Starfire Optical Range at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico

The Air Force Research Laboratory's Starfire Optical Range is a vital resource in achieving the Air Force mission to operate freely in space. This world-class optical research facility and center for Air Force strategic optical exploration is on a hilltop site (6,240 feet above sea level) on Kirtland AFB, N.M. The SOR primary mission is to develop optical sensing, imaging and atmospheric propagation technologies to support Air Force aerospace missions. This facility leads the industry changing technology of laser beacon adaptive optics for military uses and civilian applications such as astronomy. It is a major component of the AFRL Directed Energy Directorate. U.S. Air Force photo

Shiva Star

Research into the military applications of high-energy pulsed power systems is conducted in the 34,261-square-foot Air Force Research Laboratory Directed Energy Directorate, High Power Systems Facility. The facility houses Shiva Star, the Air Force largest pulsed-power system. Shiva Star stores nearly 10 million joules of energy (equal to 5 pounds of TNT). U.S. Air Force photo.

AFRL Sensors Scientist Earns Air Force Science and Engineering Award

Dr. Boris Tomasic, of the Air Force Research Laboratory's Sensors Directorate, earned the 2009 Air Force Science and Engineering Award for Exploratory or Advanced Technology Development. The award recognizes noteworthy achievements in applied research or advanced technology development, with emphasis on improving technology readiness levels, transitioning technology into acquisition programs, and/or direct-fielding technology to operational forces.

Payload Demonstration Success a 'Project Marti' Party

Air Force Research Laboratory engineers used this high-altitude (60,000-85,000 ft) balloon in demonstrating the feasibility of a new payload that supports tactical operations by enabling airborne publish-and-subscribe database access and geographically extended machine-to-machine situational awareness in limited-bandwidth battlefield environments. (Photo Credit: Mathew Gillen)

Geodesic Dome Phased-Array Antenna Demonstrates TT&C Capacity

The Geodesic Dome Phased-Array Antenna Advanced Technology Demonstration proved the antenna's capacity to provide multiple, simultaneous, dual-band (L-band and S-band) contacts for telemetry, tracking, and command of Air Force Satellite Control Network satellites.

Affordability Initiative Software Lowers Aircraft Engine Component Costs

Air Force Research Laboratory engineers worked with GE Aircraft Engine Group, Rolls Royce Corporation, and other industry partners to develop and transition a new manufacturing methodology that uses enhanced DEFORM software to lower the costs of producing components such as the pictured aircraft engine disk.

T-REX Hits New Heights in Human Performance Training Research

Observers measure warfighter performance during T-REX 09-1, an important Training Research Exercise conducted by the Air Force Research Laboratory Warfighter Readiness Research Division's Air and Space Operations Center and geared towards investigating immersive learning, information simulation, and other leading-edge training tactics. (Photo by Bruce Liddil / Air Force photo)

Louisiana Civic Leaders tour Eglin AFB

Briefer Brian Mitchell informs a group of civic leaders about past, present and future war technology, in the Taconi Room of the Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., October 22, 2009. More than twenty-six influential civic leaders from the Shreveport/Bossier City area of Louisiana gained first-hand knowledge of operations of the Air Force during a two-day “Civic Leader Tour” flight from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., to Eglin on October 21-22, 2009. The leaders received several mission briefings and viewed a static display of the MC-130 Combat Talon I as well as touring several facilities at Eglin AFB and Duke Field, Fla. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston)

AFOSR-Funded Optical Links Advance Quantum Communications

Researcher Dr. David H. Hughes of the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) in Rome, N.Y. is leading a team that is investigating long-distance, mobile optical links imperative for secure quantum communications capabilities in theater. (Credit: Brian Rhea, Director, Corporate Communications, AOptix Technologies)

Wingman helps cancer survivor meet Air Force Half Marathon goal

Master Sgt. Mike Sanders (center) gets some help from 2nd Lt. Evan McNichols (left) and Lieutenant McNichols' cousin, Ben, after finishing the Air Force Half Marathon Sept. 19, 2009, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Sergeant Sanders ran the event one year and eight months after beating cancer. Sergeant Sanders had served as an instructor with the University of Oregon's Air Force ROTC program, and Lieutenant McNichols was a cadet there and they have been each other's wingman since. (Courtesy photo)

Bio-Based Jet Fuel Studies a ?GR8? (Great R-8) Success

In support of the Department of Defense Assured Fuels Initiative, AFRL engineers tested 600 gal of Syntroleum Corporation's R-8 synthetic fuel derived from an animal/vegetable oil blend. This effort is geared towards securing domestic fuel sources to meet military energy needs. Syntroleum produces R-8 using its proprietary Bio-Synfining process.

Aeromedical Care Advanced by Fuel-Cell-Powered System

The existing avionic frequency converter used to power onboard medical equipment during aeromedical evacuation and critical care air transport missions is cumbersome and heavy, poses a substantial electrical sparking and trip hazard due to extensive cabling, and relies on aircraft power to operate.