• Space Access Capability Boosted by Wind Tunnel Test Success

    With help from Air Force Research Laboratory, the Air Force is pursuing a Reusable Booster System concept as the potential next step towards a low-cost space access capability. Whereas current booster systems are entirely expendable and require long lead times prior to launch, an RBS equipped with

  • Research for Bat-Inspired Micro Air Vehicles Taking Wing

    Air Force Research Laboratory-funded researchers from several universities are studying the flexible, flapping wings of bats (as well as birds and certain insects) in order to mimic desirable biological attributes towards micro air vehicle improvements in agility, speed, and adaptability. If

  • Gotcha Radar Dishing--or "Desching"--Up Meaningful ISR

    The Air Force Gotcha radar program will leverage "Desch"--Air Force Research Laboratory's newest supercomputer and the 308th-fastest device in the world--to translate massive amounts of radar surveillance data into high-resolution, three-dimensional video images for observing activity over an entire

  • Tuning In to Multispectral and Polarimetric Target Detection

    Having completed Phase I of a Small Business Innovation Research effort ultimately pursuing a full-scale sensor capability available for ready integration into small unmanned aerial systems sensor suites, Applied NanoFemto Technologies has begun SBIR Phase II work on the heretofore highly successful

  • X-55A (aka Advanced Composite Cargo Aircraft) a Success in the Making

    In June, Air Force Research Laboratory and Lockheed Martin completed the first flight demonstration of the Advanced Composite Cargo Aircraft.  The success of this event prompted official Headquarters Air Force designation of the ACCA as the X-55A, effective in October. The initial flight focused on

  • SBIR-Enabled Technology Holds Nothing Back From Aircrew Safety

    Aircrew restraint technology originally developed--and soon to be delivered to the Navy in enhanced form--through Air Force Research Laboratory Small Business Innovation Research funding will reduce personnel injuries and save lives. Based in part on the lab's Universal Mobile Aircrew Restraint

  • Transition Approval Go-Ahead a SMART Program Move

    On 24 September, US Strategic Command formally requested that Air Force Reserach Laboratory provide the software code needed for installing its Subject-Matter Analysis and Research Toolkit application on the Integrated Strategic Planning and Analysis Network Experimental Planning Lab for future

  • Patriot Exercise Prompts Key User Feedback

    By participating in the Air National Guard's annual international Operation Global Patriot exercise, this year conducted at Volk Field and Fort McCoy (Wisconsin), Air Force Research Laboratory researchers have acquired information critical to in-progress Small Business Innovation Research work

  • Laser Bioeffects Research a Dazzling SBIR Success

    A research team from Air Force Research Laboratory's 711th Human Performance Wing recently completed the first-ever documentation of a phenomena imparting key insights into the effects of lasers on biological systems. Led by Dr. Benjamin Rockwell, the Human Effectiveness Directorate-based Ophthalmic

  • AFIT's Cyber Warriors Develop New Cyber Career Field Training

    Two newly-assigned Air Force Institute of Technology Senior NCOs are charting the path for a new cyber career field likely to impact enlisted members in a variety of career fields. Dr. Richard Raines, Director of the AFIT's Center for Cyberspace Research, said "Cyberspace is the newest theater of