• Smart automation, AI to accelerate materials discovery, innovation

    WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – To meet the demands of the ever-increasing pace of technological development in order to create the next generation of Air Force technology, researchers are challenged to find ways to shrink the timeline for materials discovery, development and

  • 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

  • AFRL researchers innovate, ‘sprint’ to create waterproof rescue duffel

    WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio –  The ability to rapidly innovate is key to ensuring the Air Force advantage in today’s operational environment. And, solving problems faster often calls for new ways of doing business that leverage creativity and flexibility to create rapid solutions for

  • AFRL-led patches make ‘sense’ of sweat

    WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – It’s a sweaty project, but the sweat is worth the effort for scientists at the Air Force Research Laboratory working to better understand the links between materials, technology and warfighter performance.Born out of an AFRL and industry collaboration within

  • Air Force lab puts medical devices through their paces

    “We break stuff,” said Lt. Col. Brandi Ritter, chief of the Air Force Medical Evaluation Support Activity, showing off the facility where her unit tests the devices medical Airmen use to complete their mission.

  • Robotic wheelchair competition unleashes student creativity

    WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – AFRL researchers are looking to tap into the creativity of the next generation of researchers through a project that turns an ordinary motorized wheelchair into a robotic security guard.As part of the Robotic Sentry Challenge, the Materials and Manufacturing

  • AFRL partners with entrepreneurs to light the way for the warfighter

    WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – Nearly everyone has used a common glow stick to light up the night sky, or even as part of a highway emergency kit. But these handy devices are also useful in the battlefield, and AFRL researchers have discovered a way to make this useful tool even

  • AFRL helps enable laser paint removal technology

    WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- AFRL Materials Integrity engineers recently played a key role in enabling the safer and more efficient removal of paint from F-16 aircraft through the newly-adopted Robotic Laser Coating Removal System.At the request of the Air Force Life Cycle Management