• AFRL reimagines tech development with virtual reality

    WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – In a move the Wright Brothers likely never anticipated but surely would approve, the Air Force Research Laboratory Aerospace Systems Directorate is using a bicycle to demonstrate how virtual and augmented reality could revolutionize aircraft maintenance, as

  • AFRL helps extend serviceability of hydraulic aircraft components

    WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate recently completed an extensive effort to help certify a maintenance process that could extend the life of aircraft hydraulic system components.Through participation in a rapid innovation fund team led by the

  • Environmental sensing platform offers added protection against corrosion

    WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – AFRL is developing an innovative new tool to more effectively manage aircraft corrosion.Researchers from the AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate are developing and testing a device that could help pre-emptively predict corrosive environmental

  • Pacer Classic III mods give T-38 new life

    Located at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, the 575th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron T-38 Talon depot maintenance team has been providing current upgrade modifications known as Pacer Classic III since 2015 and have to date successfully completed them on 40 T-38 Talon aircraft.

  • Innovating compressor blade inspection

    Blade defects decrease engine efficiency and power, while increasing fuel burn (specific fuel consumption) and exhaust gas temperature (EGT) - resulting in higher maintenance costs, and decreased aircraft availability. Additionally, defective compressor blades can pose a safety threat if not

  • AFSOC general returns to thank Robins maintainers; provides gunship tour

     As promised by the Air Force Special Operations Command vice commander, Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex C-130 sustainment workers were treated to a Feb. 9 tour inside an AC-130W gunship fully loaded with the latest modifications.  Maj. Gen. Eugene Haase, AFSOC vice commander, and his crew

  • Air Force lab investigating microscopic crack formation for aircraft

    WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The B-52 is one of the oldest legacy aircraft in the Air Force. Since the 1950s, this aircraft has led the force in its dominance as the world’s best. However, just as humans begin to age, so do aircraft. Repeated loading and unloading, changes in air