Regional networks accelerate science & tech for Air Force

Welcome to the May edition of the Linked Into AFRL newsletter!?

This month, we are highlighting an exciting pilot initiative to strengthen partnerships that’s already off to a promising start – AFRL’s Regional Hub Network.?

The first networks were established in 2022 in the Mid-Atlantic, in partnership with Cornell University, and the Midwest, in partnership with Purdue University. We caught up with both universities as the regional teams begin their second years, moving from an introductory period to the initial phase of operations.?

Also, take a look inside AFRL’s 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW) and virtually tour state-of-the-art facilities used to conduct aerospace physiology research, tests and evaluations.

Finally, hear from Dr. Lloyd Tripp, the former research lead of aerospace physiology who used those very same facilities, while he looks back on his remarkable 45-year career in the “Lab Life” podcast.

If you’re interested in launching a career with AFRL, check out our available career opportunities . We’ve highlighted five in-demand jobs below, but we have more than 50 openings currently.

AFRL Regional Hub Network enters second year

AFRL’s Regional Hub Network pilot initiative began its second year with Cornell and Purdue universities as peer leaders of academic, industrial and national laboratory partners across the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest.

While two regions currently exist, the vision seeks to establish regional networks in multiple areas, said Dr. Richard Vaia, chief scientist, AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate.

The AFRL Regional Hub Networks were established in response to the U.S. Air Force Science & Technology Strategy, seeking a broader range of approaches to accelerate the transition of new technologies into economically viable products in the supply chain through innovative public and private partnerships, Vaia said.

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Regional Hub Network — Midwest

The Purdue University President Mung Chiang expressed his enthusiasm at Regional Hub Network-Midwest opening ceremony and said that this is a critical time for the country to remain ahead of the rest of the world as it faces geopolitical challenges.

“This is the epicenter of hypersonic and energetic research, development and testing,” Chiang added. “And it’s because we have a network of outstanding universities participating. That’s the power of the network. It is a region working with each other. Together, we can make our country safe, secure [and] stronger than ever before.”

Echoing each speaker’s comments, Vaia said the future is about accelerating technology and creating an ecosystem that innovates and produces products, as well as attracting those who want to be part of the ecosystem.

“And that is fundamentally what the Regional Hub Networks are about — the government working with the innovators, the ideators, the manufacturers, the integrators, that entire ecosystem, to bring it all together to make it attractive and continue to lead in technology innovation,” Vaia said.

The newest projects were announced and are underway:

1. Passive control of hypersonic boundary layer turbulence via porous carbon-matrix ceramics — with parnters Hysonic, AFRL, University of Dayton, University of Dayton Research Institute, Raytheon Technologies, Elevate Ventures
2. Effect of thermal deformation on reattachment heating overshoot — in partnership with University of Notre Dame, The Ohio State University, AFRL
3. Development of solid-fueled rotating detonation engines — with Purdue University, USSF, Spectral Energies, Adranos

Regional Hub Network — Mid-Atlantic

AFRL’s Regional Hub Network – Mid-Atlantic region celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and $450,000 in funding awards to three project teams focused on prototyping research innovation and accelerating research translation.

“The grand opening of the AFRL Regional Hub Network for the Mid-Atlantic region marks a significant milestone in fostering innovation and accelerating research translation for our nation’s defense,” said AFRL Chief Technology Officer Dr. Timothy Bunning. “By bringing together members of AFRL, industry, and academia, we’re seeking to empower researchers to explore cutting-edge ideas and develop prototypes that will strengthen our capabilities in the future, cultivate breakthroughs, and fortify our national security. From what I’ve seen so far, we’re certainly on the right path.”

At the conclusion of the event, three project teams from the Spring ’22 cycle were awarded a total of $450,000 in project funding, which include the following:

1. “The Magpie” – A collaboration between Johns Hopkins University and the United States Space Force (USSF) focused on autonomous path planning informed by edge-generated signal intelligence for a space vehicle.
2. “Scaling of thermally-optimized aluminum nitride power amplifiers” – A partnership between Soctera Inc. and AFRL to develop a power amplifier for wireless radio frequency communications with 50% reduced operating temperatures for higher performing, longer range and more efficient wireless communications.
3. “Real-time hyperspectral anomaly detection using a small autonomous UAV” – A joint effort between Binghamton University and the AFRL/RY Sensors Directorate focused on developing a small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (sUAV) platform with onboard hyperspectral imagery capture and analysis capabilities.

The centrifuge and Research Altitude Chambers (RAC) at AFRL’s 711 HPW are the epicenter for the Aerospace Physiology research and training that is vital to prepare our air crews for their missions.?

The 711 HPW uses these facilities to perform a variety of tests to ensure the durability of flight equipment and to study the effects altitude has on the human body. These chambers also provide a training capability that prepares air crews to perform their missions at various altitudes.

Watch the video above and visit afresearchlab.com to learn more.?

Dr. Lloyd Tripp, the former research lead of Aerospace Physiology at the 711 HPW, guest starred on the latest episode of the “Lab Life” podcast to discuss his remarkable 45-year career with the Air Force and Space Force. During Tripp’s time at AFRL, his work focused on the RAC, or the “big box,” as he called it, and the centrifuge that you saw in the section above.?

“Although research in these types of facilities has continued over the past few years, the Air Force and Space Force keep changing the aircraft that we fly and continue to increase the parameters, altitudes, speeds and acceleration of these new aircraft. So, these facilities help us keep up with the onset of new technologies in the aircraft. Most importantly, the facilities we have today are much more technically savvy than the facilities we have had in the past, giving us more access to data and information on the pilot’s abilities,” said Tripp.

Listen to the full episode above or on the go with Apple Podcasts , Spotify and Stitcher .?

Launch your career with AFRL! We have a multitude of career opportunities in various locations from physics to cybersecurity, aerospace engineering and much more. You’ll work with passionate teams in world-class labs and have the creative freedom to make a difference. Our work matters to our Airmen and Guardians, our security and our nation.?

We have highlighted five in-demand jobs below — click on a position that interests you to learn more and apply.

• Research Physicist | San Antonio, TX
• Supervisor Senior General Engineer | Valparaiso, FL
• SpaceWERX / Supervisory Acquisition Program Manager | Dayton, OH?
• Rocket Test Engineer | Rosamond, CA
• Deputy Chief Scientist | Albuquerque, NM

If you'd like to be a part of an organization that makes positive changes in the world through cutting-edge science and technology, view more job openings at afresearchlab.com/careers .?

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