PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID TULLAHOMA TN Vol. 67, No. 5 Arnold AFB, Tenn. PERMIT NO. 29 March 2, 2020 NFAC wind tunnel testing demonstrates successful integration of refueling, monitoring systems

By Bradley Hicks AEDC Public Affairs

It turns out two systems developed to serve separate purposes were made for each other. The pairing of an aerial re- fueling apparatus and instru- mentation that could be used to boost its functionality was suc- cessfully tested recently in the Arnold Engineering Develop- ment Complex National Full- Scale Aerodynamics Complex in a full-scale demonstration that effectively combined these two Small Business Innovation Research, or SBIR, projects in simulated flight. The integrated Actively Stabilized Refueling Drogue System and Optical Reference System is in the process of testing in the 40- by This integrated system, 80-foot wind tunnel at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex, located in the tested this past summer in NASA Ames Research Center at Moffett Field in Mountain View, California. The integrated ASDRS and ORS was successfully tested the 40- by 80-foot wind tun- at NFAC in 2019. (Courtesy photo) nel at NFAC, located in the ual Science and Technology ects is an innovative hose and that the aircraft receiving the to the refueling hose and NASA Ames Research Center efforts originally developed drogue system. This effort fuel could engage the drogue serves to stabilize the hose at Moffett Field in Mountain in response to independent was initiated to address the more safely and efficiently. while the aircraft is in flight View, California, represents needs. need to provide a more stable The drogue, which resembles the marriage of two individ- The first of the SBIR proj- aerial refueling platform so an open parachute, is attached See WIND TUNNEL, page 4 F-35 test completed ahead of schedule, under budget

By Deidre Moon ter define the release envelope AEDC Public Affairs of a critical store from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter,” he Store separation testing said. on a 1/15th scale model of an In addition to fulfilling the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike test requirements ahead of the Fighter in the Arnold Engi- original test schedule, the in- neering Development Com- dependent drive system, or plex 4-foot transonic wind IDS, within the AEDC Pro- tunnel, or 4T, at Arnold Air pulsion Wind Tunnel Facility Force Base was completed at Arnold AFB was returned weeks ahead of a scheduled to service in time for the facility maintenance outage, test, providing a substantial saving the test customer more cost savings over the Plenum than $1 million. Evacuation System, or PES, According to Jimmy Wil- mode that would have other- liams, an Air Force project wise been used to create test manager for the test, the test conditions at 4T. was successful. The IDS mode is preferred “Captive loads and aerody- when running Mach numbers namic store separation testing below 1.3 to maximize ef- was conducted and provided ficiency and cost effective- important data to the Joint ness, while the PES is pri- Program Office, Air Force marily used for testing above A 1/15th scale model of an F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter undergoes store separation Seek Eagle Office and Naval testing in the Arnold Engineering Development Complex 4-foot transonic wind tunnel, known Air Systems Command to bet- See TEST, page 4 as 4T, at . (U.S. Air Force photo) FES team gets up-close look at military helicopters

By Deidre Moon “Periodically, we like to see AEDC Public Affairs if we can get the helicopters to come out here,” said Jim Ev- As U.S. Army helicopters ans, an assistant fire chief with one-by-one landed in the cen- FES. “This was the first time ter of the running track outside the helicopters have been able the Administration and Engi- to make it down during this neering Building at Arnold Air crew’s shift.” Force Base Dec. 20, several Evans mentioned a part of passersby stopped to watch the the base is used by the U.S. aircraft, sending a cyclone of Army for training purposes, so leaves flying as they maneu- familiarity with these helicop- vered to the ground. ters is important in the event The helicopters - a MH-6 FES is called to assist in a situ- Little Bird, an UH-60 Black ation involving the aircraft. Hawk and a CH-47 Chinook - “We train on how to ap- piloted by members of a U.S. proach and egress from heli- Army unit based out of Fort copters safely, how to get the Campbell, Kentucky, were re- doors open and the location of quested as part of the Arnold equipment onboard,” he said. AFB Fire and Emergency Ser- “It also gives us a chance to Arnold Air Force Base Fire and Emergency Services personnel receive training Dec. 20, 2019, vices team’s familiarization to become familiar with the working parts of different military helicopters, from members of training with the aircraft. See HELICOPTERS, page 5 U.S. Army units based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. (U.S. Air Force photo by Deidre Moon)

Test Systems Sustainment AEDC personnel honored at Arnold AFB Fire and Emergency Division relentlessly improving, annual awards breakfast Services building expansion sustaining the complex consolidates functions, storage …Page 2 …Page 3 …Page 3 2 • March 2, 2020

Arnold Test Systems Sustainment Division Air Force Base relentlessly improving, sustaining the complex

By Col. Jeffrey Burdette lessly is going to be difficult, but termine the most effective main- condition based and reliability Chief, Test Systems Sustainment the Test Systems Sustainment Di- tenance program. Implementation centered maintenance to reduce Division vision (TSS) along with our mis- of CBM as a result of RCM often inspection frequency and only sion partner National Aerospace reduces the amount and frequency perform maintenance as needed is Sustainment. According to the Solutions, LLC (NAS) are up to of inspections which has the add- similar to what automobile manu- Oxford Dictionary, sustainment is the challenge. ed benefit of reducing cost. CBM facturers have done with our oil Col. Jeffrey Geraghty the support or maintenance of mili- While we can’t increase our utilizes equipment mounted sen- changes. Gone are the days when Commander tary equipment. annual budget allocation, stop the sors to capture operational data we change our oil every three Jason Austin We’ve heard in the AFMC We aging process, or turn away test such as temperature, vibration and months or 3,000 miles. Now our Chief, Need surveys that we need to in- customers; we need to focus on pressure for trend analysis and automobiles have sensors to mon- Public Affairs vest more in sustaining our test those areas where we do have a equipment condition assessment. itor your engine temperature and infrastructure and do a better job modicum of control. One of those The CBM network is currently driving habits to determine the of maintaining the equipment we areas is our test asset sustainment utilized to monitor vibrations in frequency of an oil change. The have. One survey respondent wrote program. some of AEDC’s largest rotat- cost avoided by reducing those Richard Tighe that we need to properly maintain Sustainment is more than fixing ing machinery in the Propulsion oil changes adds up to big sav- General Manager, our ground test infrastructure and what breaks. Rather than being re- Wind Tunnels and Engine Test ings in your pocket. Similarly, the National Aerospace Solutions keep the test facilities from fall- active when things go wrong, a sol- Facilities. implementation of a data driven ing into disrepair. I, and the other id sustainment program relies on As we expand the CBM net- sustainment program has saved High Mach Staff: AEDC senior leaders, wholeheart- planning, process, rigor and data work and add wireless capability, AEDC over $11.5 million since Kathy Jacobsen, edly agree. to be proactive and perform main- we reduce reliance on physical fiscal year 2016. NAS Executive Editor In his AEDC Strategy 2020, tenance at a time of our choosing routes to collect data from wired Every day, our TSS/NAS team Jill Pickett AEDC Commander Col. Jeffrey before a major equipment failure. sensors and gain increased fre- collect and analyze inspection NAS Editor Geraghty established three priori- The powerhouse team of TSS quency of data collection. Addi- and condition data in an effort to ties for the complex leadership to High Mach is published by and NAS’s Asset Health Assur- tionally, wireless CBM networks right-size the maintenance pro- Lakeway Publishers, Inc. a pri- focus on in the coming year. Those ance (AHA) group have built, allow us to remotely monitor gram which will in-turn reduce vate firm in no way connected priorities are Pursue Mission Ex- implemented and are continuously motors, pumps, and valves that maintenance cost, reduce failures with the U.S. Air Force, Arnold cellence, Invest in our People, and improving a program that enables are difficult and unsafe to reach and improve reliability. More re- Air Force Base, Arnold Engi- Improve and Sustain the Complex. data driven maintenance decisions in person. Recent implementa- liable systems enable us to stretch neering Development Complex (AEDC) or National Aerospace He wrote, “Together with our na- that ultimately reduce cost and im- tion of wireless CBM equipment our budget further. Stretching our Solutions (NAS), under exclu- tional defense partners, we will prove asset availability. The AHA in the steam traps increased data budget allows us to do more. In- sive written contract with NAS improve and sustain the Complex team uses an approach that relies availability from once every six creased reliability, reduced cost at Arnold AFB, Tenn., 37389. relentlessly, to bolster our security on aspects of Reliability Centered months to having data every 30 and better sustainment, these are Everything advertised in this publication will be made perpetually.” Maintenance (RCM) and Condi- minutes. It also eliminates the exactly the things our personnel available for purchase, use With annual sustainment bud- tion Based Maintenance (CBM) need for confined space entry to have communicated a need for, or patronage without regard gets from Congress relatively flat to increase the chances of detect- collect the data thereby reducing what our customers deserve and to race, color, religion, sex, over the last decade, aging infra- ing potential failures early. labor cost and improving person- what our leadership demands. national origin, age, marital sta- tus, physical handicap, political structure and increased test load; RCM uses various data sourc- nel safety. Improve and Sustain the Complex affiliation or any other non- sustaining the Complex relent- es to analyze test assets and de- This approach of utilizing (relentlessly)… we’re on it! merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. The High Mach office is located at 100 Kindel Drive, Suite A236, Arnold AFB, Tenn. Col. Brandt shares inside look of Elk River Dam 37389-1236. Editorial content is edited and prepared by NAS. By Col. Michael Brandt long and retains 26 bil- Deadline for copy is Wednes- Individual Mobilization lion gallons of water on day at close of business one week before publication. Augmentee a 3,980-acre reservoir. This commercial enterprise This water is processed newspaper is an allowable Col. Michael Brandt, and filtered to support NAS contractor publication Individual Mobilization AEDC ground aerospace for personnel at Arnold AFB. The content of High Mach Augmentee to the Arnold test missions for simulat- does not necessarily reflect the Engineering Develop- ing speed, temperature, views of the Air Force, Arnold ment Complex com- pressure and other pa- AFB, AEDC or NAS. The ap- mander, on Dec. 3 toured rameters for flight condi- pearance of advertising in this the Elk River Dam that tions from sea level to an publication does not constitute endorsement of the products forms Woods Reservoir altitude of 300 miles and or services advertised by the at Arnold Air Force Base from subsonic velocities Department of Defense, the to get a closer look at to Mach 20. Department of the Air Force, ongoing maintenance Mission and recre- Arnold AFB, AEDC, NAS or Lakeway Publishers, Inc. work. ation is compatible at For general information Brandt supplied the Arnold. Another side about High Mach, call 931- following commentary benefit of the reservoir 454-5655 or visit www. following his tour to is it provides a fantastic arnold.af.mil. highlight the importance recreational area enjoyed Use High Mach to mar- of the Elk River Dam to by active-duty military, ket your products and services. Contact Joe at the AEDC mission and to retired military, civilians 931-455-4545 or jmartin@ shine a spotlight on those and our neighbors. The tullahomanews.com in the Civil Engineer- lake is the host to numer- ing Branch who work to ous activities and organi- maintain the structure. zations, including a sail- Did you know that ing club, skiing club and our Elk River Dam is the Boy Scout camp, not to largest dam in the Air mention a haven for fish- Force’s inventory? This ermen. I have heard it is is a fun fact I learned home to some of the best while reviewing the con- crappie in Tennessee! Core Values tract work with Mr. Josh In addition, the Win- Cooke, AEDC Civil En- go Inn, FamCamp and • Integrity first gineer. • Service before self Crockett Cove provide • Excellence in all December is the best a great opportunity for we do time to inspect and re- eligible personnel to pair the dam because stay on the lake and en- the federally endangered joy some downtime with Gray Bat (Myotis grise- family and friends. scens) that “hangs out” A huge thank you Vision migrates from the dam goes out to all our past in November, typically and present civil engi- Col. Michael Brandt, Individual Mobilization Augmentee for the Arnold Engi- “NAS delivers the best returning in late spring. neers! Your work en- neering Development Complex commander, stops for a photo during his early- aerospace testing Built in 1950, the dam sures our mission con- December tour of the Elk River Dam. Brandt visited the dam to get a closer look capabilities today and in is just under 3,000 feet tinues for decades! at ongoing maintenance work. (Courtesy photo) the future.” Values • Ethics. We are uncompromising in our Action Line integrity, honesty, and fairness. Smoking Policy • Safety & Health. We are relentless in Team AEDC, keeping people safe from harm, and 1. The following revised Arnold AFB smoking policy is effective immediately and applies to all individuals on I believe in free and open communications we provide a safe and healthy work Arnold AFB. with our Team AEDC employees, and that’s why environment. we have the Action Line available. People can • Security. We are disciplined and vigilant 2. Traditional Tobacco products (e.g. cigars and cigarettes): in protecting sensitive AEDC information a. Smoking is permitted solely in Designated Tobacco Areas (DTAs) identified by designated signage. If no use the Action Line to clear up rumors, ask ques- 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 tions, suggest ideas on improvements, enter national security and our customers. clean of cigarette butts. complaints or get other issues off their chests. • Excellence. We thrive on challenge, b. Tobacco use on the Arnold AFB Golf Course is permitted, but discouraged based on the health hazards The Action Line has been expanded to in- accomplishment, and mission success. • Quality. We are passionate about doing of tobacco use and secondhand smoke. No smoking is permitted within 50 feet of golf course buildings clude an option for your ideas, comments, or our work right the first time. except in the approved DTA. suggestions on the AcqDemo personnel sys- • People. We have a mission-focused, c. Smoking in government-owned/leased vehicles is strictly prohibited. Personnel are allowed to smoke in their tem. Simply call the normal x6000 commander’s inclusive workforce who have a diverse personal vehicles at any time; however, at no time will personnel discard cigarette butts outside their vehicle. action line. You will then be prompted to select skill set, are committed to success, option 1 for the Commander’s Action Line or Op- demonstrate innovation and have a can d. For government employees, the fact that a person smokes has no bearing on the number of breaks they do attitude. may take. Breaks should be taken in accordance with the current supervisory and personnel policies that tion 2 for the AcqDemo line. They can access the • Culture. Our team is proud of our diver- afford all employees the same break opportunities consistent with good work practices and accomplish- Action Line via the AEDC intranet home page sity, inclusiveness, and collaborative work ment of the mission. and by calling 931-454-6000. environment. We are proud of what we do Although the Action Line is always available, and how we do it. 3. Smokeless Tobacco products (e.g. snuff and dip): • Relationships. We build positive, long- Smokeless tobacco products are not to be restricted to DTAs. Smokeless tobacco use will be permitted in all the best and fastest way to get things resolved term business relationships through trust, workplace areas (inside and out) subject to reasonable safety and sanitary conditions. Specifically, containers is by using your chain of command or by con- respect, and collaboration. of tobacco waste product, including sealed containers, must not be left unattended or disposed of in trash tacting the organization directly involved. I en- • Innovation. We overcome challenges courage everyone to go that route first, then if through creativity, perseverance, technol- receptacles. Users of smokeless tobacco must flush tobacco waste down the toilet. ogy, and flexibility. We actively seek to 4. Electronic Cigarettes (also known as “e-cigs”): the situation isn’t made right, give us a chance. continually improve. Pursuant to Air Force Instruction (AFI) 40-102, Tobacco Free Living, e-cigs are considered to be equivalent to • 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 Col. Jeffrey Geraghty long term benefit of our communities and distance of 25 feet from building entry/egress points. (This policy is dated July 27, 2016) AEDC Commander our environment. March 2, 2020 • 3 AEDC personnel honored at annual awards breakfast By Jill Pickett AEDC Public Affairs

Arnold Engineering Develop- ment Complex leadership hon- ored military and civilian govern- ment annual award winners and nominees during a breakfast Feb. 21 at the Arnold Lakeside Center at Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn.

The award recipients are: Maj. Wesly Anderson, Field Grade Officer of the Year Capt. Jonathan Gutierrez, Company Grade Officer of the Year Master Sgt. James Buoy, Se- nior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Tech. Sgt. Alexisa Humphrey, Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Senior Airman Rodrigo Norie- ga II, Airman of the Year McKinley Katz, Civilian Cat- egory I Arnold Engineering Development Complex Annual Awards winners pose for a photo with AEDC leadership Feb. 21, after the Yancee Burchett, Civilian Cat- celebratory breakfast at the Arnold Lakeside Center at Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn. Pictured back row, from left, are AEDC egory II Commander Col. Jeffrey Geraghty, Lt. Col. John McShane standing in for deployed winner Capt. Jonathan Gutierrez, Maj. Brian Barlow, Civilian Cat- Wesly Anderson, Marcus Conner, Chris Fanning, John Garner, McKinley Katz, Yancee Burchett, Maj. Bryan Ralston, AEDC Su- egory III perintendent Chief Master Sgt. Robert Heckman; and front row from left, Brian Barlow and Tech Sgt. Alexisa Humphrey. (U.S. Air Force photos by Jill Pickett) John Garner, Non-appropriat- ed Fund Civilian Category II Butcher, Joseph Coblish, Arnold Collier, Chester DiBenedetto, Tau- Hellion 1st Flight Team – 586th rean Gray, John Juliano, John Laf- Flight Test Squadron, AEDC Ex- ferty, Chang Lee, Daniel Marren, ceptional Innovator Neethi Mathew, Brianne McMa- This team consists of: 704th namen, Michael Metzger, Ciprian Test group – Tech. Sgt. Rueben Moraru, Holly Randles, Alex Ra- Amaya, Master Sgt. James Buoy, tushny, Raymond Schlegel and Chris Gomez, Tom Hill, Lt. Col. Milton West. Financial Manage- Patrick Killingsworth, Lee King- ment – Michael Fain. Installation sley, Ted Larson, Master Sgt. Contracting – Adam Foret, Lind- Chauncey Mitchell, Tech. Sgt. sey Amacher and Greggory Jones. Colton O’Banion, Maj. Bryan Air Force Research Laboratory Ralston, Tom Shoaf and Staff Sgt. Aerospace Systems Directorate – Nikita Williamson. 412th Test Jerrod Hofferth. – Maj. Greg Marcus, Lt. Col. Doug Rosenstock and Lt. Col. Plano Engine Test Safety Team Jeff Searcy. Air Force Research – Aeropropulsion Ground Test Laboratory Munitions Directorate Branch, Safety Award - Matt Alsleben, Lt. Col. Michael This team consists of: Aero- Black, Ken Blackburn and Lt. Col. propulsion Ground Test Branch William Gery. – Michael Magistro and Richard Walker. Safety Office – Marcus Tunnel 9 Containerized Vac- Conner. uum System Project Team – Test Arnold Engineering Development Complex Commander Col. Jeffrey Geraghty presents the Operations Division, Technical Chris Fanning, Air Force Test Spirit Award to Col. Charles Roberts, chief of the Test Support Division, during the annual Achievement Center Outstanding Civilian in awards breakfast Feb. 21, at the Arnold Lakeside Center at Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn. Also This team consists of: Hyper- Enterprise, Supervisor of the Year, pictured, from left, are Master Sgt. Ricardo Hollingsworth II, Tech Sgt. Alexisa Humphrey, Mas- velocity Wind Tunnel 9 – Cameron Contracting. ter Sgt. Beverly Spademan and AEDC Superintendent Chief Master Sgt. Robert Heckman. Arnold AFB Fire and Emergency Services building expansion consolidates functions, storage

An aircraft firefighting vehicle and truck sit, Jan. 31, in a bay expanded to accommodate two aircraft firefighting vehicles as part of a construction project at the Arnold Air Force Base Fire and Emergency Services building. The overhead doors for the building were also replaced as part of the project. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett)

By Jill Pickett self-contained breathing appa- AEDC Public Affairs ratuses and a room to clean con- taminants, such as blood-borne Arnold Air Force Base Fire pathogens, from equipment. The and Emergency Services equip- mezzanine provides climate-con- ment that once had to be stored trolled storage for hazardous ma- and serviced in outbuildings is terial suits. now more readily accessible after Moving these functions and the completion of a roughly 1,500 equipment into the fire station square foot addition to the FES from non-climate controlled out- building. buildings allows mission-essential Arnold Engineering Develop- equipment to be protected from ment Complex Civil Engineering the elements and other hazards. It Branch oversaw the roughly $1.1 also allows firefighters to complete million project, which also includ- maintenance tasks while minimiz- ed the replacement of overhead ing impact to call response time. doors for the vehicle bays. Unreliable doors can also im- “We were happy we could sup- pact response time, an issue ad- ply the fire department with- up dressed with 13 new 16-foot tall Josh Seymour, a firefighter with Arnold Air Force Base Fire and Emergency Services, loads graded facilities to improve their industrial overhead doors. turnout gear into a large dryer, Jan. 21, in the FES station at Arnold AFB. A recently complet- ed addition provides a space for FES personnel to properly clean their personal protective mission readiness,” said Reggie “They (FES team) were just equipment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett) Floyd, Air Force Project Manager. in need of better quality doors that The addition includes three they know will operate reliably,” bay with a single door to accom- the fire marshal and the Civil En- Daryle Lopes, Arnold AFB Fire rooms on the ground floor – a per- Floyd said. modate two aircraft firefighting gineering group on base because Chief. “The improvements have sonal protective equipment clean- Two existing bay openings vehicles. they gave us great support in ob- enhanced our ability to carry out ing area, a maintenance room for were also converted into a double “We’re extremely grateful to taining what we needed,” said our mission.” 4 • March 2, 2020

WIND TUNNEL from page 1 and to help facilitate the ogies have the potential connection between the to transform the aerial refueling hose and the refueling mission. We receiving aircraft. look forward to con- The Actively Stabi- tinued development of lized Refueling Drogue these items and will System, or ASDRS, was look to transition them developed by Analytical as part of our Advanced Mechanics Associates, Aerial Refueling Store or AMA. The system is program.” capable of counteract- The NAVAIR Preci- ing small-scale distur- sion Strike Weapons of- bances on the aerial re- fice has been awarded a fueling drogue in flight. Future Readiness Ini- “NFAC provided a tiative starting in 2021 truly unique capabil- to develop the next it- ity to test this emergent eration of the Aerial technology,” said Chris Refueling Store. These Hartley, NFAC test en- technologies will be gineer. “The scale of key enablers for the fu- the NFAC provided the ture unmanned or auto- space to test a nearly mated receiver and are full-length hose and being looked at to tran- drogue configuration sition under this FRI to which was not possible support readiness and in smaller wind tun- the future automated nel entries. In addition, receivers. Other tran- testing in a controlled sition opportunities environment, as op- could include tanker posed to flight testing, platforms such as the provided the opportu- U.S. Marine Corps and The team responsible for the testing of the integrated Actively Stabilized Refueling Drogue System and nity to show truly side- U.S. Air Force. Optical Reference System stands with the tested hose and drogue system in the 40- by 80-foot wind tun- by-side comparisons nel at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex, located “AMA is proud of the same turbulence in the NASA Ames Research Center at Moffett Field in Mountain View, California. The NFAC test team to bring this enabling events with the con- consisted of both Department of Defense and Test Operations and Sustainment contract employees from technology to the Navy trol system on and off. National Aerospace Solutions. The team included researchers, engineers, technicians and mechanics. warfighter so they may These side-by-side vid- (Courtesy photo) perform their mission eos conclusively show in a more effective and dramatic improvement controlling the position, to a branch of AMA in fort is an instrumenta- and was awarded a sec- safe manner,” said John on drogue motion under the strakes generate 2008 to research an in- tion package developed ond phase in 2018 to Abrams, vice president turbulent flight.” torque which is stored novative controllable to better monitor ARS continue development of Advanced Projects The ASDRS consists as power in onboard drogue refueling sys- system performance. for a total of more than with AMA. “The con- of a pair of aluminum capacitors to drive the tem. This research led Within this package $800,000 in first and tinuing technology tran- shrouds that can rotate system. to the award of a second is the Optical Refer- second phase SBIR sition is the product of a and are mounted onto Drogue position is phase in 2012 and an- ence System, or ORS, funds. team effort from innova- the exiting hose end of monitored by a closed other in 2016 totaling which was developed “At CTSi, we are tive engineers, the Navy the refueling coupling. loop control that was more than $2 million in by Coherent Technical passionate about solv- and its dedicated person- On these shrouds are developed over the last SBIR funding to contin- Services, Inc., or CTSi. ing these hard prob- nel, key subcontractors, pairs of lift and roll 10 years through SBIR ue fine tuning the tech- The ORS provides real- lems for our customer and industry partners.” strakes, which are de- contracts with AMA. nology to deliver inno- time hose, drogue and and ultimately deliver- The NFAC test team vices mounted to im- This test entry was the vative concepts for sta- receiver position. It ing these solutions to consisted of both DOD prove aerodynamics, first application where bilization and control. consists of high-reso- the warfighter,” said employees and Test Op- driven by onboard di- closed-loop control and The other SBIR proj- lution cameras, image CTSi Managing Direc- erations and Sustain- rect current motors that, position monitoring ect, which was even- processing algorithms tor Tom Sanders. “The ment contract employ- when rotated, produce were demonstrated on tually joined with the and data storage. mission of aerial refu- ees from National Aero- the lift force and roll a full-length hose and ASDRS, supports future The ORS is designed eling has always been space Solutions. The moments to counteract drogue setup. readiness and reliability to be housed in the fuel difficult and dangerous, team included research- the disturbances. When The first phase of the of the Aerial Refueling plane tanker system. In- and our system will not ers, engineers, techni- not aerodynamically ASDRS was awarded Store, or ARS. This ef- frared light emitters on- only protect our pilots cians and mechanics. board the drogue cou- and aircraft but enable “The NFAC and cus- pling enable position the future of unmanned tomer team pulled to- tracking. The system military aviation.” gether and pulled out proved effective at giv- Pairing the ORS with the stops to embody the ing real-time feedback the ASDRS has resulted mantra of a combined in the wind tunnel en- in a more stable aerial test force,” Hartley said. vironment in low light refueling platform. “On a shoestring bud- conditions at all alti- “This integrated test get, they provided effec- tudes under test. effort was a significant tive and efficient testing Sponsored by the Of- milestone for both the to answer fundamental fice of Naval Research, Stabilized Drogue and aerodynamics questions the first phase of the in- Optical Reference Sys- and prove new tech- strumentation package tem SBIR efforts,” said nology for the ultimate of which the ORS is a Capt. John Dougherty, benefit of the DOD. On- part was awarded fund- program manager for the-fly problem-solving ing in 2015 to cover a the NAVAIR Precision is second nature for the range of Navy aerial Strike Weapons program NFAC team, and we are applications. The proj- office. “The active stabi- truly proud of the work ect was subsequently lization results, using the they achieved on this picked up by Naval Air ORS as a feedback sen- important test program.” Systems Command, sor, are impressive and also known as NAVAIR, show that these technol-

TEST from page 1 Mach 1.3. The PES can tioning System. is a versatile mid-size also run Mach numbers The second phase of test unit with a 4-foot below 1.3, but it is the the test involved free by 4-foot by 12.5-foot more expensive of the stream testing and store long test section. Its two systems to run be- separation, which is Mach number range cause of increased use conducted at 4T using extends from less than of equipment, utilities the Captive Trajectory 0.2 to Mach 2.5, which and labor. and Grid Survey. is roughly equivalent The types of stores “Our goal was to to an airspeed range of tested on the model were collect aerodynamic 160 to 1,600 miles per guided bombs known as data used to deter- hour. the GBU-54/38 Laser mine characteristics of 4T is a continuous- Joint Direct Attack Mu- the GBU-54/38 Laser flow wind tunnel that nition, or JDAM, and JDAM metric store for can simulate altitudes air intercept missiles all three variants of the from sea level up AIM-120 and AIM9-X. F-35,” Williams said. 98,000 feet. The tunnel The first phase of The F-35 variants has supported almost the test was aerody- include the F-35A con- every major national namic effects, or Car- ventional takeoff and flight vehicle develop- riage Loads, with the landing variant, the F- ment program. It has stores attached to one 35B short takeoff/verti- been used for integra- or both wing station, cal landing variant and tion weapons testing of and internal weapons the F-35C carrier vari- the F-35, F-22A Raptor, bay stations positioned ant, which is used by F/A-18C Hornet, F-14 to capture the impact of the U.S. Navy. Tomcat, F-15 Eagle the carried stores on the and the F-16 Fighting F-35 Stability and Con- More about the AEDC Falcon. The tunnel has trol. The test model was 4-foot Transonic Wind also been used in test- pitched to the proper at- Tunnel ing aerodynamics for titudes automatically by large vehicles, such as the AEDC-developed As part of the Pro- the B-1 Lancer and has computer controlled pulsion Wind Tunnel provided Automated Model Posi- Facility at Arnold, 4T material testing. March 2, 2020 • 5 HELICOPTERS from page 1 talk to the pilots and crews. “In the event there’s an issue with one of these helicop- ters during an exer- cise on base, this type of training makes us familiar with the he- licopter and how to get in it. It’s a good learning experience, because there are a lot of differences between military helicopters and the medevac air ambulances.” While the FES team has opportuni- ties to watch training A Boeing CH-47 Chinook lands at Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn., as part of a training exercise Dec. 20, 2019, for members of Arnold Fire and videos about Army Emergency Services. During the training, the FES personnel learned about the equipment and various working parts of three different U.S. helicopters and their Army helicopters in the event the team is called to an emergency situation involving such aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Deidre Moon) equipment, Evans ex- plained that nothing beats the opportunity to get hands-on expe- rience. “There are videos and schematics, but actually being able to be hands-on and see where the switches and handles are, it helps increase our knowledge-base,” he said. The helicopter fa- miliarization train- ing is only one of Arnold Air Force Base Fire and Emergency Services personnel listen as a member of a U.S. Army unit based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, many exercises the describes the equipment inside the helicopter as part of a training exercise Dec. 20, 2019 at Arnold Air Force Base. The training is meant to FES team completes familiarize the FES personnel with the working parts of different military helicopters should they ever be called to assist in an emergency throughout the year. involving such aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Deidre Moon) Safety during winter storms

By AEDC Safety • Listen to the television or goes out. Have flashlights Turn them off when you go of all home heating fires hap- radio for updates. Watch for and fresh batteries on hand. to bed. pen in December, January and Winter storms can mani- bulletins online. Never use candles. • Stay away from any downed February. fest themselves very differ- • Test all smoke alarms at • Generators should be used wires and report them to au- As you stay cozy and ently in Tennessee from one least once a month. outdoors away from win- thorities. warm this winter season, be week to the next - snow and • Install carbon monoxide dows and doors. Do not • Remember to slow down fire smart.If you observe an ice one week, tornados the alarms in your home. run a generator inside your when the road surfaces are unsafe action or condition next and flooding a week • Plan two ways out of your garage, even if the door is wet or icy. Extra caution is that needs immediate atten- later. home in case of an emergen- open. required. tion (i.e., one that creates Storms often cause a wide cy. • Be ready if the heat stops • Keep your vehicle serviced immediate danger to life or variety of problems at home • Establish a meeting place working. Use extra layers of and carry a winter emergen- health), call the AEDC Safety or on the road. Knowing what outside the home and prac- clothes and blankets to stay cy kit. Hotline, 931-454-7233 (S-A- to do before, during and after tice evacuating. warm. • Remember to check on F-E). This number rings in a storm can go a long way to- • Make sure your house num- • If you use an emergency neighbors or others who AEDC Safety on weekdays ward keeping you safe from ber can be seen from the heat source, keep anything may need help. during business hours. The the storm itself and the result- street. If you need help, that can burn at least 3 feet Operations Center answers ing problems that may occur. emergency workers will be away. Important reminder; there calls at night, on weekends Stay aware to prepare for able to find you. • Turn portable heaters off are more home fires in winter and after the fourth ring dur- winter weather. • Be ready in case the power when you leave the room. than in any other season. Half ing regular duty hours. AETC partners with multiple MAJCOMs to create virtual aircraft maintenance hangars

By Dan Hawkins AETC, as well as other MAJ- experience of the process that has training was there, so we invited Rasti noted how vital the Air Education and Training COMs, to develop and execute a been built up over time.” the other major commands to join work done during the contracting Command competency-based learning strat- The virtual hangar and flight- the initiative.” and acquisition process, worked egy and environment that utilizes line, with most common aero- The partnership with other in conjunction with the Air Force JOINT BASE SAN AN- current technology such as VR/ space ground equipment, that MAJCOMs started with Air Mo- Institute of Technology, has been. TONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas AR, artificial intelligence, and the contractor built are aircraft bility Command. “The ITP is a great example of (AFNS) -- Air Education and machine learning, for officer and agnostic and thus can be used by “We started with both force a faster, smarter Air Force,” Rasti Training Command is working enlisted career fields. all Air Force aircraft. This was a development and innovation said. “We can eliminate duplica- to build a faster and smarter Air “We are working with career win for the Air Force. The virtual funding to get the program start- tion on the virtual-reality front by TEST from page 1 Force in partnership with mul- field managers across multiple hangar and flightline were then ed,” Rasti said. “(AMC) jumped bringing the rest of the Air Force tiple major commands to develop communities to steer the devel- complemented with the first vir- in and contributed initially, and in on this, under one contract, to a competency-based virtual and opment of a viable occupational- tual models for the C-5M Galaxy now we are working with Air streamline the program with a augmented-reality training capa- competency model that will take and C-130J Super Hercules that Combat Command, Air Force simplified process so the other bility for the aircraft maintenance us from a time-and-task-based were created in late 2019 for the Reserve Command, and, soon, MAJCOMs can come in with and career enlisted aviator com- model of the industrial age to a students in the Career Enlisted Air Force Special Operations dollars and tap into the expertise munities. competency-based model for the Aviator Center of Excellence at Command.” of the process that has been built As part of its Integrated Tech- future, digital age,” Rasti said. Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, The push to include the AR up over time.” nology Platform initiative, virtual “The ITP will work to identify and which graduates 2,600 students capability in addition to the vir- The ITP process also has the training hangars are being built utilize new technologies to teach annually. tual environment was driven by a capability to spread to other Air for the classroom and flightline to these occupational competen- “The C-5M aircraft was learner-centric, mission-focused, Force career fields and training with 3D Aircraft Mission Design cies while also implementing new scanned in multiple configura- and competency-based approach pipelines. Series environments for every air- methodologies for training that is tions, internal and exterior, for to force development that is the “We built this program with frame in AETC inventory, with learner-centric.” our career enlisted aviator train- heart of the force development the career enlisted aviators, first robust augmented-reality capabili- These technologies include ing,” Robledo said. “These mod- mission. and foremost, in mind, and air- ties and comprehensive instructor blended and modularized training, els were used initially as the shell “By using the interactive craft maintenance was quickly tools, with a goal to enable train- as well as hands-on training like to build instructional, interactive courseware, Airmen can learn paired with this effort, as we ing anywhere and anytime. the Microsoft HoloLens 2 appli- courseware and other training more about individual problems were working with Lt. Col. Sean “This effort is tied to our pri- cation, Rasti said. tools.” by using the technology,” Rasti Goode and his Maintenance ority to transform the way Air- The vision for creating a col- Once the framework was es- said. “The augmented-reality en- Next team, and our headquarters men learn through the aggressive laborative ITP across the Air tablished, the idea to partner with vironment really adds a dimen- AETC competencies division and cost-effective modernization Force is also tied to efficiency in other MAJCOMs came through sion to the training that hasn’t was working with the 21A Main- of education and training,” said innovation. the sharing of the already created existed before.” tenance officer and 2A Enlisted Masoud Rasti, AETCs chief of “Another major reason for the virtual hangars and aircraft plat- Over the last few months, Aircraft Maintenance career force development strategy and ITP concept is we want to elimi- form environments, which created AETC has partnered with AMC field managers to move those technical adviser. “We have to be nate duplicative efforts on the an increased demand signal to cre- as part of a C-130 enterprise groupings of Air Force Specialty visionary and agile when it comes virtual-reality front,” said Richard ate other individual and advanced working group with airlift wings Codes to an occupational com- to training today and the intent is to Robledo, AETC force develop- 3D aspects of aircraft to meet from Little Rock Air Force Base, petency model,” Rasti said. “The apply current and emerging tech- ment program analyst. “We want MAJCOM-specific needs. Arkansas, Dyess AFB, Texas, capabilities and processes we are nology to support the warfighter, to bring the rest of the Air Force “Many of the aircraft used in Yokota Air Base, Japan, and utilizing can be applied to almost no matter where they might be, so in on this, under one contract, to AETC are also used in the op- Ramstein AB, Germany, and with any . they can operate within joint, all- streamline the program with a erational Air Force,” Rasti said. ACC’s at Nellis AFB, We can apply this process to any domain environments.” simplified process so the other “The need to create more indi- Nevada, to conduct initial 3D career field as long as we know The objective of the ITP is MAJCOMs can come in with dol- vidual virtual components for scans of the F-16 Fighting Falcon their requirements and have the to work collaboratively across lars and tap into the expertise and advanced training or just-in-time and the F-15E Strike Eagle. funding source to create it.” 6 • March 2, 2020 100th MXS Airman innovates leak detection technology By Airman 1st Class forms of the cup so that it can be Joseph Barron used for multiple applications.” 100th Air Refueling Wing The cup reduces the time Public Affairs needed to detect leaks by 75 percent, improving the wing’s RAF MILDENHALL, ability to more quickly deliver United Kingdom (AFNS) – A mission-ready aircraft capable 100th Maintenance Squadron of providing aerial refueling. Airman at RAF Mildenhall has “It decreases down time for designed a device that decreases leak repair and frees mainte- the time needed to detect leaks nance personnel to accomplish within aircraft fuel tanks. other tasks,” Leach said. Staff Sgt. Patrick Leach, In addition to impacting the 100th MXS aircraft fuels sys- aircraft fuels systems Airmen, tems craftsman, created the Leach’s innovation also has the Pressurized Leak Detection potential to affect other career Cup with the help of the aircraft fields. structural maintenance flight. “It was primarily designed “My innovation is a 3D for fuel system repair but could printed cup which we can pres- be useful for any career field surize when pressed up against that deals with liquid containers the surface of the aircraft,” such as vehicle maintenance or Leach said. “This allows air to civil engineering.” Leach said. travel through any open chan- Leach believes workplace nels on the surface and exit on Staff Sgt. Patrick Leach, 100th Maintenance Squadron aircraft fuels systems craftsman, uses innovation can be replicated by the inside of the tank. We can the Pressurized Leak Detection Cup Feb. 14, at RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom. The device, other Airmen. He recommends then apply soapy water to the he designed, has reduced leak-detection time in fuel tanks by 75 percent and can potentially individuals look for opportuni- inside so we can see where the save the base more than $1 million annually. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph ties to innovate in the areas of leak is coming through.” Barron) their job they find most frustrat- The innovation is being used said. “We’re also working on ing 3D printers, which makes it big bang for its buck,” said Mia ing. on the KC-135 Stratotanker, and pushing it out for other aircraft inexpensive to produce. Tobitt, 100th MXS self-assess- “There is always a better Leach is in the process of getting and getting the technical orders “It costs under $15 in mate- ment program and continuous way to do something,” Leach it approved for other aircraft. changed to actually implement rials to produce and will save process improvement manager. said. “If you don’t think what “It is issuable and certified it Air Force-wide.” approximately $1.5 million per “Being 3D printed allows us you’re doing is effective, work for use on the KC-135,” Leach The cup is manufactured us- year at RAF Mildenhall. It has a the option to produce different on it and make your life easier.” DOD releases military spouse licensure report

By Department of Defense spouse employment as a key another state. While there have ing to enact changes on spouse The Defense-State Liaison aspect of supporting military been successes in some form of licensure requirements. The Office works to provide state On Feb. 18, the Depart- families, and the secretaries of relief, there are still improve- department values the contin- policymakers with expert in- ment of Defense delivered to the Military Departments have ments to be made. ued work of these partners and sight on issues affecting mili- Congress the “Military Spouse also expressed the importance “Implementing licensure will continue to collaborate tary families and their quality Licensure: State Best Practices of military spouse licensure by portability measures will help among the states on this issue of life. This initiative is part of and Strategies for Achieving making it part of the consider- to reduce employment barriers for spouses of service members the Department of Defense’s Reciprocity” report. The re- ation for future mission basing.” for military spouses, improv- moving from one state to an- efforts to identify and address port covers license reciprocity Military spouses face a 24 ing military family stability and other. the most pressing needs of for military spouses, illustrated percent unemployment rate, quality of life,” said Marcus “The department encour- service members and military through state best practices, much higher than the general Beauregard, director for the de- ages states to engage in imme- families – offering a trusted along with a way ahead for population. The high rate of un- partment’s defense-state liaison diate actions to fully implement resource, reliable information states to achieve improvements. employment is driven in large office. “More than one-third of military spouse licensure laws, and research, knowledge of It also provides criteria DOD part by the mobile military life. military spouses work in oc- near-term actions to at least at- policies and processes, and as- has developed to assess the Many military spouses who cupations that require licenses. tain a baseline of getting mili- sistance with legislation at the states’ licensing practices. move interstate face new licen- Reducing the burden of licen- tary spouses a license in 30 days state level. “The department is commit- sure requirements for their pro- sure will also increase the pool based on minimal documenta- See the full report – “Mili- ted to improving license porta- fession. of applicants in critical career tion, and long-term solutions for tary Spouse Licensure: State bility for military spouses,” said From 2011 to 2016, the fields experiencing shortages, reciprocity through compacts,” Best Practices and Strategies Matthew Donovan, performing department worked with all such as health care and teach- said Beauregard. “The depart- for Achieving Reciprocity” the duties of the Under Sec- 50 states to enhance common ing, especially in military com- ment intends to track an overall – at https://www.militaryo- retary of Defense for Person- methods used by licensing munities.” assessment of states based on nesource.mil/data-research- nel and Readiness. “Secretary boards to expedite the accep- Governors and state legisla- commitment to these approach- and-statistics/reports/military- Esper has established military tance of a spouse’s license from tors are crucial players in help- es for all occupations.” spouse-licensure-reports. Edwards maintainers conduct hands-on test with new tool

By Giancarlo Casem ualized wires inside, coupled to five minutes to run the test 412th Test Wing Public Affairs a pin at the connector housing (with AMUET),” Franz said. at the end of the wire bundle. To “If we were to shoot a hundred EDWARDS AIR FORCE find faults in a wiring system, pins by hand through the entire BASE, Calif. – Airmen from maintainers must inspect each system, it would probably take the 412th Maintenance Group individual pin with a handheld a couple of hours.” tested a new scanning tool that multi-meter tool. The procedure The AMUET testing was could reduce troubleshooting can be a time-extensive process, conducted by the 412th Test time and costs for aircraft main- Franz said. Wing with guidance from the tenance at Edwards Air Force Besides the time-saving fea- Secretary of the Air Force’s Base, California, recently. ture, an added benefit is better International Armaments Co- The new tool is called the maintenance, said Alain Lussi- operation Division-Foreign Advanced Mobile Universal er, Technologies Harness Scan- Comparative Testing (FCT). Electrical Tool, or AMUET. ner president. Lussier and THS The FCT allows the Air Force The AMUET is a device that developed the AMUET tool to to field innovative technolo- maintainers can use to scan an streamline a process that could gies from partner nations, said An avian radar system sits at the end of the runway at Wake aircraft’s electrical systems and take hours and did not guaran- William Reed, Lead Test Engi- Island, Wake Atoll, Jan. 31. The radar system was installed root out problems in the wiring. tee finding the fault. neer, SAF/IAPC-FCT. in March 2019 and is used by bird aircraft strike hazard spe- “The idea behind this is ulti- The AMUET tool is not only “The FCT connects foreign cialists to collect data to track bird trends in the area. The radar also serves as a way to warn airfield operations, so they mately, if a jet breaks down for faster and more accurate, but technologies to the U.S. DoD can communicate risks to incoming aircraft. This is part of one of the systems that the AM- also more detailed, Lussier said. development acquisition pro- the atoll’s vital, multi-tiered bird aircraft strike hazard pro- UET tests, then we can pull up a “We find things that we grams,” Reed said. gram which supports mission readiness and success. (U.S. baseline (of electric systems),” didn’t expect; that’s a game- This unique opportunity Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Emily Farnsworth) said Tech. Sgt. Alex Franz, changer,” Lussier said. “The further strengthens relation- 412th Aircraft Maintenance real value is preventive mainte- ships between allies while at technologies to the Warfighter. 412 MXG Airmen testing the Squadron. “We can then run the nance with a real benefit in the the same time expose the Air As stated in the latest National tool already see the benefits. AMUET on it again and we can increase in reliability.” Force to other technologies Defense Strategy, innovation is Franz also sees the opportunity compare the results; if anything An AMUET is about the across borders, he explained. a keystone for greater perfor- of being involved in the testing stands out, we can easily iden- size of a box of tissues and The FCT also provides signifi- mance and affordability. Em- process. tify it and save a lot of time.” comes with a wire-making kit cant cost savings and makes ploying tools such as AMUET “We’re able to get our Additionally, the AMUET that maintainers can customize fielding technologies to the is also a pathway to the “Flight hands on the AMUET and be is a preventative maintenance to mate up with any wire con- Warfighter easier. Line of the Future” concept of able to talk to the company aide, used during phased in- nector on an aircraft. Once the “I want to get these items to ideas, said Col. Lawrence Ha- representatives and give them spections to identify wiring is- system is activated, the AMU- the Warfighter as soon as pos- vird, 412th Maintenance Group feedback and they can take our sues early, Franz added. ET can run diagnostics on the sible,” Reed said. “Edwards is Commander. suggestions and work on mak- Currently, if maintainers wires and uploads the results to the best place for this, this is “We’re our own worst en- ing SOPs (standard operating were required to check an air- a local computer in a matter of what they do. The maintainers emy when it comes to not le- procedures),” Franz said. “It craft’s electrical wiring system, minutes. were on it, they picked up on it veraging innovative technolo- would be an awesome privi- they would have to check the “There’s probably a couple real quick. gies,” Havird said. lege to be a part of history; to dozens of wire bundles individ- hundred pins that we’re shoot- From a leadership stand- While AMUET has not been say ‘we did it here first.’ So it is ually. However, a wire bundle ing (testing via handheld multi- point, the FCT could be an- adopted by the Air Force main- absolutely critical for us to get may contain dozens of individ- meter), and it only took about other tool to bring emerging tenance community yet, the it right.” March 2, 2020 • 7 8 • March 2, 2020 Historic island tackles new battle By Airman 1st Class tal impacts while also tak- higher than other runways, Emily Farnsworth ing readiness impacts with this is actually a very low 673rd Air Base Wing military aircraft in the area number. This attests to the Public Affairs into careful consideration. effectiveness of our BASH “The BASH program program.” JOINT BASE EL- is so important on Wake The multi-tiered BASH MENDORF-RICHARD- because we do have a Na- program on the island in- SON, Alaska (AFNS) – tional Wildlife Refuge volves a large range of Heavily bombarded during overlay, and we also have a projects and efforts to deter a bloody two-week battle lot of migratory seabirds,” birds from the flight line in World War II and the said Travis Pearson, Wake area while maintaining a subsequent 44-month oc- Island Atoll BASH special- healthy wildlife popula- cupation by the Japanese ist. “This creates an inter- tion. before being handed over esting balancing act. First The atoll is made up of to U.S. forces on Sept. 4, and foremost, we have Wilkes, Wake and Peale 1945, Wake Atoll has at- to keep the birds out of islands. Wake is the largest tested to the resiliency of the way of the aircraft for and contains most of the U.S. military members and flight safety, but secondly, infrastructure of the islands civilians. so they can support healthy as well as the flightline. Since those historic populations.” Currently, the majority An avian radar system sits at the end of the runway at Wake Island, Wake Atoll, days, the island has been The BASH program of the birds inhabit Wil- Jan. 31. The radar system was installed in March 2019 and is used by bird air- named a national historic also has to tackle how kes Island, which lies at craft strike hazard specialists to collect data to track bird trends in the area. landmark and serves as a many birds are attracted to the end of the airfield and The radar also serves as a way to warn airfield operations, so they can com- trans-Pacific refueling stop the island. is covered by the runway’s municate risks to incoming aircraft. This is part of the atoll’s vital, multi-tiered for military aircraft. “The problem with approach. bird aircraft strike hazard program which supports mission readiness and suc- cess. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Emily Farnsworth) Now under the Elev- Wake is the sheer num- Brown said this poses enth Air Force’s Pacific Air ber of birds,” said Dillon a major risk to incoming changing the habitat in some birds, you make it or seven miles off of the Force Support Center, the Brown, 611th Civil Engi- flights which have to fly ways that will attract breed- less attractive to others and end of the runway which island is fighting a new bat- neer Squadron natural re- over hundreds of thou- ing birds to Peale Island by vice versa.” gives us a way to warn tle — preventing bird air- source program manager. sands of birds to land. making it a better environ- In addition to habitat aircraft about birds that craft strike hazards, com- “Most airfields have tens To combat this risk, the ment for nesting. management, the project we would never be able to monly known as BASH. or hundreds of birds. Wake BASH program is conduct- Brown notes that the employs decoys and re- see,” Pearson said. The island contains a Island Atoll has hundreds ing a project to encourage variety of birds and their cordings of an active sea- The island records this large number of seabirds of thousands of birds.” birds to move from Wilkes nesting habits is proving to bird colony through loud- data from the radar to en- as part of the Wake Atoll These numbers mean Island to Peale Island, out be a challenge. speakers to attract birds to able the airfield to see National Wildlife Refuge the island has a higher of the flight path. “There are numerous move across the lagoon. trends that may affect flight and lies within the bound- risk of bird strikes than “The idea is that through types of birds breeding on Another new techno- line operations in the long aries of the Pacific Remote other airfields and averages active habitat management Wake Atoll,” Brown said. logical approach the is- term. Islands Marine National about five strikes a year. and bird attractants, we “Unfortunately, they do not land is taking to its BASH Overall, through a cul- Monument, both of which “This (number) is about will gradually make Peale all have the same nesting program is using radar to mination of the vital, multi- raise special considerations 30 to 40 times the national more attractive to the birds requirements. Some breed detect the number and lo- tiered BASH program the in regards to natural re- average when you account and Wilkes less attractive,” on bare ground, some in tall cation of birds in the flight island employs, Wake Atoll source management. for the number of flight Brown said. “Our planning grass, some under bushes, path. demonstrates its commit- By hosting a wildlife operations,” Brown said. and habitat management is in bushes or on the tops The radar, installed in ment to a posture of mis- refuge, the island has the “However, given that the targeted at moving these of trees. Therefore, habitat March, can sense birds sion success and readiness added challenge of pre- number of birds surround- birds of greatest risk away management is very diffi- size, speed and direction. needed to support the U.S. venting bird strikes to ing the runway is hundreds from the runways.” cult because, as you make “A benefit from the ra- military presence in the Pa- minimize the environmen- or thousands of times The project involves an area more attractive to dar is it can look a good six cific. AFRL, Masten Space Systems Inc., NASA, collaborate on successful testing of Methane Engine

By Joy Alich The Air Force Research kind tested at AFRL. Broadsword 25K engine at Broadsword Tipping Point space transportation and Air Force Research Laboratory, NASA’s Space AFRL and Masten AFRL’s rocket testing fa- has been a wonderful proj- reliable planetary landers Laboratory Aerospace Technology Mission Direc- signed a Cooperative Re- cility at Edwards Air Force ect,” said Matthew Kuhns, for the Earth, Moon, Mars, Systems Directorate torate, and Masten Space search and Development Base in Test Area 1-125 chief engineer at Masten and beyond. We are a pas- Systems Inc. successfully Agreement in December and complete NASA’s Tip- Space Systems and prin- sionate company of inven- EDWARDS AIR tested a liquid methane 2018. The agreement en- ping Point contract require- ciple investigator on Tip- tors, creators and builders FORCE BASE, Calif. – rocket engine, the first of its abled Masten to test the ment of a ten second hot ping Point. “The successful with goals that include fire test. hot fire testing paves the landing our own vehicle on The Broadsword 25K way for exciting new high the moon, according to the engine required a large performance rocket engine company website.” supply of high-pressure designs,” he added. NASA’s Space Technol- gaseous nitrogen to pres- “The Rocket Propulsion ogy Mission Directorate, sure feed their engine. AF- Division is leveraging our which invests in and devel- RL’s Aerospace Systems existing research and de- ops transformative space Directorate and their Rock- velopment test capabilities technologies to enable et Propulsion Division at by partnering with new and future missions, selected Edwards AFB has the ca- non-traditional defense con- Masten for a Tipping Point pability at Test Area 1-125 tractors in order to acceler- award to mature the M10A to deliver a large supply of ate speed of discovery,” 25,000 lbf liquid oxygen/ high-pressure gaseous ni- said Julie Carlile, deputy methane Broadsword En- trogen. chief, Rocket Propulsion gine in 2017. NASA Tip- The hot fire campaign Division. “Collaborating ping Point contracts are started in July 2019 with with Masten provided this awarded to companies with four hot fire tests before opportunity utilizing our es- technologies that are on the the final test of 10 - sec tablished propulsion testing verge of maturation and are onds of combustion. These infrastructure to assist the likely to benefit both NASA hot fire tests validated the commercial space sector’s and the commercial space tune ignition and start-up emerging small launch ca- market. transients of the engine. pabilities and lunar science The AFRL Rocket Lab The culmination of testing missions,” she said. at Edwards AFB has played ended Dec. 10, 2019 when The Tipping Point pub- a key role in advancing Masten completed their lic-private partnership is rocket engine technologies Broadsword 25K engine an innovative way NASA for the nation since 1952. test of 10 seconds of steady helps industry develop AFRL has been a promi- state combustion. The suc- promising space technolo- nent player in nearly every cess of these hot fire tests gies that could benefit -fu liquid rocket engine de- validated Broadsword’s ture commercial and gov- veloped and flown by the startup transient and steady ernment missions. . This testing state performance with the Masten was founded is a trailblazer for future new technology developed by CTO David Masten in liquid methane engine tests under the Tipping Point 2004 and is located in Mo- and partnerships among the program. jave, California. Masten’s commercial rocket indus- “Working on the 25K main focus is “enabling tries.

The Masten 25k lbf thrust Broadsword rocket engine. (Masten Space Systems photo/Matthew Kuhns) March 2, 2020 • 9 Robotics teams supported by Arnold STEM compete, win awards at FIRST® Tech Challenge at MTSU

By Deidre Moon AEDC Public Affairs

Five robotics teams sponsored by the Arnold Air Force Base Science, Technology, Engineer- ing and Mathematics program attended the re- gional Tennessee FIRST® Tech Challenge, or FTC, competition in Febru- ary at Middle Tennessee State University in Mur- freesboro. The Tennessee Ro- botics Club from Mur- freesboro was one of the Arnold STEM-sponsored teams to walk away with several accolades. As the Inspire Award-winning team, TRC will be join- ing other robotics teams from across the globe at the FIRST Houston World Championship in April. The team also received the top spot in the Win- ning Alliance category, Team members with the Tennessee Robotics Club concentrate as they compete in a match at the Tennessee FIRST® Tech Challenge second place in the Arm, competition Feb. 8 at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro. Placing first in the Inspire Award category, the group will Inc. Control Award cat- go on to compete at the national level in Houston, Texas, in April. (Courtesy photo) egory and third place in excite the younger gen- the competition overall. erations in regards to the Small Town Robot- future of STEM.” ics from Shelbyville took Lego League teams several honors home as are made up of elementa- well, receiving first place ry and middle school stu- in the Think Award, third dents, while FTC teams place in the Motivate are made up of students Award and third place in in seventh through 12th the Design Award catego- grades. ries. As part of the FTC Team SHARP from competitions, the teams Spring Hill took first in are challenged to design, the Motivate Award cat- build, program and oper- egory and scored second ate their robots to com- place in the Winning Alli- pete in challenges in an Students with the Small Town Robotics team from Shelbyville gather together for a photo during the ance category. alliance format. These FIRST® Tech Challenge competition Feb. 8 at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro. Small The other Arnold student teams are guid- Town Robotics is one of the area teams sponsored by the Arnold Air Force Base Science, Technology, STEM-sponsored teams ed by adult coaches and Engineering and Mathematics program. (Courtesy photo) that participated were mentors, and through TACOCAT with the Ag- these challenges develop athos Classical School their STEM skills. This from Columbia and the is all while learning the Flying Fish Team from value of hard work, inno- Shelbyville. vation and teamwork. Olga Oakley, Air Teams must raise Force STEM outreach funds, design and mar- director, commended the ket their team brand, and students for putting their do community outreach, knowledge and skills to for which they can win the test during these com- awards. Additionally, petitions. participants have access “The teams worked to college scholarships very hard throughout the through this program. season and overcame For more information many challenges while about the FTC Champion- designing their robots,” ship competition results, Following the awards ceremony, students with the Tennessee Robotics Club from Murfreesboro pose Oakley said. “We hope visit: https://www.tnfirst. with their individual medals and team trophy at the FIRST® Tech Challenge competition Feb. 8 at Middle the FIRST Tech Challenge org/tennesseeevents/TN- Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro. As winners of the Inspire Award, the Tennessee Robotics teams inspire the FIRST FIRST-Tennessee-FTC- Club (TRC) members will go on to participate at the national competition in Houston, Texas. TRC is Lego® League teams and Championship. one of five area teams sponsored by the Arnold Air Force Base Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program. (Courtesy photo) 10 • March 2, 2020 Arnold AFB Milestones James Daniel, TOS Jarvis Powell, TOS NEW HIRES Benjamin Wright, TOS 35 YEARS Jeremy Morris, TMAS Bobby Rodgers, TOS Hunter Adams, TOS Dan Marren, AF Stacy Parker, TOS Michael Shank, TOS Jeremy DeHay, TMAS PROMOTIONS Nicolas Reed, TOS Gregory Smartt, TOS Evan Dickey, TOS Jay Baldwin, FSS, pro- 30 YEARS Kenneth Vassar, TOS Douglas St. John, TOS John Dickinson, TOS moted to FES crew Dennis Holmes, TOS Randy Vinke, TOS Kathryn Wanger, TOS Wesley Gothard, AF chief Randy Nunley, TOS Robert Greene, AF Carey Rose, TOS 5 YEARS RETIREMENTS Keith Gregg, TOS Lonnie Brown, FSS, Ryan Bailey, TOS Charles Anderson, Mitchell Hehl, TOS promoted to FSS crew 25 YEARS Russell Baker, TOS TOS Jackson Isbell, TOS chief Anthony Askew, TOS Teddy Beddingfield, Teresa Butler, TOS Charles Kirk, TOS TOS Hal Corum, TOS Aron May, TOS Myra Kline, AF, pro- 15 YEARS Lorenzo Gregory, TOS Richard Gunn, FSS Debbie Platt, TOS moted to NH-03 as Dan Marren, AF 35 years John Allan, TOS Micah Layne, TOS Dan Marren, AF Denzel Pruett, TOS government purchased Charles Brannan, TOS David Mull, TOS Maurice May, AF Demetrio Santos, TOS card agency/organiza- 40 YEARS Thomas Campbell, Dustin Nash, TOS Winfield Stacy, TOS Anthony Thomas, TOS tion program coordi- Joseph Gallagher, TOS TOS Brian Panter, TOS George Wilson Jr., TOS Matthew Ward, TOS nator AFRL creates safer-than-steel synthetic winch cable for cargo aircraft By Donna Lindner in at a hefty 80 pounds Air Force Research compared to the new syn- Laboratory thetic cable’s 14 pounds, equating to an 83% lighter WRIGHT-PAT- cable. Removing excess TERSON AIR FORCE weight results in less fuel BASE, Ohio – The C-17 consumption and improved Globemaster III aircraft mission capabilities. fleet currently uses winch “It’s about creating a cables made of steel to pull safer winch cable for the pallets, vehicles and other C-17,” said Ed Clark of items onto the aircraft the APTO Office. “Serious from the ground via the aft injury occurs when a steel ramp. cable breaks, eliminating The current steel cable those injuries is impera- experiences dangerous tive.” snapback upon breakage, “The change from steel which can injure personnel to a synthetic material is and damage aircraft. The most noteworthy in the synthetic cable eliminates significant weight differ- that danger since it does ence,” said Senior Master not snap back if it were to Sgt. Jeff Witherly, C-17 fracture. evaluator loadmaster, Members of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Advanced Power Technology Office, Air Mobility Com- The Air Force Research Scott Air Force Base, Illi- mand, Air Force Special Operations Command, Team Charleston, Air Transportability Test Loading Ac- Laboratory’s Advanced nois. “The cable is simply tivity, , Warner Robins, Georgia, Boeing and cable designer Samson Rope met on Power Technology Office to conduct an operational evaluation of new synthetic winch cables. (Courtesy easier to move, maneuver photo) is changing this material to and manipulate around the one that is lighter and safer. cargo compartment. The Mobility Command and various demands. primary scientific research across nine technology APTO has successfully fact that it does not retain the C-17 Program Office Upon approval, the and development center areas and 40 other op- designed, developed and energy when it breaks is a will evaluate them for ap- fleet will be upgraded with for the Air Force. AFRL erations across the globe, tested a synthetic winch huge safety advantage as it proval as a suitable substi- the new synthetic cables plays an integral role in AFRL provides a diverse cable for the aircraft. The will not whiplash if it were tute. and will become an Air leading the discovery, de- portfolio of science and new cable replaces exist- to fail.” Samson Rope Com- Force-approved, commer- velopment, and integra- technology ranging from ing cables while being 40 During the first quarter pany is working with the cially available item that tion of affordable warf- fundamental to advanced percent cheaper and sig- of 2020, six sets of cables crew to design the system. can be procured for all ighting technologies for research and technology nificantly lighter. will be installed on two They manufacture indus- C-17 aircraft. our air, space, and cyber- development. For more Measuring 280 feet, the aircraft at three different try-specific synthetic rope The Air Force Research space force. With a work- information, visit: www. current steel cable weighs operational bases. The Air that is engineered to meet Laboratory (AFRL) is the force of more than 11,000 afresearchlab.com. March 2, 2020 • 11 AFLCMC Gunsmith Shop creates rifle for aircrew

By Brian Brackens stripped of optics and Air Force Life Cycle aircrew must utilize Management Center the iron sights only. Not only is the JOINT BASE SAN Gunsmith Shop in the ANTONIO, Texas – design business, but The Air Force Gun- it also repairs, refur- smith Shop – part of bishes and overhauls the Air Force Life all small arms for the Cycle Management Air Force, which in- Center’s Armament cludes anything from Directorate – recently .50 caliber machine completed delivery of guns down to pistols. a new rifle for aircrew “We were estab- in most ejection seat lished in 1958 by Gen. aircraft. Curtis LeMay,” Shel- Known as the Air- ton said. “The origi- crew Self Defense nal intent of the office Weapon (GAU-5A), was to improve marks- which is a 5.56 mm manship and shooting caliber rifle, was de- abilities of Airmen, signed by the Gun- and over time the shop smith Shop in close grew into what it is to- coordination with the day.” small arms engineer The shop is com- to provide downed air- prised of civilian and crew with additional military employees firepower while they who are certified gun- wait for rescue. smiths, small arms re- “We were asked pairman and machin- The Air Force Gunsmith Shop – part of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Armament Director- ate – recently completed delivery of a new rifle for aircrew in most ejection seat aircraft. (U.S. Air Force to design a stand-off ists. They are the only courtesy photo) weapon that was ca- ones in the Air Force pable of hitting a man that are allowed to size target at 200 me- work on government ters,” said Richard issued weapons at the Shelton, Chief of the depot level. Gunsmith Shop. “It The team works disconnects at the up- very closely with Com- per receiver, is locat- bat Arms professionals ed inside the seat kit across the enterprise. [of ACES 2 ejection “The most reward- seats], and can be put ing part of my job is together within 30 sec- getting assets (small onds if needed.” arms) through the shop The new rifle is and taking a weapon based on the M4 Car- that has been beat up bine and weighs under and heavily used, and seven pounds. returning it to the user From Feb. 2018 practically brand new,” through January 2020, said Shelton. “The oth- approximately 2,700 er rewarding thing is rifles were delivered to when we work with the aircrew members. using community to According to the develop specific weap- Small Arms Program ons for a specific Air Office the cost to de- Force need.” velop and field this Currently the Shop new weapons system is refurbishing M9 was $2.6 million dol- handguns and M14 lars. This weapon Honor Guard rifles. was developed to The next project will meet an urgent op- be a large M4 refur- erational need to in- bishment, along with The Air Force Gunsmith Shop – part of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Armament Di- crease downed aircrew other ongoing small- rectorate – recently completed delivery of a new rifle for aircrew in most ejection seat aircraft. (U.S. Air survivability. It is arms production lines. Force courtesy photo) 12 • March 2, 2020