TPS Research Division

Edwards Air Force Base Victory... Forged by Test

Partnering for Innovation in Test and Evaluation

USAF Test Pilot School Research Division

USAF TPS is focused on four vital Research Focus Areas (RFAs) crucial for maintaining air and space dominance in a rapidly evolving threat environment. Your partnership can help us bridge critical gaps and accelerate the development of essential capabilities.

OUR RESEARCH

The increasing use of AI in combat aircraft, while transformative, presents a critical need for advanced test and evaluation techniques due to the non-deterministic nature of these control systems. This research is essential to ensure the safety, reliability, and trustworthiness of AI-controlled aircraft in complex operational scenarios. Partner with TPS and leverage our resources, including the X-62A VISTA, advanced simulation environments, and a team of expert test pilots, engineers, and researchers, to address this crucial challenge and shape the future of air combat.

RFA #1 - Techniques and Frameworks for Testing AI Control of Aerospace Vehicles
Rapidly fielding advanced aerospace systems is essential for maintaining our competitive edge, but traditional test techniques, hampered by narrow data tolerances and overly conservative test points, generate excessive unproductive data and slow down the acquisition process. This research aims to revolutionize aerospace test by leveraging physics-based machine learning applications to reduce timelines and costs while enhancing safety, ultimately enabling faster acquisition of new manned and unmanned platforms. Collaborate with us to develop advanced data analysis tools and resources to contribute to this critical effort.

RFA #2: Physics-Based Machine Learning Applications for Data-Driven Test
JADC2's success hinges on the seamless integration of air and space assets, but the inherent complexities of multi-domain operations, particularly space-based operations, pose significant challenges to kill web analysis and optimization. This research is vital to developing the tools and frameworks needed to effectively analyze, optimize, and ensure the effectiveness of multi-domain kill chains, a key element of future warfare. Partnering with TPS grants you access to advanced simulation tools, sensor networks, and classified facilities, enabling you to contribute to this critical area of research.

RFA #3: Techniques & Frameworks for Analysis & Optimization of Multi-domain Kill Webs
The growing complexity of emerging aerospace systems, particularly those with advanced autonomy, AI, and connectivity, requires a fundamental shift in flight test infrastructure. This research is crucial for developing the next-generation infrastructure necessary to effectively test and evaluate these complex systems, which will be the cornerstone of future air and space power. Collaborate with TPS to expand our unique resources and expertise to contribute to this vital effort.

RFA #4: Advanced Infrastructure and Test Capabilities for Emerging Aerospace Systems

Email us to receive submission details and proposal guidelines: USAFTPS.RD.Workflow@us.af.mil