unit, was of the time during the 742nd Missile Additionally, the LFLC can only hold secure ICBM operations. enough data and information for a single “Simply put,” he said, “the DTU loads launch facility, which meant Airmen the missile with the information and data would need to carry up to 50 LFLC’s required for it to function properly day- to accomplish a complete code change. to-day, as well as launch or prevent a A single DTU is capable of storing the launch, based on presidential direction.”

An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launches during an operational test Aug. 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. (U.S. Air Force photo / Senior Airman Ian Dudley) October 23, 2017 • 11

a private or

status.

same amount of data as 12 LFLC’s. “The DTU has increased

Drumm. “It’ than the CTU.” Under the previous system, roughly 90-pounds. Now, they

20-pounds. Drumm said this new See the October Services Calendar on page 8. enables faster secure ICBM operations.

to-day, as well as launch or prevent 12 • October 23, 2017