• As Freedom's Call Tattoo grows, so, too, does its technology exhibit

    For some people, their favorite part of Air Force Materiel Command's Freedom's Call Tattoo are the impressive aircraft. For others, it's great music. Still, others go for the dazzling fireworks. And, then, there are people who like to see technology. Which is why, when they visit displays in the

  • After market uniforms present risk

    The Air Force authorized a single "all-season" version of the Airman's Battle Uniform, or ABU, for wear service-wide, making any other version or claims of a "summer weight uniform" unauthorized. The one exception is a 100 percent cotton ABU, which is only authorized for wear in the firefighter and

  • Fly Hearing Mechanism a Model for Future UAV Capabilities

    Dr. Miao Yu, an AFRL-funded professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Maryland, is using the hearing mechanism of flies as a model for researching miniature acoustic sensors and sound localization techniques. The research could benefit the Air Force by leading to the development of an

  • Controls-Oriented Hypersonic Vehicle Modeling Earns Acclaim

    AFRL Air Vehicles Directorate scientist Dr. David Doman earned the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) Silver Medal for his work on a controls-based modeling approach for air-breathing hypersonic vehicles. One of the world's most respected professional societies, RAeS presents this award for

  • RCC Tool Assures Aircraft Material Integrity and Performance

    Working with industry partners, AFRL developed and effectively demonstrated the "R-Card Characterization" (RCC) tool, a ruggedized handheld nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technology. The tool collects real-time measurements indicating the electrical properties of specialty materials covered by the

  • Technology Sweetens Air Force Interest in Biomass Research

    A lab-funded Virginia Tech scientist is conducting research that will lead to the creation of low-cost hydrogen gas from sugars, a capability that could eventually help decrease greenhouse gas emissions and simultaneously increase energy utilization efficiency. A research team led by Dr. Percival

  • Overcoming Antenna-Induced Bias in GPS Measurements

    An Ohio State University research team led by AFRL-funded scientist Dr. Inder J. Gupta developed very efficient approaches vital to the growth of global navigation satellite systems. The team conducted both the theoretical work and the practical work, the outcome of which are key techniques for

  • Experimental No-Load Test of Powerful Electrodynamic Generator a Success

    AFRL researchers completed an experimental no-load test of a 2.5 MW electrodynamic generator. Weighing in at just 360 lbs, the small but power-dense unit emerged as part of a Small Business Innovation Research effort by Electrodynamics Associates to develop a generator meeting directed energy

  • Microwave Electrothermal Thrusters for Improved Satellites and Spaceflight

    AFRL-funded research of microwave electrothermal thruster (MET) technology may lead to higher-performing miniaturized electric propulsion systems for satellites and other spacecraft. The Pennsylvania State Universitybased team found that using a thruster powered by a microwave generator creates a