AFMC Command News

  • Restraint system improves aircrew safety

    A new restraint system based on the same technology that brings speeding roller coasters to a smooth stop may soon help save warfighter lives and reduce military mobile aircrew injuries. Air Force Research Laboratory engineers teamed with Wolf Technical Services, Inc., under a Small Business

  • Device provides active thermal control of spacecraft surfaces

    Air Force Research Laboratory engineers have successfully integrated two existing technologies to create a thermal emission management system suitable for space use. Achieving operationally responsive space capabilities requires versatile satellites that can adapt as needed to accomplish multiple

  • Computational analysis improves I-500 warhead survivability

    Air Force Research Laboratory engineers conducted dynamic computational analysis geared towards improving the survivability of a proposed I-500 warhead design. Ongoing computational analysis suggests that resulting changes should significantly increase the warhead's structural survivability during

  • Air turbulence research could lead to safer flights

    The Air Force Research Laboratory is funding Massachusetts Institute of Technology scientists who are researching ways to identify and predict turbulence through the detection of underlying air patterns. Researchers believe the detection of these underlying structures will make it possible to

  • Navigation radar, radio equipment upgrades save AF time, money

    What started out as a "high wire" idea has captured the attention of the aviation community. The Federal Aviation Administration recently contacted Air Force Materiel Command and invited AFMC officials to share results from the command's Air Traffic Control and Landing Systems, or ATCALS, upgrade.

  • B-1 sniper pod aims to hit summer target

    Air Force officials say the B-1 sniper pod could be operational as early as this summer after accelerated testing cut the length of the sniper pod program from nine to three months. Air Force Materiel Command's Global Power Bomber Combined Test Force at Edwards AFB, along with Air Combat Command's

  • Doolittle Raiders return to Eglin AFB

    "Throughout the history of this mighty nation, many Airmen and other military service members have had the chance to stand on the shoulders of giants. Today Team Eglin has the wonderful opportunity to dine with them." Those remarks came from Col. Rick Locastro, 96th Air Base Wing vice commander, as

  • Coin-sized sensor can detect bombs

    An Air Force Office of Scientific Research-funded team has created an inexpensive sensor the size of a penny that detects bombs made with improvised peroxide explosive devices. The University of California at San Diego research team includes Dr. William Trogler, one of the inventors of the

  • Ghost-imaging could have satellite application

    Investigators funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research are conducting research under the name of "ghost-imaging," where a visual image of an object is created by means of light that has never interacted with the object. The new technology may eventually result in more versatile use of

  • AF looks at hydrogen as potential fuel source

    Few car owners would ever think of pouring water down the gas tank. However, as the Air Force continues initiatives to redefine the Air Force's energy culture, more Airmen might picture water as an energy source. Some Airmen here may be among the first to see the use of hydrogen-power in their daily

  • Robins' environmental efforts earn DOD recognition

    Base representatives accepted the fiscal 2007 Secretary of Defense Pollution Prevention award in the industrial category during a ceremony at the Pentagon June 4. Robins AFB was cited for its vast efforts in improving aircraft paint processes and implementing green procurement practices to protect

  • Officials select Installation Acquisition Transformation regional directors

    The Air Force Installation Acquisition Transformation initiative to streamline installation-level purchasing across the continental United States continued to move forward May 21 as Air Force Material Command named provisional directors for the new Installation Acquisition Center and the five

  • Air Force combines promotion, developmental education releases

    Air Force officials here recently announced they will begin combining the public releases for officer promotions and developmental education announcements as part of an ongoing effort to streamline personnel processes. The new initiative will start later this year with the September 2008B lieutenant

  • Air Force Marathon participants save money by registering early

    A key date is quickly approaching for people interested in or planning on running in the 2008 United States Air Force Marathon here. As with many running events, prices are cheaper with early registration. The first cutoff date to save money for the Air Force Marathon is May 31. "People can register

  • SECAF discusses 'culture shift' toward continuous process improvement

    Speaking to more than 500 military members and civilians representing all services, as well as interagency and international partners, during the Department of Defense Continuous Process Improvement Symposium May 13, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne emphasized Department of Defense officials