Peace of mind: Portable tester provides reliable capabilities to warfighters

When an AIM-9X air intercept missile is deployed from an Air Force weapon system, the pilot needs to be confident it'll get the job done.Known as Common Munitions Built-in Test Reprogramming Equipment, this portable field tester and mission programmer is attached to various compatible

Commentary: This Memorial Day, reflect on true meaning

It was nearly 150 years ago that our nation first observed a day of remembrance for those who died in service to the United States of America.Over the years, more than one million American Soldiers, Sailors, Coast Guardsmen, Marines and Airmen have given their lives in defense of our great nation.

Airmen, weapons tested during Combat Hammer at Hill

Airmen from across the country completed the Combat Hammer weapons evaluation at Hill Air Force Base and the Utah Test and Training Range May 8-14."If you enjoy watching action movies, you get to see that real world and live," said Maj. Jonothan Reid, deputy director of operations for the Utah Test

Initiatives to improve Air Force acquisition

Addressing a standing-room-only audience of industry and government employees here May 13, the Air Force's Service Acquisition Executive spoke about acquisition priorities, challenges and initiatives.Dr. William LaPlante, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, emphasized his top

Ready to roll: Production milestone revs up AWACS upgrades

The 552nd Air Control Wing recently received its first full-rate production E-3G AWACS aircraft, a milestone marking the start of faster upgrades for the rest of the surveillance and battle management fleet.E-3 Program Manager Thomas Ramsey with the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center said the

Update: JSTARS Recap moves to next phase

A senior Department of Defense official signed a key acquisition memo May 7 that will allow the Joint STARS Recapitalization program office here to begin awarding contracts.Frank Kendall, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, signed a Materiel Development Decision

Flight tests conclude for shape changing aircraft flap

A team of researchers from Air Force Research Laboratory, NASA and FlexSys, Inc., accomplished a long sought goal in aviation research April 22 with the last flight of the Adaptive Compliant Trailing Edge Flight Research program.A radically new morphing wing technology called Flexfoil TM exceeded

AFRL Materials and Manufacturing group gets a look at AEDC test facilities

AFMC’s Wingman Intervention program going strong

More than a year after it was introduced, Air Force Materiel Command's Wingman Intervention program is still going strong."During the spring 2013 Wingman Day, AFMC made a concerted effort to provide its Airmen with the skills and confidence they need to safely intervene when they see fellow Airmen

Going the distance: Globemaster III hits major milestone, flies 3,000,000 hours

The Air Force's C-17 Globemaster fleet celebrated a milestone this week -- reaching 3 million flying hours, a significant feat considering the first aircraft was delivered to Joint Base Charleston, S.C., more than 20 years ago.Officials from Robins, flight crews and distinguished visitors from Joint

Air Force announces retirement of AFSC commander

Air Force officials announced May 7, 2015, the retirement of Lt. Gen. Bruce A. Litchfield, commander of Air Force Sustainment Center, Air Force Materiel Command, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.The general will retire effective June 5, 2015, after 34 years of service.Litchfield entered the Air Force

AFRC pilot lauded for emergency landing at Hill

Quick thinking and good communication not only saved a $13 million aircraft and its pilot, it also averted a possible tragedy close to Hill Air Force Base.On Jan. 10, 2014, Lt. Col. James "G-Man" Doyle, an Air Force Reserve pilot with the 514th Flight Test Squadron, was taking off on a functional

AFMC activates AFIMSC

The commander of Air Force Materiel Command officially activated the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center during a ceremony here May 5.Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger appointed Maj. Gen. Theresa Carter as the first AFIMSC commander at the event attended by more than 500 people in the Basic

Raptor test force enters new phase of AIM-9X testing

The 411th Flight Test Squadron and F-22 Combined Test Force successfully test fired two guided AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles this year as part of the latest phase in getting the Raptor closer to using the missile operationally.The AIM-9X is an advanced infrared missile and the newest of the Sidewinder

DoD Lab Day to showcase groundbreaking AFRL technologies

The Air Force Research Laboratory will have a unique opportunity to showcase some of its groundbreaking technologies at the first ever Department of Defense Lab Day to be held at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. on May 14, 2015. The goal of the event is to increase awareness of DoD laboratory