F/A-18 static display at Arnold AFB repainted

By Jill PickettAEDC Public Affairs

Six aircraft stand on dis-play outside the Main Gate and Gate 2 of Arnold Air Force Base serving as re-minders to those who enter the base of the warfighters who depend on the work of the Arnold AFB workforce in support of the test and evaluation mission of Ar-nold Engineering Develop-ment Complex.

At Arnold AFB, AEDC conducts ground testing to help ensure the fleets of the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Army remain su-perior to any that would seek to do harm to the United States. AEDC has conduct-ed testing in support of all of the aircraft programs repre-sented by the static displays.

Each of the static dis-

plays at the gates are dedi-cated to a member of the military who lost his or her life in service to the United States. Maintaining these air-craft is important to honoring their lives and the lives of all those who have served.

“These are not just ways of showing the flying heri-tage of the U.S. military,” said Ryan Regrutto, a proj-ect manager with the AEDC Civil Engineering Branch overseeing recent mainte-nance of the aircraft. “They are monuments to someone who gave everything in de-fense of our country. They are a reminder to me that what I do is ultimately im-portant, no matter how insig-nificant it may seem in the grand scheme.”

Recently, an F/A-18 Hornet was repainted as part of the maintenance ef-

forts. The F/A-18, along with an F-14 Tomcat, both U.S. Navy aircraft, are on loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida. The four Air Force aircraft on display, an F-4 Phantom II, an F-15 Eagle, an F-16 Fighting Falcon and an F-105 Thunderchief, are on loan from the National Mu-seum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

The paint schemes for each aircraft are selected based upon historical con-text and approved by the museum from which they are on loan.

“Either the history of the actual aircraft is used to depict a specific time frame and unit that the aircraft

Arnold AFB, Tenn. February 1, 2021Vol. 68, No. 3

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE PAIDTULLAHOMA TNPERMIT NO. 29

…Page 2 …Page 5

Arnold Fire and Emergency Services’ new ambulance purchase to benefit the

department, base and community

Remember heart health in February

AEDC Aeropropulsion personnel testing software to aid in structural analysis

AEDC 16-foot supersonic wind tunnel restored to operational status

F/A-18 static display at Arnold AFB repainted

By Jill PickettAEDC Public Affairs

On Jan. 21, the multi-year efforts of many yielded the desired results with a suc-cessful air-on test run in the Arnold Engineering Devel-opment Complex 16-foot supersonic wind tunnel, or 16S, and return to service of the test facility.

“Wind Tunnel 16S will provide the nation a signifi-cant capability to rapidly de-velop weapon systems criti-cal to the National Defense Strategy,” said Lt. Col. John McShane, Aerodynamics Test Branch Materiel leader. “We can now assess weapon system performance in a con-trolled environment at parts of the envelope that were previously unattainable.”

Later this fiscal year, the tunnel is expected to host customer models for air-on tests for the first time since

By Bradley HicksAEDC Public Affairs

Structural testing of new turbine engine designs can result in terabytes of data re-corded from hundreds of sen-sors. This data – collected during High Cycle Fatigue (HCF) characterization tests – traditionally required ex-perts months to analyze anddetermine if the engine is safe to operate in an aircraft.

“That is why the same

question remains – How can we be more confident that we truly understand the struc-tural limitations of this sys-tem?” said Seth Beaman, a Naval Air Systems Command analysis engineer assigned to the Aeropropulsion Com-bined Test Force (CTF) of Arnold Engineering Develop-ment Complex at Arnold Air Force Base.

This lingering query re-cently led to discussions among personnel in the Aero-

propulsion CTF of how they could better statistically cor-relate structural responses to other engine parameters. They hope they have found a solution.

Those in the CTF have joined forces with APEX Tur-bine Testing Technologies, a small business from nearby Spring Hill, Tennessee, to develop software to solve this problem. Apex built on their current software prod-uct, Apex-DX, to automate

the statistical analysis of the data. The new software merges data from multiple recording devices, identifies structural responses that are near engine limits, and as-sists in developing statistical correlations between those structural responses and other engine parameters.

“This capability will ben-efit the AEDC workforce by providing further insight into the sensitivities of compo-nents within the propulsion

systems we are testing,” Bea-man said.

Joseph Honea, Software Engineering Manager at APEX, led the team of soft-ware developers to automate the process based on APEX’s commercial software prod-ucts.

“Our team was very ex-cited to be a part of applying our proven technology to cre-ate an automated process that

See WIND TUNNEL, page 4

See SOFTWARE, page 5

An AGARD-B model is seen here mounted on a sting in the 16-foot supersonic wind tunnel at Arnold Air Force Base, Jan. 18. A test run with the AGARD-B model was the culmination of a multi-year effort to return Tunnel 16S to service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett)

The F/A-18 static display dedicated in memory of Lt. Cmdr. Frank Wittwer, U.S. Navy, that sits on display outside of Gate 2 at Arnold Air Force Base, seen in this photograph taken Jan. 6, was recently repainted, including the detailed tail artwork. The static display aircraft outside Gate 2 and the Main Gate of Arnold AFB help to connect the public with the mission of the U.S. military. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett)See DISPLAY, page 3

2 • February 1, 2021

By Deidre MoonAEDC Public Affairs

Arnold Air Force Base Fire and Emergency Services (FES) has pur-chased a new, state-of-the-art am-bulance, which FES Chief Daryle Lopes said he and his entire team are excited about, not only for the department but for the patients it will serve.

“The purchase of a new ambu-lance is a big deal to us and a great benefit to the community,” Lopes said. “This vehicle will drastically increase safety, reliability and per-formance capability.”

This ambulance replaces a 17-year-old unit that, according to Lopes, had become increasingly less dependable over the life of the contract.

The new unit is a 2021 Type III ambulance with a Ford F-450 chas-sis and a Trauma Hawk ambulance box. Previously a dealer’s demon-stration model, it had only 3,000 miles on it before being purchased by FES.

With the new vehicle also comes a number of increased safety fea-tures in the box of the ambulance, which is where the medical equip-ment is stored and any treatment is performed, and the chassis is meant to better protect the crew and pa-tients.

“It has the biggest box an ambu-lance can have in height and length, with a 6-foot clearance so we have more room to work,” said Gary Horn, assistant chief of operations for FES. “With the improved box, we are now up to highest safety standards as far as medics working in the back.”

Some of the other differences from the old ambulance versus the new ambulance include more lights and better LED quality and adjustable patterns; more cabinets and updated cabinetry inside; more compartments for storage outside; a power cot with load assist; a four-

point safety harness on all compart-ment seats; back-up camera with bumper protection; powerlift for large oxygen bottles; portable oxygen mounts inside the box; and more cab room.

Additionally, it runs on gasoline fuel instead of diesel, which Lopes noted would be simpler and less ex-pensive to maintain. The rear doors have Chevron emergency striping, and letters, and the letters and strip-ing are reflective for night safety. The purchase of this ambulance also in-cluded a warranty.

“The unit is manufactured to strict standards of the Commission on Ac-creditation of Ambulance Services,” Lopes said. “We’re now fully com-pliant with current Ground Vehicle Standard for ambulance regulations.

“All this ensures our trans-port vehicle provides maximum physical protection to the pa-tient and the crew.”

Lopes thanked Amentum, the company under which FES oper-ates as part of the Facility Support Services II contract, for backing the much needed investment.

“Amentum’s willingness to in-vest $182,000 in the Emergency Medical Services part of our mis-sion highlights our commitment to providing top quality medical services to the entire AEDC com-munity (at Arnold AFB),” he said. “The investment is an integral part of the safety and quality culture we practice which focuses on excep-tional performance, continual im-provement, and personal and opera-tional safety.

“Arnold FES is extremely grateful to corporate leaders in the Warfighter Support directorate, and above, who never flinched when the unplanned need for a large capital expenditure arose. I also can’t fail to mention our exceptional performers

in the arduous process of buying a new ambulance, which were As-sistant Fire Chief Gary Horn, Fire-fighter and Paramedic Coordinator Shane Clark, Deputy Fire Chief Daryl VanCise, and Denise Doss of Warfighter Support purchasing.”

Lopes further thanked AEDC and Air Force leadership for its sup-port saying, “Since the start of our contract in 2015, the support and understanding of our Air Force cus-tomer in every aspect of our EMS program has been invaluable.”

Horn also wanted to voice his ap-preciation for FES management for backing the decision to purchase a new vehicle.

“The company, Chief Lopes and Deputy Chief VanCise, they backed us 100 percent the entire time,” he said. “Since we’ve purchased the ambulance, you can catch some of the FES guys outside checking it out. They take great pride in it.”

Values

Vision

• Ethics. We are uncompromising in our integrity, honesty, and fairness.

• Safety & Health. We are relentless in keeping people safe from harm, andwe provide a safe and healthy work

environment.• Security. We are disciplined and vigilant in protecting sensitive AEDC information and ensuring system integrity to support

national security and our customers.• Excellence. We thrive on challenge, accomplishment, and mission success.• Quality. We are passionate about doing

our work right the first time.• People. We have a mission-focused,inclusive workforce who have a diverse skill set, are committed to success, demonstrate innovation and have a can

do attitude.• Culture. Our team is proud of our diver-sity, inclusiveness, and collaborative work environment. We are proud of what we do

and how we do it.• Relationships. We build positive, long-term business relationships through trust,

respect, and collaboration.• Innovation. We overcome challenges through creativity, perseverance, technol-ogy, and flexibility. We actively seek to

continually improve.• Sustainability. We plan and act for thelong term benefit of our communities and

our environment.

v

High Mach Staff:Kathy Jacobsen,

NAS Executive Editor

Jill Pickett NAS Editor

Arnold Air Force

Base

Richard TigheGeneral Manager,

National Aerospace Solutions

High Mach is published by Lakeway Publishers, Inc. a pri-vate firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, Arnold Air Force Base, Arnold Engi-neering Development Complex (AEDC) or National Aerospace Solutions (NAS), under exclu-sive written contract with NAS at Arnold AFB, Tenn., 37389.

Everything advertised in this publication will be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital sta-tus, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.

The High Mach office is located at 100 Kindel Drive, Suite A236, Arnold AFB, Tenn. 37389-1236. Editorial content is edited and prepared by NAS. Deadline for copy is Wednes-day at close of business one week before publication.

This commercial enterprise newspaper is an allowable NAS contractor publication for personnel at Arnold AFB.

The content of High Mach does not necessarily reflect the views of the Air Force, Arnold AFB, AEDC or NAS. The ap-pearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement of the products or services advertised by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, Arnold AFB, AEDC, NAS or Lakeway Publishers, Inc.For general information about High Mach, call (931) 454-5655 or visit www.arnold.af.mil.

Core Values• Integrityfirst

• Service before self• Excellence in all

we do

Use High Mach to mar-ket your products and services. Contact Joe at 931-455-4545 or [email protected]

“NAS delivers the best aerospace testing

capabilities today and in the future.”

Col. Jeffrey GeraghtyCommander

Jason AustinChief,

Public Affairs

Smoking Policy1. The following revised Arnold AFB smoking policy is effective immediately and applies to all individuals on

Arnold AFB.2. Traditional Tobacco products (e.g. cigars and cigarettes):

a. Smoking is permitted solely in Designated Tobacco Areas (DTAs) identified by designated signage. If nosignage exists, smoking is not permitted in that area. It is the responsibility of all smokers to keep DTAsclean of cigarette butts.

b. Tobacco use on the Arnold AFB Golf Course is permitted, but discouraged based on the health hazardsof tobacco use and secondhand smoke. No smoking is permitted within 50 feet of golf course buildingsexcept in the approved DTA.

c. Smoking in government-owned/leased vehicles is strictly prohibited. Personnel are allowed to smoke in theirpersonal vehicles at any time; however, at no time will personnel discard cigarette butts outside their vehicle.

d. For government employees, the fact that a person smokes has no bearing on the number of breaks theymay take. Breaks should be taken in accordance with the current supervisory and personnel policies thatafford all employees the same break opportunities consistent with good work practices and accomplish-ment of the mission.

3. Smokeless Tobacco products (e.g. snuff and dip):Smokeless tobacco products are not to be restricted to DTAs. Smokeless tobacco use will be permitted in allworkplace areas (inside and out) subject to reasonable safety and sanitary conditions. Specifically, containersof tobacco waste product, including sealed containers, must not be left unattended or disposed of in trashreceptacles. Users of smokeless tobacco must flush tobacco waste down the toilet.

4. Electronic Cigarettes (also known as “e-cigs”):Pursuant to Air Force Instruction (AFI) 40-102, Tobacco Free Living, e-cigs are considered to be equivalent totobacco products; however, e-cigs are not restricted to DTAs and are allowed to be used outdoors at a minimumdistance of 25 feet from building entry/egress points. (This policy is dated July 27, 2016)

Team AEDC,I believe in free and open communications

with our Team AEDC employees, and that’s why we have the Action Line available. People can use the Action Line to clear up rumors, ask ques-tions, suggest ideas on improvements, enter complaints or get other issues off their chests.

The Action Line has been expanded to in-clude an option for your ideas, comments, or suggestions on the AcqDemo personnel sys-tem. Simply call the normal x6000 commander’s action line. You will then be prompted to select option 1 for the Commander’s Action Line or Op-tion 2 for the AcqDemo line. They can access the Action Line via the AEDC intranet home page and by calling 931-454-6000.

Although the Action Line is always available, the best and fastest way to get things resolved is by using your chain of command or by con-tacting the organization directly involved. I en-courage everyone to go that route first, then if the situation isn’t made right, give us a chance.

Col. Jeffrey GeraghtyAEDC Commander

Action Line

Arnold Fire and Emergency Services’ new ambulance will benefit the department, base and community

Joey Anderson, a firefighter/paramedic for Arnold Air Force Base Fire and Emergency Services, demonstrates the cot with power-assisted loading system on the newly-acquired ambulance Jan. 12, at Arnold AFB. The loading system enhances patient safety and helps prevent back injuries to firefighters. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett)

Joey Anderson, a firefighter/paramedic for Arnold Air Force Base Fire and Emergency Services, checks supplies in the FES team’s newly-acquired ambulance Jan. 12, at Arnold AFB. The cabinets inside the ambulance can be accessed by both sliding doors and swinging doors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett)

February 1, 2021 • 3

DISPLAY from page 1was assigned to, or a paint scheme is proposed that was used on the aircraft model, though not the specific air-craft,” explained Mark An-derson, historical property custodian for AEDC.

The F/A-18 bears the paint scheme of the as-signed unit of Lt. Cmdr. Frank Wittwer, U.S. Navy, for whom the aircraft is dedicated.

While the paint itself is a more durable exterior paint than used on in-service air-craft, care is taken to ensure the colors and details are ac-curately portrayed.

“We have retrieved the original paint scheme manuals from the respec-tive branch of service to make sure we get it right,” Regrutto said. “We then try to make sure we match any decals and art to the origi-nal.”

The process usually takes a couple weeks; lon-ger if there is more intricate artwork on the aircraft. It involves cleaning, sand-ing, priming, repairing any cracks or rust, and finally painting and applying de-cals.

The displays provide a reminder to Team AEDC of the importance of their work, but also are part of the U.S. Air Force Heritage Program with broader pur-poses.

“The objectives of this program as they relate to static aircraft displays are to preserve the history of the U.S. Air Force in a way that produces benefits of significant value to the Air Force and the nation; in-spire, motivate and educate America’s youth towards the U.S. Air Force and sci-ence, technology, engineer-ing and mathematics; and to interpret and present to the public the U.S. Air Force’s history, heritage and culture – keeping its story visible,accessible and alive – andcreating a better under-standing on which to basefuture perceptions and sup-port of U.S. Air Forces pro-grams,” Anderson said.

The aircraft are located outside the Main Gate and Gate 2, allowing members of the public to visit the displays. Parking is avail-able at both locations, with sidewalks leading to the aircraft.

Static display aircraft at Arnold AFB:

F-4 Phantom II – dedi-cated in memory of Col. Lawrence Golberg and Maj. Patrick Wynne, both U.S. Air Force. Goldberg and Wynne were assigned to the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron when on Aug. 8, 1966, after delivering their ordnance during an armed reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam, they were hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed in the jungle. They were listed as miss-ing in action until 1977 when their remains were located and returned to the

United States. The aircraft on display was assigned to the 555th at one time and is similar to one the men were piloting when they crashed in Vietnam.

AEDC supported the F-4 program with extensive store separation testing.

F-14 Tomcat – dedi-cated in memory of Lt. Kara Hultgreen, U.S. Navy. Hultgreen was the Navy’s first female carrier-based combat fighter pilot. She was killed in Oct. 1994 when her F-14 experienced engine failure on a final ap-proach and crashed into the Pacific. Her crewman sur-vived. The flight was part of training operations in prep-aration for deployment to the Persian Gulf. Hultgreen was assigned to the Black Lions of Fighter Squadron 213 aboard the aircraft car-rier USS Abraham Lincoln. The F-14 dedicated in her honor has been painted to identify that squadron.

AEDC has supported the F-14 program with store separation testing for pay-loads and engine testing of the F110.

F-15 Eagle – dedicated in memory of Maj. Jim Du-ricy, U.S. Air Force. Duricy was assigned to the 40th Flight Test Squadron at Eg-lin Air Force Base, Florida, when he was forced to eject at high speed during a cap-tive flight development test of a new air-to-air missile, April 30, 2002. The F-15 he was piloting crashed into the Gulf of Mexico. Duricy’s body was never recovered. The F-15 dedi-cated in his honor has been painted to identify it as assigned to the 46th Test Wing, Duricy’s wing at the time of his death.

AEDC has supported the F-15 program with ground testing since before the final design was select-ed. Aerodynamic and store separation testing have been conducted. The F100, the powerhouse of the F-15, has also been tested by Team AEDC.

F-16 Fighting Falcon – dedicated in memory ofMaj. Gen. Winfield Harpe,U.S. Air Force. Harpe wason a training mission inSpain when his aircraftcrashed, killing him, onDec. 5, 1988. He was thecommander of the 16th AirForce, U.S. Air Forces inEurope, at the time. Harpelogged more than 5,000 fly-ing hours, including toursin Vietnam, Cambodia andLaos.

AEDC has supported the F-16 program, begin-ning with the prototype, YF-16. Testing continued after selection of the de-sign, and has included store separation testing, ejection testing and testing of the engines that can be used to power the aircraft, the F100 and the F110.

F/A-18 Hornet - dedi-cated in memory of Lt. Cmdr. Frank Wittwer, U.S.

Navy. Wittwer was as-signed to the Strike Fighter Squadron Ninety Seven when he died Jan. 18, 2006, in a crash caused by me-chanical failure during a night-time training mission over California. He was preparing for deployment. The plaque at the static display calls attention to his service during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, stating that he distinguished himself by flying through a storm of anti-aircraft fire to deliver his ordnance on target over Baghdad.

AEDC supported the F/A-18 program beginning with the prototype, the YF-17. Aerodynamic testingand store separation testingfor associated payloads ofthe aircraft was conductedon the F/A-18, and enginetesting of the F404 engine.Bird impact testing wasconducted on the canopyfor the F/A-18 by TeamAEDC.

F-105 Thunderchief – dedicated in memory ofLt. Gen. Robert Bond, U.S.Air Force. Bond was killedApril 26, 1984, when the air-craft he was piloting crashedat Nellis Air Force Base,Nevada. Bond flew F-105sduring missions in South-east Asia and as a test pilotat the Nellis Air Force BaseFighter Weapons School.

AEDC supported the F-105 program with airinlet tests and store separa-tion testing.

An F-4 Phantom II dedicated in memory of Col. Lawrence Golberg and Maj. Patrick Wynne, both U.S. Air Force, sits on display outside of Gate 2 at Arnold Air Force Base, Jan. 6. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett)

An F-14 Tomcat dedicated in memory of Lt. Kara Hultgreen, U.S. Navy, sits on display outside of the Main Gate at Arnold Air Force Base, Jan. 6. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett)

An F-15 Eagle dedicated in memory of Maj. James Duricy, U.S. Air Force, sits on display outside of the Main Gate at Arnold Air Force Base, Jan. 6. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon dedicated in memory of Maj. Gen. Winfield Harpe, U.S. Air Force, sits on display outside of Gate 2 at Arnold Air Force Base, Jan. 6. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett)

An F-105 Thunderchief dedicated in memory of Lt. Gen. Robert Bond, U.S. Air Force, sits on display outside of the Main Gate at Arnold Air Force Base, Jan. 6. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett)

The recently repainted F/A-18 static display dedicated in memory of Lt. Cmdr. Frank Wittwer, U.S. Navy, sits on display outside of Gate 2 at Arnold Air Force Base, Jan. 6. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett)

1997. Recently, the tunnel was used to conduct a mass flow assembly calibration using only the Plenum Evac-uation System, or PES.

The test in January used an AGARD-B standard model to validate opera-tional capability of 16S. The data gathered will serve as a baseline for monitoring of the tunnel and data systems quality.

AGARD models are scalable, generic aerody-namic models that allow for data comparison across dif-ferent wind tunnels.

“The AGARD model that was tested in Tunnel 16S is also intended for testing in Tunnel 16T (16-foot transon-ic),” said Jennifer Daugherty, an AEDC project manager. “Being a generic model, we can more widely publish the data and share with any interested customer without compromising proprietary or security interests.”

Return-to-service efforts began in 2013 by assessing the tunnel system. The as-sessment concluded in 2015 with a successful air-on op-eration of 16S, providing the Air Force with confidence to invest in restoring the facility and informing the work that followed.

The work completed in order to achieve this current test run involved inspecting and repairing 890 systems and subsystems, ranging from minor repairs to com-plete overhauls.

The nozzle alone re-quired new motors, repairs of nozzle jacks and a cali-bration. The control room, which is late-1950s vintage, had 50 percent of the con-trols updated. Also, a new electronic manometer was

installed in parallel to the original mercury manom-eter board. The manometer shows operators where the shock wave is and is critical to their ability to make sure the tunnel is at the desired conditions.

“The effort has been nothing but teamwork, and the team is very proud of their accomplishments,” said David Reep, an AEDC craft supervisor. “It is as if we are building something brand new; however, it has been much more chal-lenging since we are using equipment that was put into service in the late 1950s. The team make-up has var-ied in numbers throughout

the project. Most all that have been involved actually hate to leave as we all want to see it back into a testing mode. These team mem-bers, former and current, have a lot of pride in what they have accomplished and completing upcoming test projects is that final ap-proval of accomplishment.”

This successful test does not signal the end of the 16S return-to-service efforts. Currently, the tunnel can be operated at Mach 2.2. Plans are to restore the full main compressor capability to run up to Mach 3.4, then op-erate the facility compressor and PES in a series configu-ration to demonstrate opera-

tion up to Mach 4.75. Addi-tional planned investments include extending the Mach number capability into the hypersonic regime.

The Air Force has also programmed an investment to restore the propulsion test capability to enable the testing of engine-installed systems in conditions that simulate supersonic Mach numbers at altitude. This capability utilizes a suction scoop to remove exhaust and requires the tunnel to

be operated at temperatures many times that of standard operations.

Ed Tucker, AEDC se-nior technical advisor, em-phasized the significance of reactivating 16S and praised the team’s commitment and expertise.

“AEDC’s 16S test cell is a world-unique capability,” he said. “The unmatched ability to achieve high-quality, high-productivity testing of large-scale test articles at supersonic speeds

is a necessary capability for the development of future aerospace systems.

“The outstanding efforts of AEDC’s test facility ex-perts and wind tunnel test operations team to suc-cessfully reactivate 16S represents a key milestone in our continuing effort to-ward ensuring that AEDC is well-positioned to fulfill its role in developing ef-fective weapon systems that support the national defense strategy.”


WIND TUNNEL from page 1

Trey Glenn, an outside machinist, rotates a wheel truck on a transfer cart carrying a test cart from the Model Installation Building to the 16-foot supersonic wind tunnel Jan. 12 at Arnold Air Force Base. The transfer cart rides on rails, and in order to make a turn the cart is jacked up, then the wheel trucks are rotated 90 degrees. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett) (This image has been altered by obscuring a badge for security purposes.)

Dale McKill, an outside machinist, makes incremental adjustments to an AGARD-B model to ensure the surface is as smooth as possible where ac-cess covers are located Jan. 8 at Arnold Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett)

A shadowgraph image created during an air flow run of the 16-foot supersonic wind tunnel at Arnold Air Force Base in January. The imaging technique al-lows engineers to see density gradients in the flow field in order to visualize the flow. (U.S. Air Force photo)


By AEDC Safety

February is American Heart Month across the USA.

Most of us consider it to be a con-dition for the older generation, but heart disease and associated illnesses are on the rise across all age groups. That is why Heart Month is so impor-tant to us all. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Americans.

American Heart Month is a tradi-tion that’s over half a century strong. The first proclamation was issued by President Lyndon B. Johnson in Feb-ruary 1964, nine years after he had a heart attack. Since then, the sitting president has annually declared Feb-ruary to be American Heart Month.

With increased awareness and or-ganizations, such as the American Heart Association, supplying helpful tools, millions of people are enjoying longer, healthier lives. But despite all the progress, heart disease remains the single largest health threat to Americans.

Cardiovascular disease, heart dis-ease and stroke combined, kills about 2,300 people a day. Obesity in both youth and adults is at an all-time high. Youth are being diagnosed with heart disease earlier than ever, and people just ZIP codes apart can live 25 years less than their neighbors be-cause of disparities in health.

American Heart Month is vital for awareness, but the American Heart Association urges people to take care

of their hearts year-round. Consider the facts:

• Heart disease kills more peoplethan all forms of cancer combined.

• 83 percent believe that heartattacks can be prevented but aren’tmotivated to do anything.

• 72 percent of Americans don’tconsider themselves to be at riskfor heart disease.

• 58 percent put no effort intoimproving their heart health.

While science is advancing medi-cine in exciting new ways, unhealthy lifestyle choices combined with ris-ing obesity rates in both kids and adults have hindered progress fight-ing heart disease.

The good news is that heart dis-ease is preventable in most cases with healthy choices, which include not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood sugar and cholesterol, treating high blood pres-sure, getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week and getting regular checkups. Here are dietary changes you can make to help improve your health:

• Go fish – Eat at least 8 ounces ofnon-fried fish each week, whichmay be divided over two servings.Choose fatty or oily fish likealbacore tuna, herring, lake trout,mackerel, sardines and salmon to

get essential omega-3 fatty acids.

• Be nutty – Munch on a smallhandful, about 1 oz., of unsaltednuts and seeds for good fats,energy, protein and fiber. Goodchoices include almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seedsand walnuts.

• Add avocado – Snack, cook andbake with avocado to add healthyfats, fiber and essential vitaminsand minerals.

• Check the oils – Use cooking anddressing oils that are lower in saturated fat. Good choices include avocado, canola, corn, grapeseed,olive, peanut, safflower, sesame,soybean and sunflower oils.

• Add color – Colorful, deliciousand nutritious foods keep our bodies and minds healthier, longer. Fruits and vegetables provide many beneficial nutrients.Add fruits and vegetables tomeals and snacks for a nutritionalpower boost. All forms of fruitsand vegetables – fresh, frozen, canned and dried – should be partof a healthy diet. They are amongthe most versatile, convenient and affordable foods you can eat. Choose those with little orno added salt or sugar. A healthyeating plan full of fruits and vegetables can help lower your

risk of many serious and chronic health conditions, including heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and some types of cancer. They’re also essential to your everyday health.

For more ideas check out www.heart.org/healthyforgood.

Whether your goal is to lose weight or just improve your health you can start with a small change in lifestyle and have the possibility of living lon-ger and having a better fuller life. You do not have to “change everything” or do it all at once. Those are great stories, but most of us will decide to change and need to start small by making decisions we can stick with.

Under your doctor’s guidance, consider these changes – no sodas, and more vegetables; no second help-ings, instead a walk around the block (someone to walk with keeps you ac-countable), whatever works for you. You may be surprised, as you make changes it will get easier as you go.

Good luck. Take care of each other.If you observe an unsafe action or

condition that needs immediate atten-tion (i.e., one that creates immedi-ate danger to life or health), call the AEDC Safety Hotline, 931-454-7233 (S-A-F-E). This number rings in the AEDC Safety Office on weekdays during business hours. The Opera-tions Center answers calls at night, on weekends and after the fourth ring during regular duty hours.

Remember heart health in February

benefits our AEDC custom-er,” Honea said.

The development of this software is part of a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project within the Aeropropulsion group. The SBIR program is a tool the Department of Defense uti-lizes to develop solutions on

an accelerated schedule. As part of this program, the DOD will advertise a need or issue that is eventually awarded to a company to provide a solu-tion. DOD personnel will then partner with this company during the development and testing phases and assess the progress and usability of the

product at certain milestones in the process.

Dr. Kurt Nichol, president of APEX, was very pleased to see this project executed suc-cessfully as it represents the culmination of nearly 40 years of working in HCF testing.

“HCF testing and analysis has gone from a very labor

intensive, expert-required dis-cipline to what is now an au-tomated process,” Nichol said. “It’s truly amazing to see how things have progressed.”

Beaman said once the soft-ware moves from the test-ing and development stage to implementation, it will benefit AEDC greatly.

“This capability will en-able AEDC to provide sta-tistically-based correlations between low- and high-speed data and ultimately assist us in providing better, more objective assessments of propulsion systems to the sponsoring program offices,” Beaman said.

SOFTWARE from page 1

Air Force acquisition executive unveils nexte-Plane, publishes digital engineering guidebook

By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) – In a follow-on to his Matrix-themed “There is No Spoon” treatise, Dr. William Roper, assistant secre-tary of the Air Force for acquisition, technol-ogy and logistics, re-leased a sequel essay that establishes criteria for digitally-engineered programs, while reveal-ing Next Generation Air Dominance has achieved e-Series status as the ser-vice’s next e-Plane.

Digital engineering allowed the service’s first e-Plane, the eT-7A Red Hawk, to be digital-ly-designed and built in just 36 months – a feat not accomplished since the 1950s with third-generation fighters. The same digital approach was applied to NGAD, and enabled the Air Force’s most advanced sixth-generation flight demonstrator to fly in the real-world years ahead of expectation.

In order to receive the coveted e-Series desig-nation, a program must apply digital engineering principles and achieve authoritative virtualiza-tion that replaces, auto-mates, or shortens for-merly real-world activi-ties.

“Digital engineering

takes computer creation technology to the next level, rendering not just the design of complex systems, but their as-sembly, environment and even physical perfor-mance in high-powered virtual reality,” Roper wrote in the sequel es-say titled, “Bending the Spoon.”

Roper equates this new technology to the in-tersection of art and sci-ence, much the same way architecture begins with an artistic idea that must become an engineering reality. Throughout his-tory, new technologies have helped architecture in this pursuit. Roper ar-gues digital engineering is joining their ranks.

While computer-aided design has existed since the 1960s, Roper states new virtual reality technology is vastly su-perior because of today’s computing power.

“A trillion-fold boost in computer process-ing has morphed those early blueprint tools into today’s powerful digi-tal engineering models – called digital threadsand digital twins – thatreplace real-world pro-totyping and testing with authoritative virtualsources of truth,” Roperwrote.

Roper argues this paradigm-changing tech-nology must be applied

broadly across the Air and Space Forces in pro-grams both new and old. Digital engineering has already revolutionized the automotive industry, and it holds the same promise for defense ac-quisitions.

“Strategically, you are looking to flip the current acquisition para-digm – exchange real-world activities with digital – for speed and agility,” Roper wrote. “Speed and agility are greater weapons – and more to be feared in future militaries – than any individual system we could build.”

Within the document, Roper lays out 14 princi-ples for digital engineer-ing and their underlying authoritative virtualiza-tions to serve as guide-posts for those programs who seek the e-Series designation.

According to Roper, NGAD isn’t the only program to have recent-ly met the 14 criteria and achieved e-Series desig-nation.

“A-10 Re-wing Pro-gram, B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement Program, and Ground-Based Strategic Deter-rent have all met the e-Series bar,” Roper wrote. “They all lever-aged authoritative vir-tualizations to signifi-cantly replace or trun-

cate real-word activi-ties, and have achieved paradigm-shifting per-formance.”

Roper indicates this is only the beginning, and if the Air Force and Space Force can fully

embrace digital engi-neering, a true digital evolution could follow.

“Each new e-System invites us to reimag-ine both its acquisition and operationalization,” Roper wrote. “e-Series

should guide the Air Force and Space Force’s analog-to-digital meta-morphosis. Given the ad-versaries and challenges these two Services face, that metamorphosis had better be fast.”

Dr. William Roper, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, technol-ogy and logistics, released an essay titled, “Bending the Spoon,” focused on digital engineering. (U.S. Air Force graphic)

By Air Force Research Laboratory Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate recently hosted a demonstra-tion of the Team Eglin Weapons Digital Enter-prise WeaponONE (W1) program at the Virtual Warfare Munitions Sim-ulator. The demonstra-tion highlighted the sig-nificant progress made in the past year and highlighted the value of digital engineering to warfighters.

This particular demonstration was based on a model of the 24-hour Air TaskingOrder (ATO) cycle ofa collaborative swarm-ing weapons systemprototype called “GrayWolf.” The virtualdemonstration inte-grated multiple aspectsof the W1 portfolio,including the DigitalTwin Lab, to rapidlyenhance Gray Wolf’scapabilities. Digitaltwins are virtual rep-resentations of a real-world entity synchro-nized with their physi-cal counterpart, suchas a weapon. The dem-onstration showed howdata is collected fromweapons in-flight,combined with datafrom the battlefieldenvironment, and sentback through the Ad-vanced Battle Manage-ment System (ABMS)to digital twins.

The digital twins run on high-perfor-mance computing sys-tems aided by Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning techniques to evaluate possible soft-ware upgrades. After determining the most appropriate course of action, that informa-tion rapidly returns to the physical weapons in-theater, providing improvements to their performance in near real time or as early as the next 24-hour ATO cycle.

Col. Garry Haase, Director of the AFRL Munitions Directorate, explains, “The Digital Twin Lab represents the ultimate expression of digital engineering, acting as a force mul-tiplier, giving us tre-

mendous flexibility and adaptability to our weap-ons systems.”

WeaponONE pos-sesses multiple capabili-ties, including the devel-opment of an Authorita-tive Source of Truth for weapons, a software fac-tory/DevSecOps pipe-line for development of simulations as well as on-board flight software and a government-owned Cloud-based tech stack.

The all-encompass-ing, digital, agile, open ecosystem program unites best practices and standards from across

government, industry and academia and ap-plies them to weapons development. W1 has developed a model-based Weapons Government Reference Architecture promoting flexibility, modularity, reuse and consistency across weap-on system data while establishing a technical and collaborative base-line for the government to operate and support weapons throughout their lifecycle.

The W1 program will give the Air Force pre-cise, accessible, adapt-

able and efficient prod-ucts, said Dr. Craig M. Ewing, senior scientist for AFRL’s weapons modeling and simulation directorate. “This dem-onstration is just the first of many that will come as we move the weapons enterprise into an era of digital engineering, ac-celerating weapons de-velopment and improve-ment at the speed of rel-evance.”

Although the pro-gram is still in its early stages, it has already gar-nered attention from Air Force leaders. During the

2020 Digital Campaign Industry Days event, W1 was presented as one of three exemplar digital engineering programs by the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Ac-quisition, Technology & Logistics, and Air Force Materiel Command. Ad-ditionally, W1 was cho-sen as a pathfinder pro-gram for the Air Force Materiel Command Dig-ital Campaign.

In the coming year, W1 will further develop its digital twin proto-types to “real” digital twins that bi-direction-

ally exchange data with their physical counter-parts. W1’s continued work with ABMS on-ramps, Hardware-in-the-Loop and Systems Inte-gration Lab testing and Modeling, Simulation & Analysis integration will support develop-ment of new capabilities that leverage the digital twin and digital thread to integrate emerging technologies, enhance effects and support rap-id evaluation of science and technology concepts through a data-driven decision pipeline.


WeaponONE demonstrates Digital Twin technologies that deliver software-defined weapon capabilities to the battlefield

A visual representation of a digital twin. A digital twin is a virtual representation of an instance of a physical object that shares data with its physical twin throughout the system lifecycle. (U.S. Air Force illustration by Chris Quinlan and John James)



ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) – GS-11 supervi-sors with 10 years time-in-service along with O-3s and E-7s with two years time-in-grade, can now apply for the online Air Force Coaching Culture Facilitator Course Pi-lot scheduled to begin in April 2021.

Coaching is a volun-tary process facilitating

growth and development for both individuals and groups. Through struc-tured dialogue, coaches provide members with new perspectives to help them achieve greater clar-ity and inspire them to achieve their personal and professional potential.

“There are many ef-forts underway to estab-lish a coaching culture, one of which is build-ing an Air Force internal coaching cadre through

an online Coaching Cul-ture Facilitator Course,” said Russell J. Frasz, Air Force director of Force Development. “The goal for this course is to sup-port the creation of an or-ganizational culture that understands, values and uses formal and informal coaching to amplify the development of Airmen.”

While many people are knowledgeable about sponsorship and mentor-ing, they aren’t always as

familiar with coaching. To differentiate between the three, Frasz explained, a sponsor talks about you, a mentor talks to you, and a coach talks with you.

Flatter, Inc., an external contracting partner, devel-oped this pilot course to equip leaders with a coach-ing skillset to enable and enhance the development of Airmen. In addition, this course provides a stepping stone for those seeking an International Coach Fed-eration credential.

Seven members from each applicant group will be selected to engage in 74 hours of training over 15 weeks. Upon successful completion of the course,

participants will earn an Air Force coaching certificate, and will be required to de-liver 100 hours of coaching sessions over a two-year period, along with a two-year service commitment.

Eligible personnel will receive a targeted message via MyPers with instruc-tions on how to apply via MyVector; supervisors and senior raters must approve the application. The senior rater can then nominate no more than one applicant from each of the eligible categories.

The application win-dow opens Jan. 15, and will close after the first 100 ap-plications from each group have been received, or by

Jan. 29, – whichever comes first; applications must be uploaded to MyVector un-der the member’s profile. Those selected will be noti-fied by March 25. The pro-gram will begin April 19.

In the future, there are plans for MyVector to con-tain the platform for coach-ing, similar to the mentoring program currently housed there. Based on the success of the pilot, the course will open to a larger population to include wage-grade and bargaining unit employees.

For more informa-tion on how to apply, visit the CAC-enabled MyPers website at https://mypers.a f .m i l / a pp / an swe r s /detail/a_id/49733.


Air Force rolls out Coaching Culture Facilitator Course pilot for mid-level leaders

The Air Force has created a course to help create a coaching culture. (U.S. Air Force graphic)


ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) – The Air and Space Forces Chief Data Office introduced a new training and certifica-tion program for data of-ficers last fall, bringing forth a new Public Sector Data Governance Profes-sional designation within the Department of the Air Force. The three-day train-ing course will tackle an emerging need for data governance. The training, set to be offered monthly, already has would-be par-ticipants vying for a spot in upcoming sessions. The first training session in-cluded members of the Air National Guard and the Navy, including the Navy’s deputy chief data officer.

“This is certainly an ex-citing time for data, and the launch of this robust train-ing and certification pro-gram is taking us several steps in the right direction,” said Eileen Vidrine, Air and Space Forces chief data officer. “Workforce readi-ness and data governance are key factors in a larger

vision for data manage-ment, digital technology, and the future of (artificial intelligence) within the Air Force and other branches. I feel privileged to be part of this first-ever effort within a military branch,” Vidrine continued. “The future of the Air Force is data and it is staring us right in the face. How we approach and adapt to that data will mean everything.”

Vidrine went on to say that there is only one con-stant in data – that it will continue to increase. A 2018 Forbes article not-ed that 90 percent of the world’s data was generated in just two short years. And the Association for Intelli-gent Information Manage-ment has cited that there is an increasing connection between information gov-ernance and strategy, with more than “70 percent of organizations considering information governance as ‘important’ or ‘critical’ to their business strategy.”

“We can and will ex-cel in efficient, automated governance with the right structures and the best-trained personnel at the

helm,” Vidrine said. “We are focused on upscaling our data resources by le-veraging our most signifi-cant asset … our people.”

The course covers Public Sector Data Gov-ernance Mission Drivers and Deliverables, Data Governance Roles and Responsibilities, and the Legal and Regulatory En-vironment in which public sector officials and service providers must operate. The course was developed and is delivered under strict instructional systems design methodologies and a Registered Education Provider for the Project Management Institute. Upon completion of the course, the certification requires passage of the PSDG test, administered by ICCP-approved exam proctors.

“This is just the be-ginning, but what a great start,” Vidrine said. “We have mountains of data to climb, and we must have the right people and a suc-cession plan for the right people in place to be com-petitive and proactive on the world’s stage.”

DAF Chief Data Office launches unprecedented data governance training, certification program


Civilian Developmental Education key to leadership, growth

By Marisa Alia-NovobilskiAir Force Materiel Command

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – En-suring civilian Airmen are pre-pared to fulfill and excel in lead-ership positions across the com-mand is the driving force behind the dedicated effort by Air Force Materiel Command leaders to en-courage employees to apply for upcoming Civilian Development Education opportunities.

The application period for Ac-ademic Year 2022 Civilian Devel-opmental Education (CDE), Ci-vilian Strategic Leader Program (CSLP), and Engineer and Scien-tist Exchange Program (ESEP) is Jan 13 through March 13, 2021.

“A planned approach to con-tinuing professional development not only improves job perfor-mance but also helps our civil-ians put themselves in charge of their own career development and work-related ambitions,” said Patricia M. Young, AFMC Execu-

tive Director. “These civilian pro-fessional development programs help us develop strong leaders and supervisors at all levels so we can meet the challenges of the ever-changing world in which we live.”

With more than 30 academic programs at multiple lengths and levels, the development portfolio has programs suitable for individu-als at every stage of their career. These include opportunities for civilians to attain associate through advanced college degrees; par-ticipation in military professional education programs such as Air War College and Squadron Officer School; industry fellowships; short and long-term seminars; and more.

Programs are categorized into multiple areas: Civilian Develop-mental Education (Basic, Interme-diate, Senior); Academic/Fellow-ships; Leadership Seminars and Short Courses; and Experiential Assignments. While some de-velopmental opportunities are in person, others are executed through distance learning and in a seminar format.

“Civilians are encouraged to speak with their supervisors and leaders now to determine the training that would best meet their needs. Taking the right course, seminar or training at the right time is key, and get-ting feedback as one develops an application package from a mentor or other leader can help ensure they are on the right track,” said Young.

More than 2,000 AFMC civil-ians applied for spots in 34 pro-grams across the Department of Defense in 2020. Of those who applied, more than 32 percent were selected during the compet-itive process at all levels of the developmental spectrum.

“Our goal this year is to in-crease the number of applicants and program selections, ulti-mately increasing the number of

developmental opportunities for our civilian force,” said Young. “The application window is short, which is why civilians need to prepare now.”

Employee applications for boarded programs must be submitted by Feb. 12 and non-boarded applications by Feb. 26 through MyVECTOR at https://MyVECTOR.us.af.mil/MyVEC-TOR. Endorsers have until March 13 to finalize and complete their portion of the application.

“We all need to continue to develop. If we aren’t continually learning, then we risk becoming stagnant. CDE offers something to meet the needs of each Airman as they continue to change and develop personally and profes-sionally. I encourage you to meet with your supervisor and mentors to find an option that would be right for you,” said Young.

For more information on eligibility requirements and full program details, visit the myPers Civilian Force Development web-site at https://mypers.af.mil/app/categories/p/2/c/549.

The application period for Academic Year 2022 Civilian Devel-opmental Education, Civilian Strategic Leader Program, and Engineer and Scientist Exchange Program is Jan. 13 through March 13.

By Civilian Health Promotion Services (CHPS)

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah – The COV-ID-19 pandemic has changed many of our daily routines, making it easy to put healthy habits on the back burner. And it can be especially dif-ficult if you’re working from or home or caring for other family members – or both. As we continue to cope, we can still make physical health a priority in our day-to-day routine by taking care of our health, engaging in physi-cal activity, getting adequate sleep, and eating healthy.

Healthcare mainte-nance. Even amid a pan-demic, it’s critical to keep up with preventive care like annual checkups, immuniza-tions, and health screenings. You can continue taking care of your health care needs by taking medications as pre-scribed and managing any chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma and others. Be sure to reach out to your healthcare provider with any physical

and mental health concerns and ask about availability for telehealth appointments.

Stay active. Regular physical activity can boost the immune system, prevent weight gain, reduce stress and anxiety and improve sleep. The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moder-ate-intensity aerobic activity and at least 2 days of muscle-strengthening activity each week. To move more and sit less, you can start with 5-10 minute intervals of activities like walking, biking, on-line fitness classes, and yard work. Muscle-strengthening activities can include using weight equipment, resis-tance bands, or body weight exercises like push-ups and sit-ups to work the major muscle groups. You should consult with your healthcare provider before beginning an exercise routine and work to slowly increase duration and intensity of exercise as toler-ated.

Adequate sleep. Good sleep is essential to your overall health, especially during a time of constant change. Lack of sleep dura-

tion or quality can suppress our immune system, brain function, mood and general mental health, all while in-creasing stress. The CDC recommends adults age 18-60 years get seven or more hours of sleep per night. You can establish healthy sleep habits by keeping a consis-tent sleep schedule, making you bedroom quiet and re-laxing, avoiding caffeine in the late afternoon or evening, and turning off electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime. If sleep prob-lems persist, contact your healthcare provider.

Healthy nutrition. Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress, so be mindful of what you eat and work on building healthy eating habits one goal at a time. The USDA recom-mends following a healthy eating pattern by consuming a variety of colorful vegeta-bles and fruits, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy, a va-riety of protein foods, healthy fats and oils, and limiting foods high in saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium. Involve the whole family

with weekly meal planning, grocery shopping and prepar-ing healthy meals at home.

The Civilian Health Pro-motion Services (CHPS) program can also help with your health goals through their in-person and virtual health and wellness services. HILL CHPS is currently of-fering wellness screenings (cholesterol/blood sugar, blood pressure, body com-position) by appointment. You can also attend one of our monthly scheduled virtual health education classes on topics like nutri-tion, physical activity, sleep, and stress management or contact CHPS to schedule

a video- or tele-conference class for your organization. The CHPS staff is also avail-able to consult with civilians individually via phone and email to assist with their health and wellness con-cerns.

More resources and as-sistance is available 24/7 at our wellness website por-tal – USAFwellness.com. Visit the site via any web-enabled device and create an account to complete a health risk assessment for a baseline on your current health status; utilize track-ing tools for physical activ-ity minutes, steps, sleep and nutrition; pursue daily goals

and participate in interac-tive learning programs for stress, tobacco, weight, and chronic disease manage-ment; get current informa-tion on health topics, down-load healthy recipes, watch recorded CHPS educational classes at your convenience, and more!

In addition to these sug-gestions, be sure to practice CDC guidance on social distancing, self-care, self-quarantine, wearing of cloth masks when social distanc-ing is not possible and talk-ing with your healthcare provider about any concerns you may have regarding your health.

Physical health can’t be on back burner

10 • February 1, 2021

40 YEARSMarion Bragg, TOSEdward Simmons, TOS

30 YEARSLeslie McGowan, AFTony Pennington, AFMark Sain, TOS

25 YEARSMark Sisk, TMAS

20 YEARSShannon Tibbals, TOS

15 YEARSKerrie Adams, TOSChristopher Gipson, TOSBrandon Wiley, TOS

10 YEARSChristopher Benedict, TOSGlenda Terrill, TOS

5 YEARSDarrell Agnew, TOSJeffery Brothers, TOSMichael Levan, TOSChristopher Limbaugh, TOSChristopher Nykamp, TOS

RETIREMENTSJames Hicks, TOSStaff Sgt. Jodie Humphres, AFFrank Logan, TOSMaverick Mosley, TOSKenneth Simmons, TOSMarc Smotherman, TOSDouglas Warren, AFWayne Whittington, TOS

NEW HIRESWilliam Akin, TOSJennifer Burdett, AFRoss Hatfield, TOSJeffrey Hooper, TOS

Constance Mooney, AFBarbara Newkirk, AFAndrew North, AFHayden Nunley, TOSTyler Pearsall, TOSBradley Peckinpaugh, TOSAbimael Rivera Lopez, TOSJeff Smartt, FSSKyle Stewart, FSSCole Stovall, TOSRodney Thomas, TOS

PROMOTIONSAdam Doyle, AF, promoted to first lieutenant

Arnold AFB Milestones

By Holly JordanAir Force Research Laboratory

W R I G H T - P A T -TERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) – A small aircraft that is poised to make a big im-pact on military person-nel recovery made a brief stop in the Dayton area on its way to St. Mary’s County, Maryland, where it will be used to test the Air Force Research Lab-oratory-developed Low Altitude Sensing Helmet system.

The CubCrafters XCub aircraft was ferried from Yakima, Washing-ton, to Lewis A. Jackson Regional Airport near Dayton, on its journey to the AFRL 711th Hu-man Performance Wing’s contracted research flight test organization facil-ity, Dec. 21. The aircraft was recently purchased by AFRL to advance the initial “Lysander” flying experiment, which will demonstrate the Low Altitude Sensing Helmet system, known as LASH.

LASH, a portable kit developed within the AFRL 711th Human Per-formance Wing’s Air-man Systems Director-ate, contains specialized equipment including a flight helmet, a thermal camera, night vision goggles and various oth-er components. The kit can quickly and easily be installed onto nearly any general aviation air-craft to equip pilots for low-level, low-speed, nighttime flight – some-thing that is essential for

personnel recovery and other “featherweight air-lift” special missions, ac-cording to Dr. Darrel G. Hopper, 711th Human Performance Wing proj-ect lead.

“The Air Force’s CODE (Combat Opera-tions in Denied Environ-ment) program deter-mined that these types of missions could not be ex-ecuted effectively by the large aircraft that we have been using over the last 20 years in areas where we have air dominance,” Hopper said. “Project Lysander was conceived as a method of rescuing isolated personnel in both heavily defended and un-defended airspace. A crit-ical element of the project was determined to be a carry-on kit that could al-low such operations.” He

explained that the LASH system kit was designed to fill this need and pro-vide pilots with sensory situational awareness required to fly safely, at night, at extremely low altitudes and slow air-speeds.

Hopper explained that LASH came about after the Air Combat Com-mand and the Air Force Strategic Development Planning and Experi-mentation office at AFRL asked the 711th Human Performance Wing’s Air-man Systems Directorate to lead this research ef-fort.

“They called on us based on our expertise in this type of work,” Hop-per explained. “Our di-rectorate has decades of experience in research-ing, developing and field-

ing helmet- and cockpit-mounted displays and other wearable vision aids for combat pilots, aircrews and special op-erations warriors.”

After careful study of mission requirements and aircraft capabilities, AFRL researchers de-signed the LASH kit us-ing a number of mostly commercial-off-the-shelf components. The kit was packaged into a compact, easy-to-transport, one-person carrying system that could be easily fitted temporarily to virtually any small aircraft with-out additional modifica-tion.

Hopper said the Cub-Crafters XCub was iden-tified by ACC as the safest and most capable commercial-off-the-shelf aircraft for the initial fly-

ing experiment to test the LASH System kit.

“If we can demon-strate that the XCub can be flown safely at night at low speed and low al-titude using the LASH night vision aids, then we can expand LASH system kit use to other types of short takeoff and landing general aviation aircraft.”

After the aircraft reaches the flight test or-ganization in Maryland, it will first be used to fit-test the LASH system. AFRL researchers and contrac-tor partners will next re-fine the installation and de-installation process as well as baseline-test met-rics, and develop the as-sociated test cards, while flying without the kit. The first flights with the LASH system are sched-uled for early spring

2021. If flight tests are successful and program objectives are achieved, the LASH system could be on track for technol-ogy transfer and possible deployment as early as 2022.

“This system offers the potential to greatly expand our capability to perform necessary per-sonnel recovery and re-lated missions,” Hopper said. “The acquisition and delivery of this test vehi-cle is a critical milestone in getting the LASH tech-nology and featherweight airlift capability into the hands of the warfighter.”

Hopper added that af-ter the XCub test aircraft has completed its role in this project, AFRL will be able to use it as a test asset for future research projects as well.

Newly-acquired AFRL test aircraft to aid personnel recovery research

The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Low Altitude Sensing Helmet, or LASH, Lysander XCub flies, Dec. 21, 2020 on its journey to the AFRL 711th Human Performance Wing’s contracted research flight test organization facility in Maryland. The aircraft will be used to advance the initial “Lysander” personnel recovery flight experiments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Richard Eldridge)

February 1, 2021 • 11

AFRL’s Starfire Optical Range discovers asteroid satellite

By Jeanne DaileyAir Force Research Laboratory

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFRL) – “I was wrong,” said Air Force Research Laboratory researcher, Dr. Jack Drummond, when looking back to his early research on as-teroids and their orbiting moons.

Drummond is an as-tronomer at AFRL’s Directed Energy Direc-torate Starfire Optical Range (SOR) located on Kirtland Air Force Base. First as a government civil servant, and now as a Leidos contractor sup-porting AFRL, he has spent decades studying the solar system, and his research has often fo-cused on asteroid satel-lites.

Just what was he “wrong” about?

Chagrined now, he says, Drummond pub-lished a paper in 1987 that predicted there were no moons around aster-oids because constant collisions would prevent satellites from remaining in orbit. Since then doz-ens have been found, he said.

Drummond and his team recently discovered a small satellite named Olympias around the as-teroid Roxane – a sight-ing they did not antici-pate. Their results were published this month (January 2021) in “Ica-rus, the Journal of Solar System Studies.”

‘I didn’t expect to ever detect a satellite as small as Olympias around an asteroid be-cause asteroids them-selves are faint and the satellites even fainter,” Drummond said. “But to our surprise, it wasn’t all that hard. The key is us-ing adaptive optics and a sodium laser, technolo-gies that were pioneered and refined at the SOR.”

Drummond explains that the asteroid Roxane is 19 kilometers in diam-eter and Olympias is 5 kilometers, and that they orbit in the main asteroid belt, between Mars and Jupiter.

“Determining an or-bit of a satellite around an asteroid leads to find-ing their masses, and in

turn, their densities, fun-damental quantities that can be found in no other way short of a spacecraft visit,” Drummond ex-plained.

In 2015, he and his team at the SOR achieved a scientific first, the de-tection and then the de-termination of the orbit of another asteroid satel-lite, Romulus, around the asteroid Sylvia. The team did this with the smallest telescope ever to fol-low an asteroid’s satel-lite, the SOR 3.5-me-ter telescope, which is much smaller than the 8 to10-meter diameter tele-scopes typically used to observe them. Romulus is 70 kilometers in di-ameter – 15 times larger than Olympias.

The SOR is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading laser-beacon adaptive optics and beam control re-search sites and her sci-entists are renowned for their expertise. The last two designated top sci-entists in the Air Force, Robert Johnson, Ph.D., and Odell Reynolds, Ph.D., work at the SOR. Reynolds has been in-strumental in obtaining the challenging obser-vations of Romulus and Sylvia, and Olympias and Roxane.

The Starfire Optical Range houses the De-partment of Defense’s second largest telescope, the 3.5-meter telescope, and several smaller tele-scopes. The site is lo-cated within the Directed Energy Directorate’s Space Electro-Optics Di-vision, which the Secre-tary of the Air Force an-nounced as a unit of the U.S. Space Force in early 2020.

“For the past 30 years Dr. Drummond has been SOR’s resident astrono-mer,” said Col. Peter Norton, the Space Elec-tro-Optics division chief. “He has a vast depth of astronomical observing experience, which the telescope crew and re-searchers have come to rely upon.”

“Jack is as passionate about discovering new entities in the asteroid belt of our solar system, as he is about birding and coaching softball,” Norton said. “You can

engage him in a fruitful conversation on almost any subject – he is a great colleague to have on the SOR team.”

Following his earlier observation, Drummond explained, at the time, that his next step in this research would be to see how small a moon he and his team could detect around an asteroid, using the SOR’s laser guidestar system.

“This breakthrough in discovering Olympias is very exciting, he said. “It is the first orbit I derived, and it turns out to be the only satellite around an asteroid, so far in the solar system, that orbits backwards.”

“Our moon, for ex-ample, goes around the Earth in the same sense as the Earth goes around the Sun, as do all of the other asteroid satellites,” Drummond continued. “This is evidence that both Roxane and Olym-pias were formed from the same catastrophic collision eons ago (be-cause Roxane also ro-tates backwards), but remained gravitationally attached throughout – a very rare occurrence.”

Drummond’s research has importance for both the military and commer-cial sectors.

“The techniques used in this study apply di-rectly to studying man-

made satellites in close proximity to each other, allowing us to see both the good guys and bad guys,” he said. “These same techniques are be-ing used to search for planets around stars.”

“We would like to

continue to improve our methods to study closely spaced objects (CSO). After all, there are a lot of fainter and closer ob-jects to be studied, and CSO projects remain a high priority for the Space Force.”

Learn more about Dr. Odell Reynolds’ re-cent award at: https://www.afrl.af.mil/News/Art ic le-Display/Art i -cle/2464371/afrl-engi-neer-award-winner-pro-claims-a-first-for-the-us-space-force/.

Dr. Jack Drummond on Hawaii’s Mauna Kea telescope site. (Photo courtesy of AFRL)

Asteroid Roxane and its satellite Olympias shown over New Mexico to give a sense of scale. The true orbit of Olympias around Roxane is the large circle, and the sizes of Roxane and Olympias are the filled circles. Olympias orbits around Roxane every 12 days. (Image courtesy of AFRL)

12 • February 1, 2021

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F/A-18 static display at Arnold AFB repainted