AFRL electrifying operations for the Air Force
Air Force Research Laboratory
Leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies in air, space and cyber.
In this electrifying edition of our Linked Into AFRL newsletter, we’re sharing recent developments the lab has made with the help of partners to advance the Air Force’s adoption of electric energy.?
Learn more about a new electric aircraft just delivered for testing and an exciting advancement in how we power aircraft.?
Watch our newest video on THOR, a high-power microwave counter-drone weapon, which was demonstrated for effectiveness against realistic targets.
Read about the historic and incredible journey of one Space Force Guardian to further ionospheric research in the Arctic.?
And take a look through our Art of Science Showcase to see energizing images that capture the artistic beauty within basic research.
We’ve also highlighted some of our most exciting career opportunities at the bottom of this edition. You can always check our open job listings at afresearchlab.com/careers.
Tanker aircraft successfully powered with Electric Ground Power Unit
AFRL collaborated with the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Air Force Materiel Command headquarters and General Motors Defense to successfully power a KC-135 tanker aircraft with GM Defense’s Electric Ground Power Unit at Edwards Air Force Base in California.?
The system employs commercial battery electric technology from GM and was transported on an electric cart integrated with GM’s Powered Solutions battery and electric drive system. The Electric Ground Power Unit and cart serve both military and commercial aircraft purposes.
“Our commercial-based Electric Ground Power Unit helps eliminate the emissions of greenhouse gasses during operation, while also providing near-silent operations,” said Rick Kewley, GM Defense Product Development and Advanced Engineering vice president. “We’re pleased to be providing a solution that enhances their capabilities.”
Electric aircraft arrives with 'one of the quietest Air Force flyovers ever'
AFWERX Airmen and several local media outlets gathered at Duke Field on Eglin Air Force Base in Florida to witness one of the quietest Air Force aircraft flyovers ever.
BETA Technologies, an electric aerospace company and AFWERX Prime division partner, made several low passes in its ALIA electric aircraft as the audience celebrated its delivery to the Air Force on Oct. 26, 2023.
AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Air Force and a directorate within AFRL brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the Air Force. This includes partnering with BETA and other electric aircraft companies to bring zero-emission aviation to the military along with other benefits, including a quiet noise profile and the cost savings to operate and maintain its fleet without dependency on traditional fossil fuels.
AFRL's THOR tracks and disables drone swarm
As the threats from unmanned aerial system swarms evolve, the Department of Defense is exploring options to further protect our warfighters. Tactical, High-power, Operational, Responder, known as THOR, is a high power microwave counter-drone weapon that the Air Force Research Lab has demonstrated for effectiveness against realistic targets.? Numerous drones were flown to simulate a swarm attack, and using its wide beam, high peak powers and fast moving gimbal, THOR tracked and disabled the entire swarm. The results are a promising step in protecting warfighters from the potential threat of drone attacks, adding to the suite of existing installation force protection tools.? AFRL is also using THOR’s success to create a new prototype called Mjolnir, which includes key enhancements to make the system even faster, lighter, and more capable.
Capt. Henry Cho made history as the first U.S. Space Force Guardian to receive the Coast Guard Arctic Service Medal by spending 21 freezing cold days in the Arctic aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB-20). He currently serves as Space Sensors Development lead engineer for AFRL’s Space Vehicles Directorate.
“I never imagined I’d have this opportunity when I joined the Space Force, but it’s humbling to pave the way forward for my fellow Guardians,” Cho said. “I appreciate the opportunity to travel and see the spectacular views of the Arctic region onboard the Healy while assisting with monitoring our experiment onboard.”
AFRL developed an ionospheric sounder that makes measurements to characterize the ionosphere overhead, which allows researchers to better understand its radio properties. AFRL scientists installed an ionospheric sounder on the Healy to characterize the ionosphere in the Arctic region, which is difficult to measure from land and space.
“Capt. Cho was an indispensable member of AFRL’s Flex Sounder team, as he was the key operator of the instrument aboard the Healy. He proved to be a quick learner and an adept troubleshooter,” Holmes said. “Capt. Cho’s efforts helped the team secure rare and valuable data that will be used in the coming years to plan next-generation high latitude ionospheric impact solutions for the warfighter.”
More than 200 basic research-inspired art submissions are on display digitally for the second annual 2023 Basic Research Art of Science Showcase, curated by AFRL’s Air Force Office of Scientific Research, or AFOSR.
AFOSR has been at the forefront of cutting-edge basic research contributions in science and technology for the U.S. Department of the Air Force and the nation resulting in technological developments such as stealth, GPS, the computer mouse, superplastic, infrared sensors, Nobel Award-winning lithium batteries and many more.
“There is beauty in the images produced by scientific endeavors,” said AFRL Chief Technology Officer Dr. Timothy J. Bunning. “Modern day imaging tools enable us to ‘look’ using a variety of lenses, providing both wonder and clarity on the things we view. These images spark creativity, help to expand the boundaries of our knowledge and keep us coming back for more exploration.”
Learn more about the Art of Science and view the full showcase here.
Are you ready to be part of an organization that makes positive changes in the world through cutting-edge science and technology? We have highlighted in-demand jobs below — click on a position that interests you to learn more and apply. See all of our available jobs at afrearchlab.com/careers.
Thank you for reading this edition of the Linked Into AFRL newsletter. Please leave your feedback in the comments.
Owner of Mote Enterprises & Mote Motor Company & Mote Powertrain & Mote Aerospace EV's for a greener tomorrow!
1 年If we had known the Air Force was interested in going electric, we would have included them in our conversation with the Navy.
Cybersecurity and IT | US Airforce Reserve | Active Secret Clearance | PenTest+ Certified | CySA+ Certified | Cloud+ Certified | Security+ Certified | Professional Scrum Master Certified | PMP Certified | ITIL 4 Fdn Cert
1 年Hello, This is definitely a bundle of electrifying information. I will be saving this in my memoire.
ICT Counsel | Autodidact @ SYNC01? Global Outreach Mechanism?
1 年Lounge chair : - )
Graduate Student at Iowa State University - Ivy College of Business
1 年Good Morning! Is your organization currently accessing Aerospace Engineering internships? I have a couple of candidates I would like to recommend!