By Jill PickettAEDC Public Affairs

Sea Level aeropropul-sion test cells at Arnold Air Force Base, headquarters of the Arnold Engineering De-velopment Complex, typi-cally serve as testbeds to put engines through their paces from the relative safety of the ground. But now in SL-1, a F404 engine is becoming the testbed.

This effort will provide engine sensor vendors the opportunity to test new hard-ware and techniques on a modern turbine engine.

Aeropropulsion technol-ogy lead for the AEDC Test Systems Branch, Bernie Wil-

liamson, commented that having an engine sensor test-bed will benefit future fighter and bomber engines in devel-opment.

“This work is to improve future engine health moni-toring, so as to improve the time between depot work, and lessen downtime for air-craft in the field,” William-son said.

Currently, engineers are determining which of the three F404 engines, variants of which power the F/A-18 Hornet and the T-7A Red Hawk, will be used as the testbed. The selected engine

Arnold AFB, Tenn. November 16, 2020Vol. 67, No. 22

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE PAIDTULLAHOMA TNPERMIT NO. 29

AEDC machinist keeps pedal to the metal during

leisure time…Page 2 …Page 2

With holidays approaching, AEDC commander advocates greater caution to prevent virus spread

F135 testing resumes in J2

…Page 3

Engine sensors testbed being stood up in SL-1

AEDC at forefront of hypersonic test, evaluationBy Jill PickettAEDC Public Affairs

Hypersonics is considered a critical field for national defense, and the Arnold En-gineering Development Com-plex is critical to the success of the Department of Defense in that field.

“Effective test and evalua-tion is key to the rapid field-ing of hypersonic systems,” said Col. Jeffrey Geraghty, AEDC commander. “It pro-vides knowledge to reduce the probability of in-flight failures and performance shortfalls, while delivering large cost and schedule risk reductions for acquisition programs.”

AEDC engineers and sci-entists conduct test and evalu-ation of hypersonic systems and system components in the areas of aerodynamics, aero-thermal, propulsion, weather effects and flight testing.

“It is difficult to produce the extreme conditions of a representative hypersonic en-vironment in ground test,” said Ed Tucker, AEDC senior tech-nical director. “Because there

is no single test cell that can fully duplicate all the key pa-rameters of hypersonic flight simultaneously, AEDC has various types of test facilities which are optimized to provide insight into a specific aspect of hypersonic flight.”

The complex has three wind tunnels capable of aero-dynamic testing of models at hypersonic speeds. At Arnold Air Force Base, Tunnel B can achieve speeds of Mach 6 and 8, while Tunnel C can gener-ate Mach speeds of 8 and 10. AEDC Hypervelocity Wind Tunnel 9 in White Oak, Mary-land, has nozzles that allow for Mach speeds of 6.7, 8, 10, 14 and 18.

“The Mach 18 nozzle is a recent addition to the capabili-ties of Tunnel 9, extending the tunnel’s operational envelope from Mach number 14 to 18 provides greater insight into a vehicle’s performance across a wider portion of mission tra-jectory,” said John Lafferty, Tunnel 9 technical advisor.

This nozzle was the result

See HYPERSONIC, page 4

John VanScoten, left, an outside machinist, Daryl Osteen, a test operations engineer, and other Team AEDC personnel work in the control room of the Arnold Engineering Development Com-plex Aerodynamic and Propulsion Test Unit May 20 while wearing masks to help mitigate risk associated with the coronavirus pandemic. The APTU team has performed their tasks, provid-ing hypersonic testing capabilities, without interruption during the pandemic. Hypersonics is considered a critical field for national defense. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett)

Stan Freeze, an outside machinist, inspects the tail of a F404 engine Jan. 10 in a sea level test cell at Arnold Air Force Base. The engine is being prepared for health testing to determine suit-ability as an engine sensors testbed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett)

See TESTBED, page 5

By 2nd Lt. Christine SaundersAir Force Test Center Public Af-fairs

Air Force Test Center Com-mander, Maj. Gen. Christopher “Pi” Azzano and Air Force Test Center Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Brian Stafford, visited Arnold Engineering Development Complex Nov. 10, 2020 at Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn.

Azzano and Stafford, along with Col. Jeffrey Geraghty, AEDC commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Robert Heckman, AEDC superin-tendent, visited various AFTC test facilities at AEDC to check on cur-rent and upcoming tests in support of the National Defense Strategy and the well-being of personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

They visited the Von Kar-man gas dynamics facility, high

AFTC commander, command chief visit AEDC

Lt. Col. Lane Haubelt, left, chief of the Propulsion Test Branch, Test Division, Arnold Engineering Development Complex, speaks to Maj. Gen. Christopher Azzano, right, commander, Air Force Test Center, and Chief Master Sgt. Brian Stafford, command chief, Air Force Test Center, about engine testing being performed in the J2 test cell during their visit Nov. 10 to Arnold Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett)See AFTC, page 3

2 • November 16, 2020

By Bradley HicksAEDC Public Affairs

Count the seriousness with which his workforce has taken the COVID-19 pandemic among the things Arnold Engineering Devel-opment Complex Commander Col. Jeffrey Geraghty is grateful for this Thanksgiving.

Team AEDC is continuing to follow Geraghty’s policy aimed at mitigating the spread of COVID-19 while accomplishing the AEDC mission despite the challenges that accompanied the virus.

But another health threat has re-emerged. The return of the season-al flu, coupled with the increased chances of virus transmissions due to many staff members gathering with friends and family for the holidays, has prompted Geraghty to urge continued vigilance among the military personnel, contractors and Department of Defense civil-ians who make up the AEDC team.

The arrival of flu season in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic poses an increased risk of illness. Geraghty said AEDC employ-ees should continue following the proper COVID-19 mitigation be-haviors while taking steps to guard against the seasonal flu.

“Keep up the health practices that reduce the risk of getting sick and passing diseases on to your friends, family and co-workers,” Geraghty said. “Wash your hands, wear a mask within 6 feet of each other, and get vaccinated.”

The approaching holidays are also a cause for concern on the COVID-19 front. Geraghty said AEDC team members should be mindful of the dangers gatherings may present, and he encouraged

continued caution while away from work.

“We take risks to be close to people we love,” Geraghty said. “Think about those risks and think of others when you decide how to gather. Consider how you can min-imize the risk of transporting the novel coronavirus in your commu-nity. I’ve seen numerous examples of our partners in the community thinking of others before them-selves, wearing masks in their busi-ness centers and asking their pa-trons to do the same. These simple behaviors will make it slightly less risky to spend time with family and friends over the holidays.”

In an effort to safeguard the health of its workforce, several op-erational plans and postures have been effected at Arnold Air Force Base during the COVID-19 pan-demic. Arnold AFB, the headquar-ters of AEDC, remains in the sec-ond of a three-phase Return to Full Capacity, or RtFC, plan. This phase took effect in mid-June, just two weeks after the initiation of RtFC Phase 1 on June 1. Prior to entering RtFC Phase 1, Arnold AFB con-ducted business in an Operation-ally Urgent posture. During this posture, which took effect on April 6, the number of personnel on base was significantly reduced and only test and support functions critical to national security were maintained.

An increased number of staff returned to base for work with the implementation of each new phase. Along with enhanced screening for base entry, measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 at Arnold have been required throughout the RtFC phases. These include the wearing of masks in common areas around base, such as hallways and

restrooms, and requiring masks to be worn anytime a person is within 6 feet of another whether indoors or outside.

As they have throughout the RtFC phases, Geraghty and AEDC Superintendent Chief Master Sgt. Robert Heckman are continuing regular walkabouts of Arnold to help ensure employees remain in compliance with Geraghty’s miti-gation policies. Geraghty said he and Heckman have observed that adherence has remained steady in the months since the RtFC plan was initiated.

“On base, Team AEDC contin-ues to follow the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) protocols that are designed to pro-tect our health,” Geraghty said. “As we continue to follow these simple rules, we prevent the virus from spreading from person-to-person on base.

“However, outside the gates, widespread community transmis-sion continues as the virus finds plenty of individuals who are will-ing, perhaps unwittingly, to trans-port the virus to its next host. As a result, the overall infection rate of AEDC personnel fairly steadily matches the infection rate of the surrounding community. Thank-fully, as of this writing we have not lost a teammate to COVID-19.”

The RtFC framework allows for regression to previous pan-demic-related operating postures if it is deemed necessary to protect employee health. Geraghty said nothing he has seen thus far indi-cates the need to take a step back.

“I can’t rule out having to re-gress, but as long as we keep do-ing the things the CDC recom-mends to mitigate risk and contain

the spread, we will be able to keep getting the mission done at full ca-pacity,” he said.

Throughout the pandemic, Geraghty has reiterated that his priorities are to protect the health of the workforce, execute as much of the mission as possible and en-sure members of the workforce take care of each other. He said the workforce has continued to dili-gently meet those priorities.

Methods used to ensure mis-sion execution include increased telework opportunities. Geraghty said telework has continued to prove very effective and a broader implementation in the future is now being assessed.

“Supervisors are encouraged to start to determine exactly how productive it is for each employ-ee,” he said. “For example, if they have five employees teleworking right now and one of them ac-complishes 80 percent more work than the rest, that’s probably the employee you’ll want to have ac-complish the remote workload when we establish a new telework policy.”

Geraghty also wished to ad-dress the members of Team AEDC. Fittingly, it was to share a message of gratitude.

“Thank you for taking care of each other, protecting health and getting the mission done,” he said. “It’s an honor to work for Ameri-cans who are committed to service before self.”

For more information on AEDC protocols, the RtFC frame-work and COVID-19 statistics in areas surrounding Arnold AFB, visit the Arnold AFB coronavirus webpage at https://www.arnold.af.mil/coronavirus/.

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.

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.

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we do

Use High Mach to mar-ket your products and services. Contact Joe at 931-455-4545 or jmartin@tullahomanews.com

“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

With holidays approaching, AEDC commander advocates greater caution to prevent virus spread

By Jill PickettAEDC Public Affairs

Testing of the Pratt & Whit-ney F135 engine has resumed in the Arnold Engineering Devel-opment Complex J2 Engine Test Cell at Arnold Air Force Base.

The test team is seeking to validate the structural integrity and aerodynamic characteristics of a new fan rotor design for the

F135, the powerhouse of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)Lightning II.

In J2, altitudes up to 75,000 feet can be simulated, along with temperatures from -60 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Flight speeds of up to Mach 2.6 can also be simulated.

Testing of the engine began in J2 in 2019, but was stopped because of a planned outage

to accommodate maintenance. Once that outage concluded, testing resumed with an expec-tation to continue into early 2021.

“Test results to date have been positive and encouraging, and early results allowed us to complete an AMT (Accelerated Mission Test) with the same newly-designed rotor,” said 2nd Lt. Gregory Landrum, AEDC

Jet Engine Test project manager.“The test team that has been

conducting this test has been highly involved and has worked closely with personnel from Pratt & Whitney and the JSF Joint Program Office to frame the de-sired objectives and collect data toward those objectives.”

The F135 program has con-ducted more than 5,500 hours of testing in test cells across AEDC.

F135 testing resumes in J2

Jeff Albro, right, Joint Strike Fighter Joint Program Office F135 ground test and evaluation manager, speaks with Lt. Col. Lane Haubelt, Materiel leader for the Arnold Engineering Development Complex Aeropropulsion Ground Test Branch, as they and oth-ers tour the J2 test cell with an F135 engine installed Sept. 2 at Arnold Air Force Base. Testing of a new rotor design, also tested in a Sea Level test cell, is continuing in J2 after an outage. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett)

Testing of an F135 engine with a new rotor design is continuing in the J2 test cell of the Engine Test Facility at Arnold Air Force Base. The engine is shown in the test cell in this image taken Sept. 2. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett)

November 16, 2020 • 3

With holidays approaching, AEDC commanderadvocates greater caution to prevent virus spread

By Bradley HicksAEDC Public Affairs

Life in the fast lane suits Daniel Jones just fine.

Jones’ work and his pas-time both center on achiev-ing extreme speeds. As the inside machinist lead at the Arnold Engineering Devel-opment Complex Model and Machine Shop at Arnold Air Force Base, Jones works to support the high-speed test-ing that occurs in test cells throughout the installation. Outside of the Arnold gates, Jones can often be found on the track putting the hammer down or in the garage gear-ing up for his next run.

Jones, who has worked at Arnold for around three-and-a-half years, took up drag racing as a hobby around 25 years ago. Typi-cally in drag racing, two drivers go head-to-head, vy-ing to be the first to cross the finish line.

A self-described “gear-head,” Jones said an interest in fast cars runs in the fam-ily, as his father also raced and tinkered with old cars and trucks in his free time.

“Growing up, he was a gearhead and I can remem-ber going and watching him race when I was just 4 or 5 years old,” Jones said.

Since taking up drag racing himself, Jones said he has crossed paths with a number of folks who share the need for speed.

“There’s a bunch of us that kind of all run pretty

tight together and all share the same interests with the ultimate goal of going as fast as we can,” Jones said.

Jones said drag racing has taken him to various parts of the country. He has competed in Bowling Green, Kentucky; Hunts-ville, Alabama; Florida; southern Georgia; and as far away as Kirkland, Illi-nois. He frequently races at the Crossville Dragway and at the Buffalo Valley Drag-way, a racing facility located around 80 miles north of Ar-nold AFB.

Jones doesn’t spend his free time away from the track spinning his wheels, as it’s not just the behind-the-wheel aspect of drag racing he enjoys. Over the years, he has built racecars for him-self and friends, as well as for the occasional customer. This work has included ev-erything from fabricating pieces and parts for racers to complete vehicle builds.

While the thrill of victo-ry is a bonus, Jones said it’s the exhilaration of reaching speeds well above 100 miles per hour that drives him and others to return to the drag-strip.

“It’s not so much about winning or losing,” Jones said. “It’s kind of the accom-plishment of taking some-thing that was just a big pile of tubing and various parts here and there and putting them all together and having an end product as something that will fly.”

It’s not just the hobby of drag racing that has been a part of Jones’ life for some time. While he has owned and built other cars over the years, his 1961 Ford Falcon has been with him from the beginning of his racing days. It started out as a “daily driv-er” and was the car Jones drove in high school.

“The car I’ve got, it was the first car I’ve ever bought, so I’ve had it 27 years,” Jones said. “I joke around

with my wife, I tell her I’ve had it longer than I’ve had her.”

Eventually, Jones decid-ed to tear down the car and rebuild it in order to make it faster. Jones has put consid-erable work into the Falcon to soup-up its horsepower over the past quarter-centu-ry, and it is now his primary car when he hits the drag-way. It has a 514-inch block engine and is capable of reaching 120 miles per hour

in an eighth of a mile. Jones said those who en-

joy drag racing form a tight-knit community, adding he has not only met plenty of fellow enthusiasts in-person but has also gotten to know some through various inter-net forums and social me-dia sites. He said racers are more than willing to assist one another by offering ad-vice and sharing ideas.

“Everybody in the racing community is pretty well

open to helping, and every once in a while you get to meet up with those guys at various races,” he said.

Jones also receives sup-port from those most impor-tant to him.

“My daughters will come and pit crew whenev-er time permits,” Jones said. “My wife Kristy has always supported me in my racing, and I have always made sure racing wasn’t the number one priority in my life, but

AEDC machinist keeps pedal to the metal during leisure time

Daniel Jones burns rubber in his 1961 Ford Falcon at the US 60 Dragway in Hardinsburg, Kentucky. Jones, inside machinist lead at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex Model and Machine Shop at Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn., took up the hobby of drag racing around 25 years ago, an activity that has taken him to various parts of the country for competitions. (Courtesy photo)

Daniel Jones, inside machinist lead at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex Model and Machine Shop at Arnold Air Force Base, competes in drag racing and builds racers in his free time. Jones, who refers to himself as a “gearhead,” took up drag racing as a hobby around 25 years ago. (U.S. Air Force photo by Bradley Hicks)

AFTC from page 1

temperature lab, propulsion wind tunnel, J2 engine test and hypersonic test facili-ties. Azzano and Stafford also met with outstanding performers at each of the facilities to thank them for their continued dedication to the test mission at AEDC.

“Always a pleasure to be back with our AFTC team at AEDC. They continue to work miracles with ag-ing infrastructure to deliver amazing technology for our nation. We owe them a debt of gratitude and I’m hon-ored to serve with them!” said Azzano.

Azzano also held a leadership all call at AEDC where he stressed the impor-tance of sharing the AFTC story.

“Everyone should be a public affairs specialist. Our future hinges on how we tell our story,” emphasized Azzano. “Be relentless with how we tell our story.”

Maj. Gen. Christopher Azzano, left, commander, Air Force Test Center, comments to Lt. Col. John McShane, right, chief of the Flight Systems Branch, Test Division, Arnold Engineering Development Complex, as they look at the test section of Tunnel B in the von Kármán Gas Dynamics Facil-ity, Nov. 10 at Arnold Air Force Base. Also pictured is Chief Master Sgt. Brian Stafford, command chief, AFTC. The wind tunnel is used to conduct aerodynamic testing at hyperson-ic speeds. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett)

Benjamin Holton, right, section chief of the High-Temperature Materials Characterization and Evaluation capability within the Space and Missile Test Branch, Test Division, Arnold Engineering Development Complex, speaks with Maj. Gen. Christopher Azza-no, commander, Air Force Test Center, about the Mid-Pressure Arc Heater, seen in the background, Nov. 10, during a visit by Azzano to Arnold Air Force Base. The MPAH enables the simula-tion of hypersonic flight conditions for the evaluation of thermal protection systems. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett)

of advanced-technology nozzle material develop-ment and state-of-the-art nozzle design tools.

“Following the cali-bration conducted from May to July 2020, the new capability will be used extensively for current and future pro-grams,” Lafferty said.

The characteriza-tion for hypersonic sys-tem Thermal Protection System (TPS) materials is conducted in three AEDC arc heater facili-ties.

“Mid-Pressure Arc Heater technologies de-veloped by Arnold AFB engineers have resulted in a world-unique ca-pability that allows for high-enthalpy flows, pressures and mission durations which are rep-resentative of typical boost glide vehicle tra-jectories,” Tucker said.

The increased activity in hypersonic systems has resulted in a very high test tempo for these test capabilities.

The J-5 Phoenix test facility, currently un-der construction at Ar-nold AFB, will expand the aerothermal and ad-vanced high speed pro-pulsion testing capabili-ties of AEDC. J-5 will provide true tempera-ture, clean air testing at speeds in excess of Mach 7 for mission-length run times. Plans also call for a variable Mach number nozzle to provide ac-curate flight trajectory simulations.

Currently, AEDC conducts advanced pro-pulsion testing of hy-personic systems in the Aerodynamic Propul-sion Test Unit (APTU). Last year, the AEDC Hypersonic Systems Test Branch ground test team conducted test-ing in APTU, which set a record for the highest thrust produced by an air-breathing hypersonic engine.

“Both the APTU and J-5 test capabilities willplay a critical role in the

nation’s development of future hypersonic sys-tems,” said Sean Smith, Hypersonic Systems Test Branch Ground Test technical advisor. “The APTU team has been working hard for the past several years with AFRL (Air Force Research Laboratory) to test some of the largest and most complex hypersonic en-gines we’ve ever tested in this country.

“This team has over-come many challenges along the way and that includes learning how to operate with the dis-ruptions imposed by COVID-19. This will be the same innovative team that will ultimate-ly lead the execution of test programs in the J-5 facility. J-5 will bethe most advanced hy-personic propulsion testfacility in the U.S. whenit comes online, and itsunique capabilities willenable the team to ac-complish even greater things in the future.”

AEDC also is capable of subjecting hypersonic systems to weather that may be encountered in flight.

“A key element of evolving from a hy-personic demonstra-tion concept vehicle to an operational weapon is to test and evalu-ate how the system will perform when operating in weather that it may encounter during a mis-sion,” Tucker said.

Hypervelocity Bal-listic Range G at Ar-nold AFB allows for soft-launch at speeds in excess of Mach 20. The range can be configured to simulate a projectile encountering dust, rain, snow and ice.

“The weather encoun-ter test techniques being developed will allow for highly controlled testing of hypersonic materials being developed for fu-ture systems,” said Jona-than Carroll, capability manager for Hypervel-ocity Flyout, Impact and Lethality Ground Test and Evaluation. “These capabilities ensure sys-tems are survivable, reliable and well-char-acterized in any opera-tional environment. The ground test data gener-ated will validate mod-eling and simulation (M&S) tools that will be used across multiple hypersonic development programs. The combina-tion of this ground test data and M&S tools will serve as a risk reduction and generate cost sav-ings as we prepare for future flight tests.”

While Range G pro-vides lethality capability ground testing at smaller scales, at the AEDC Hol-loman High Speed Test Track (HHSTT) at Hol-loman Air Force Base in New Mexico customers can test models ranging in size up to full-scale at speeds up to Mach 8. In many cases, the test ar-ticles can be recovered. The HHSTT is a rocket sled track operated by the 846th Test Squadron. The Squadron provides customers relevant test data to verify lethality effects, impact surviv-ability, aerothermal and weather effects, separa-

tion dynamics, guidance system performance, sensor performance and other key performance metrics.

“The HHSTT pro-vides customers afford-able risk reduction by producing operational-ly-relevant hypersonic weapon lethality charac-teristics for our program offices, characteristics that will allow our warf-ighters to develop strat-egy and tactics for these weapons,” said Lt. Col. Paul Dolce, commander of the 846th TS.

Recently, the 846th TS, in conjunction with the Hypersonic Test and Evaluation Investment Portfolio, upgraded the HHSTT’s rainfield to improve weather effects testing. Additionally, the 846 TS has been study-ing natural rainfall in or-der to improve the simu-lation capabilities of the rainfield.

The HHSTT is cur-rently studying recov-ered hypersonic mono-rail testing, a capability unique to only the HH-STT. While the 846 TS has proven this capabili-ty in the past, the Squad-ron is refining design methods to make the sleds more survivable at the higher speeds ex-pected in future testing.

The AEDC Hyperson-ic Systems Test Branch integrates ground test-ing and flight testing within the same branch. The Ground Test Team of the branch operates APTU. The Flight Test Team, located at Ed-wards Air Force Base in California, provides capabilities such as tra-jectory analysis and op-timization, simulation, test and safety planning, and project management support. Together, the branch’s teams coordi-nate early involvement and support from essen-tial test resources within or outside the Air Force Test Center.

“Rapidly providing hypersonic capabilities to the warfighter requires a united effort from orga-nizations across AFTC and the Department of Defense,” said Maj. John Wilder, Hypersonic Flight Test Team director.

“Bringing those experts together as a team to plan and execute test pro-grams and shape the fu-ture of hypersonic testing is a top priority for us.”

Due to the surge in hypersonic flight test re-quirements, additional flight test support assets for data collection are required to meet the ca-pacity and capability re-quirements of the DOD. In response to this need, AEDC is developing, with support from the Test Resource Manage-ment Center (TRMC), a High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Un-manned-Aerial-Vehicle (UAV)-based flight test support capability, called SkyRange, to supplement or replace traditional data collection assets, such as ships that are used for hy-personic flight testing.

SkyRange will use UAVs with new or im-proved sensors to sup-port hypersonic flight tests. The UAVs utilized by SkyRange are RQ-4 Global Hawks and MQ-9 Reapers. Initial sensor capabilities include te-lemetry, an airborne tele-scope to characterize ve-hicle surface conditions and a system to measure atmospheric conditions. Additional test support applications and sensors are being considered.

“SkyRange represents a novel approach to ad-dressing our nation’s need to conduct high-fidelity hypersonic flight tests by increasing flight test capacity and opera-tional flexibility, while improving the quality of data collected during flight,” said Tyler Neale, executing agent for High Speed Systems Test Tech-nology program.

The combination of facilities and personnel available within AEDC enables the execution of the hypersonic mission.

“AEDC has an out-standing team of techni-cal experts developing and operating a unique suite of hypersonic test and evaluation capabili-ties,” Tucker said. “They serve a vitally impor-tant role in gaining the knowledge needed to successfully field effec-tive hypersonic systems.”

4 • November 16, 2020

AEDC is developing, with support from the Test Resource Management Cen-ter, a High Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned-Aerial-Vehicle based flight test support capability, called SkyRange, to supplement or replace traditional data collection assets, such as ships that are used for hypersonic flight testing. A modified Global Hawk aircraft, seen here Sept. 4, is part of the SkyRange project to provide increased flight test capacity, operational flexibility and im-proved quality data collection. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Rob Hale, engineering technician, left, Parth Kathrotiya, system engineer, cen-ter, and Zack Russo, engineering technician, pose with the Mach 18 nozzle at AEDC Hypervelocity Wind Tunnel 9 in White Oak, Maryland, March 22, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by A.J. Spicer) (This image has been altered by obscuring badges for security purposes)

A rocket sled is shown just before launch on the AEDC Holloman High Speed Test Track at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Aug. 26. The 9-inch mono-rail sled was launched as part of the Hypersonic Readiness program, which is a series of tests being conducted by the 846th Test Squadron at Holloman to prepare for future rocket sled testing to support programs and projects includ-ing the Hypersonic Test and Evaluation Investment Portfolio and Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon, as well as hypersonic sled tests for other customers. (U.S. Air Force photo)

HYPERSONIC from page 1

By Donna LindnerAir Force Research Laboratory

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE Base, Ohio (AFRL) - The Supersonic Rain Erosion Test Rig (SuRE) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is experiencing a full control system replacement and upgrade to provide pin-point control and unmatched testing value.

The SuRE is used in the evaluation of structures and coatings under the effects of high speed flight through rain for transonic and supersonic speeds up to Mach 2.3. Vari-ous high-speed components and coupon specimens such as radomes, leading edge ma-terials, and window materials are tested. Data gathered is essential to field feasible ma-terial solutions for weapon systems to operate safely un-der such environmental con-ditions.

The only other method to reach this speed for compo-nent testing is with a rocket sled or flight testing, both of which are expensive and time consuming. The SuRE provides a cost effective, rapid method to gather data on component performance,

tightening the materials de-velopment cycle.

The organic improvements underway include features to introduce flexibility in the executed erosion pattern, re-place the current control hard-ware with a highly adaptable and capable LabVIEW (type of control hardware and soft-ware platform from NITM) interface and automate sec-ondary operations.

Additionally, improve-ments to the full control sys-tem are expected to save ap-proximately $40,000 annually in sustainment cost, reducing the manpower required to run a test by one-third and main-tenance downtime by 25 per-cent.

“This has been a great opportunity to apply a per-sonal interest in control and automation to a very power-ful tool,” said 1st Lt. Tyler Despard, lead engineer for the upgrade. “I am excited to deliver the final product for use by the organizations that test with us and confident that they will find a renewed value in testing with the SuRE and enjoy the new flexibility to tailor their exposure plan to exact patterns and speeds. I am grateful to the Corrosion and Erosion Team for entrust-

ing me with this responsibili-ty and providing the resources necessary to make this a one-of-a-kind, world-class facil-ity.”

“The rig upgrades are re-ally taking shape,” said Dr. Matthew Hartshorne, Erosion Area Lead. “With two out of three phases complete, we were able to put the control and automation upgrades to the test during a recent run. The control system performed very well and the advantages of modernizing the rig to cur-rent technology were evident. We were able to change op-erating parameters on the fly and monitor the system from a central station instead of walking around the large rig to individual gauges. I am ex-cited to offer the final product to our customers. The team has done a great job making this happen, all during the COVID-19 restrictions.”

The SuRE was initially developed under a small busi-ness innovative research con-tract by Continuum Dynam-ics Inc., and has since been extensively upgraded by the U. S. Air Force and the Uni-versity of Dayton Research Institute to increase its avail-able speeds, droplet sizes and specimen throughput.

Numerous systems have already benefited from the SuRE, including Air Force missiles, Navy propellers and commercial space launch ve-hicles.

The SuRE is operated by UDRI as part of the larger AFRL Impact Erosion Test Fa-cility. A Cooperative Research & Development Agreement

with the U. S. Air Force allows UDRI to provide easy access for commercial and govern-ment customers. Full-service testing is provided to dozens of joint, international, and com-mercial customers each year.

To learn more about test-ing, visit https://udayton.edu/udri/capabilities/materials/rain_erosion.php.

will then be modified to ac-cept additional instrumen-tation. Once completed, operation of the F404 will

produce the environment needed to validate new sen-sors.

Planning for the program

began in August 2019. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic caused delays in being able to test the en-

gines to determine the most suitable for the testbed.

“The team has been dili-gently working on this for

more than a year, all of which are glad to finally see this testing come to fru-ition,” Williamson said.

November 16, 2020 • 5

By AEDC Safety

Fall brings fewer hours of daylight, and rapidly changing weather and road conditions, so be prepared.

It is common to need the heater on the way to work and the air condi-tioner on the way home. You should always be prepared for possible cold, windy and wet weather, even on days when the sun is shining. Stash in your vehicle appropriate clothing, warm coats, rain gear and gloves in case of emergency. Plan ahead. Be aware of the weather forecast.

Here are a few specif-

ic dangers of fall weather to be aware of when driv-ing:• Turn on your lights.

Tennessee requiresyou to use headlightsto make you more vis-ible whenever it rains.

• As it starts raining wa-ter mixes with oil onthe roadways, creatingparticularly slipperyconditions.

• Watch for fallenleaves, they can makeit slippery and obscuretraffic lines, markingsand even potholes.

• Temperatures can dropdramatically duringthe night, making icespots on areas suchas bridges, overpassesand shaded areas.

• If the windshield isfrosted, clear the en-tire windshield of icewith a scraper and thecar’s defroster. Nopeephole driving.

• The worse the condi-tions get, the sloweryou should travel.

• Brake lightly. Whenyou need to stop inrain, wind or fog, goas easy on the brakesas possible. Slam-ming on the brakes increases your chanc-es of entering into askid.

• Know when to parkit. If severe weath-er makes travel too risky, find the near-est truck stop or restarea and wait until the

storm passes• Deer are very ac-

tive this time of yearand can run in frontof your vehicle. If that happens, do notswerve, just brake firmly with both handson the wheel to cometo a controlled stop.

The following is information we were asked to share about an incidentthat happened at another facility.

A golf course employ-ee was making rounds of the golf course driving a Gator. The Gator the employee was driving had been used by the golf course employees for many months, and it

did not have operational seatbelts.

As the employee drove on a wooded paved golf course path, the sun and tree shadows prevented the employee from seeing a gate arm that was partially in the employee’s path. When the Gator struck the gate arm, the employee was ejected and caught the gate arm, causing exten-sive and fatal injuries.

• Use proper safety de-vices in all vehicles.

• Do not use any equip-ment that is defectiveor faulty.

• Notify leadership of any defective safety devices.

• Remove unsafe equip-ment from service.

• Ensure employees areproperly trained tooperate a GVO/ATV.

While driving anyvehicle be sure it is safe and has all functioning safety equipment. Even the most experienced driver can miss some-thing once in a while. There are multiple ways to stay safe on the roads this fall, and they all boil down to being aware of your surroundings; watching your speed, especially in areas with rain, frost or leaves; and paying attention to the road.

Take care of each other.

Drive safely this fall

Air Force ups the ante on supersonic rain erosion testingEvan Milligan, a journeyman wireman, connects cables to a F404 engine Jan. 10 in a sea level test cell at Arnold Air Force Base. The engine is being prepared for health testing to determine suitability as an engine sensors testbed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett)

TESTBED from page 1

1st Lt. Tyler Despard, front, and Kameron Hayes monitor test-ing on the Supersonic Rain Erosion test rig. (U.S. Air Force photo by Greg Lanchman)

By Master Sgt. Chance BabinAir Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs

P H I L A D E L P H I A (AFNS) – When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States earlier this year, many small businesses were forced to shutter and countless families fell on hard times. For one family affected, the Air Force offered a way for them to start a new life together.

After years of work-ing various jobs in the transportation industry, Richard Jimenez finally got the nerve to start his own trucking business in 2019. He thought 2020 was going to be an amazing year for his family. After the crush-ing loss of his business during the pandemic, Jimenez, his wife and their son all found their hopes and dreams shift-ing to something big-ger — service in the Air Force.

“I finally got up enough courage and capital to start my own company and it was a great feeling. Finally, my independence,” Richard said. “I could now create my own schedule and spend more quality time with the family and live the life I dreamt was ours all along. I basically lived in my truck trying to make my company work like many drivers across America. But I thought if I worked hard enough, I knew 2020 was going to be the year I could get back to my family and create the American dream I’d been chasing all along.”

Then, one morning, Richard woke up and started making his usual phone calls, but no one was answering.

“Everything seemed like it just stopped overnight,” he said. “I checked the news and wow, they were talk-ing about a plague. My heart dropped into my stomach.”

Richard came off the road and waited for some good news … but it nev-er came. After hearing it would be a while before things would go back to normal, his wife, Jenna, asked him, “What are we going to do?”

“I knew in that mo-ment, I had to be strong and figure this out,” Richard said. “Every-thing I worked so hard to obtain had been snatched from us seem-ingly overnight by an invisible enemy. All the schooling and tech cer-tifications and years of driving different equip-ment to get to this point and now I had nothing. I knew I could never allow this to happen again. I needed some-thing permanent, some-thing sure – a founda-tion that could assure that my family would not have to suffer again financially. It was time to find a support sys-tem.”

Jenna struggled as well with how to pay the bills and how to be sup-

portive for her husband.“When the business

closed, it was a huge blow, not only to our financial situation but to Richard personally,” she said. “I had to watch as all of Richard’s hard work was snatched from him instantaneously. It was hard. I was at a loss. I’ve never seen my hus-band not know what to do. Richard worked day in and day out to make sure we had everything we could ask for. He would work in the rain, the snow and all sorts of hazardous conditions to make sure his family was comfortable.”

As Jenna watched Richard grow more anx-ious and worried, she knew she needed to step up and do something.

“It hit me like a ton of bricks,” she said. “The military would be the way I could take respon-sibility and get this man off the road. If I could make it so he never has to worry about anything like this ever again, I would do everything in my power to do so.”

Before Jenna could tell Richard she was thinking of joining the military, he was set-tling on the same solu-tion. While researching ways of surviving the pandemic on the inter-net, he found that most successful families have foundational members, like great grandparents, who had served in the military and created a path to success. A light bulb went off in his mind.

“Right before I could say the words, my wife says she thinks she could go to the mili-tary,” Richard said. “With an excited look on her face, she pitches the best plan ever. God is good. It would not only take me off the road, but I could potentially join and make a difference as well. I immediately felt a bit of hope rise up. This had to be it!”

With the idea of both joining the military, they began researching the different branches and talking to recruit-ers, including Tech. Sgt. Jeffry Stamm, an enlisted accessions re-cruiter with the 314th Recruiting Squadron in Hatboro.

“Jenna and Rich-ard were looking for a fresh start,” Stamm said. “Jenna had been a homemaker for the past three years and was looking to start a career and continue her edu-cation. Richard always had an interest in serv-ing his country and felt the time was right for a career change. After they both were prelimi-nary qualified, I started to ask them some of their future goals and aspirations. It became clear that the Air Force would be better for them when it came down to the quality of life and educational goals they were both seeking.”

Stamm shared his family life experiences with Jenna and Rich-ard. He also pulled up his travel records to

show how many times he has been on tempo-rary duty assignments and his leave and earn-ings statements to show how much he pays for healthcare and life in-surance, how the Thrift Savings Plan works, and how much basic housing allowance and basic al-lowance for subsistence he receives monthly.

Jenna and Richard were sold on the ben-efits the Air Force has to offer and the job se-curity it provides.

“The Air Force is something that is always going to be there. I think it might be the most reli-able job there is,” Jenna said. “When the world stops on the drop of a dime, you don’t have to worry about being out of a job, paying your rent or putting food in your children’s mouths. Not only will you have support from your Air Force family and com-munity in hard times but the Air Force itself. Not to mention, our family could also help people and be supportive for them. It just seems to be a perfect fit.”

One day when Rich-ard and Jenna were visiting with Stamm, they happened to have their son, Amarion, a high school senior, with them. Stamm asked him about his plans.

“Amarion was sup-posed to graduate in May of 2020, but be-cause of his vocational school and the specific hands-on training in-volved, the graduation requirements had to be delayed until August be-cause of COVID(-19),” the recruiter said. “He was one of about 10,000 students affected. He was enrolled in a job-corps program through his high school in the automotive technology field. After hearing this, I explained some of the mechanical and electri-cal career fields the Air Force has, and the op-portunities for Amarion to continue his educa-tion, get valuable job experience, and have medical and dental ben-efits as well as a retire-

ment plan that would be tough to find in the ci-vilian sector.”

Amarion was inter-ested.

“While looking deep-er into the military, I got to see that they will pay for my college and pro-vide me with health in-surance,” he said. “And once you’re in service, you will be part of a brotherhood that only the military can offer.”

Like his parents, Am-arion decided to join.

“What made me join the greatest Air Force was my family, the communication and the quality of life I’ve seen so far,” he said. “Every single Airman I’ve spo-ken to has been honest and open with me. They didn’t make me any promises they couldn’t keep and they’ve given me respect.”

Richard said he is ex-cited his son decided to join at such a young age so he can take advan-tage of the educational benefits, build a career and see the world.

“I am just so proud of him,” Richard said. “He will not only be given a real chance at an amaz-ing life, but be given all kinds of opportunities that only the Air Force can provide. I am not only honored to be his dad, but I’m especially honored to be able to serve with him as an Airman in the United States Air Force.”

“As a mom, of course I want Amarion at the same base as us, to be able to see him and check up on him to make sure he is OK,” Jenna said. “But I also want him to have inde-pendence and learn and grow on his own. I want him to take advantage of being able to ship over-seas, explore the world. He’s so young so he can go wherever for as long as he pleases. I’m excit-ed for his future.”

Amarion and Jenna are extremely close since she and Richard were there for him fol-lowing the loss of his biological mother.

“When my son lost his biological mother

when he was 13, that was probably one of the hardest things I had to help Amarion over-come,” Richard said.

Amarion’s biological mom had an infection in her heart that spread to her brain.

“She left him in my custody while she tried to get herself well, but unfortunately she wasn’t able to get better,” Rich-ard said. “That’s when Jenna really stepped up and provided him with the energy he needed at the time. As you can imagine, Amarion had a lot of hurt, confu-sion and questions at such a time. Jenna defi-nitely stood in front of that with me and we all overcame it together as a team – all of us, the Jimenez family.”

While Richard was always there for his son, having Jenna step in and fill that void has lifted Amarion in his times of need and has created a bond that has made and kept this family close and operating as a team.

“Since my mother’s passing, Jenna has been there for me,” Amarion said. “She’s been there to pick me up when I’m down, she’s kept me strong when I felt weak and she cared for me when I felt broken.”

While there are three members of the Jimenez family ready to join the Air Force, there’s a fourth member who is not quite ready yet — Amarion’s 3-year-old sister, Layla. Since Jenna is scheduled to leave for basic military training first, Richard is set to take care of Layla and Amarion while she is away.

“We are excited about Jenna leaving first, es-pecially since this was kind of her idea,” Rich-ard said. “We are proud of her courage and will-ingness to go ahead of us. Amarion and I will be just fine with Lay-la, also known as ‘the boss.’ She’ll have us here while mommy be-comes an Airman. Jenna is already a superhero to Layla, so this is just an upgrade for us.”

“Leaving Layla is going to be ridiculously difficult,” Jenna said. “She’s three and it’s been me and her for-ever. To leave her for a few months, let alone during the holidays, is gut wrenching. But the reason behind it is so much bigger than a Christmas. I may miss this Christmas, but with that sacrifice, we will never have to live the way we are right now ever again.”

Stamm said he was proud to help the Jimenez family join the Air Force and bounce back from the devastat-ing blow COVID-19 de-livered.

“For people who may have lost their jobs during the pandemic, or maybe just want a fresh start, the Air Force has great opportunities,” he said. “We offer guaran-teed contracts for four or six years in more than 140 career fields. I also feel the job experi-ence you get in the Air Force is one of the big-gest benefits we have. The Air Force gives you the opportunity to obtain a degree in one of 71 degree programs through the Community College of the Air Force while gaining job expe-rience which makes you marketable in the civil-ian sector.”

Richard may be one of the oldest people in his basic training flight, but he’s looking for-ward to the challenge.

“This is not just a sto-ry about a 37-year old joining the Air Force,” he said. “This is an ex-ample of perseverance even when the odds are stacked against you,” Richard said. “Statisti-cally this shouldn’t be possible, but I refuse to accept defeat even in the face of the worst pandemic the world has seen in 100 years. I stand on all 10 toes and keep pushing forward. Our country is in need of strength. I am ready to serve. People ask, why did I give the Air Force a shot? Because I’ve always aimed high, so why stop now?”

6 • November 16, 2020

The Jimenez family stands with Tech Sgt. Jeffry Stamm, 414th Recruiting Squadron enlisted accessions recruiter in Haboro, Pa., Nov. 14, 2020. After their business was forced to close due to difficult circum-stances during the coronavirus pandemic, the three adult members of the family decided to join the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

Air Force gives family fresh start after COVID-19 crushes private business

November 16, 2020 • 7

By 1st Lt. Savanah Bray53rd Wing

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) – Five female fighter pilots tested a modified version of the Advanced Tech-nology Anti-Gravity Suit Oct. 26-30.

ATAGS is a proven design and a critical life support item that pro-tects aircrew members from the effects of high-

G forces during maneu-vers in fighter aircraft, but the ATAGS design, which has been in use since 2001, was devel-oped primarily for stan-dard men’s body types. Pilots who are shorter or have smaller or hard-to-fit body types often struggle to properly ad-just the G-suit to fit well due to a limited range of adjustability in the stan-dard sizes.

Directly tasked by

the secretary of the Air Force, engineers and sub-ject matter experts at Air Force Life Cycle Man-agement Center and AF-WERX set out to address priority shortfalls in fe-male specific aircrew equipment and gear, to include ATAGS. Instead of creating a new product altogether, experts de-termined modifications could be made to the current ATAGS design to better fit women and

various body types. The two major modi-

fications to the ATAGS include wider lacing pan-els in the waist, thigh and calf, which allows the suit to be easily adjusted for different body pro-portions, and the option for a “darted” or tailored, custom waist that does not reduce performance of the waist bladder that inflates during high-G maneuvers.

“In the past, some pilots with a shorter torso have had issues with ATAGS that were too large riding up and causing bruising on the rib cages, while pilots who are hard-to-fit may have had one size that fits through the legs, but need a smaller size in the waist,” said Charles Cru-ze, an AFLCMC Human Systems Division engi-neer. “Now, the waist can be darted up to 3.75 inch-es, allowing for a more custom and accurate fit, preventing both of those issues.”

To properly and safe-ly test the ATAGS, the 85th Test and Evalua-tion Squadron executed nearly 20 sorties in F-16 D-model aircraft. Dur-ing these test sorties, pilots conducted low- and high-G basic fightermaneuvers and specific profiles to allow for ac-curate evaluation of themodified ATAGS. F-16 D-models were used sothat in each sortie, a pilotwearing standard ATAGSwas in the aircraft to en-sure safety should an is-sue with the modified ATAGS arise.

“For the purpose of this test, five pilots and one aircrew member test-ed the modified ATAGS, and evaluated it based on comfort and performance when compared to the normal ATAGS typically worn,” said Sharon Rog-ers, 46th Test Squadron lead test engineer. “Pi-lots were asked to evalu-ate based on not only the ATAGS during high-G maneuvers, but also dur-ing regular activities like sitting, standing, walking and climbing into and out

of the aircraft.” “As more women

strap into fast jets to get the mission done, I think the Air Force is heading in the right direction,” said Capt. Brittany Trim-ble, an F-16 Fighting Fal-con instructor pilot, when asked about her experi-ence testing the modified ATAGS.

The pilots and aircrew who tested the ATAGS noticed significant im-provements in comfort and functionality in the modified ATAGS.

“I definitely noticed improvement with the new updates and the darted waist in particu-lar,” Trimble said. “I honestly didn’t expect to notice much of a differ-ence because I’d never noticed significant issues with the ATAGS sizes before, but I was pleas-antly surprised that these upgrades increased the ATAGS functionality sig-nificantly under G.”

The modified ATAGS testing is also a showcase example of developmen-tal and operational test experts coming together to provide solutions for the warfighter. Prior to flight testing, AFLCMC conducted developmental endurance testing which simulated 14 years of use on identically designed modified ATAGS. Once those versions were suc-cessfully endurance test-ed with no issue, flight testing began at Eglin Air Force Base with the 46th Test Squadron, 96th Test Wing providing the en-gineering and test plan-ning expertise and the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, 53rd Wing, executing the flight tests.

Following the flight testing, the 46th Test Squadron will provide a test report, explained Rogers. Under the cur-rent acquisition strategy, the modified ATAGS could be in the hands of fighter pilots and aircrew who need it within 12-24 months.

For Maj. Shanon Jamison, an F-16 pi-lot, testing the modified ATAGS was a great op-

portunity not only to help ensure pilots have gear that fits, works, and prevents G-induced loss of consciousness, or G-LOC, but also to connect with other female fighter pilots.

“It is great to see the Air Force bring female pi-lots together to test these new improvements, and it also gave us a chance to share our career expe-riences with one anoth-er,” Jamison said. “There are things we have expe-rienced in our career that many of our colleagues cannot understand, from as simple as worrying about getting your hair caught in a harness to as complex as how to return to flying while juggling breastfeeding your in-fant. The chance to come together for an important test, while also receiv-ing continued mentorship and leadership from the female cadre of fighter pilots, was both useful and fulfilling.”

Fortunately for Air-men across the Air Force, ATAGS is not the only gear getting modified or adapted for women. More information on female fitment efforts, like the security forces Airmen at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, who received a new body armor system designed for women, can be found here: https://w w w. a f l c m c . a f . m i l /Units/FemaleFitment/.

“These tests are im-portant because they will ultimately increase the lethality of those who no longer have their mask slip down during a sor-tie, their G-suit crunch under their waist, or the extra fabric of a too big anti-exposure suit get in the way of their move-ments in the jet,” Trimble said. “These don’t seem like big issues, but ev-erything counts in the air, and having gear that fits and works as intended should be the standard. I’m excited the Air Force is working to identify and fix these issues, especial-ly in innovative ways like provide AFE new modifi-cation options.”

8 • November 16, 2020

Female fighter pilots test modified ATAGS “G-suit”

Five fighter pilots from various squadrons wear a modified version of the Advanced Technology Anti-Gravity Suit. The modified ATAGS, which is the latest ad-vancement in female aircrew fitment, was flight tested at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. October 26-30. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Savanah Bray)

November 16, 2020 • 9

Services activities are open!But with limited hours and offerings.

INFO UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE - SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Call to check and confirm availability.Other restrictions may apply.

GOLF COURSE: daily 7am-dusk Call @ upcoming tournaments 454-GOLF

MULLIGAN’S GRILL: S-S only 7am-1pm 454-FOOD

OUTDOOR REC: Office/Marina M, T, Th, F, Sa 10am-5pmRESERVATIONS REQUIRED 454-6084

FamCamp (limited sites), Dogwood Ridge, Crockett Cove, & Marina (limited availability)Some small rentals are available plus trailer grills and bass/jon boats on trailers.

CAFÉ 100: M-F 7:30am-12:30pm Grill closed 10-10:30am (closed holidays)MASKS REQUIRED Limited menu, Call In and To Go recommended 454-5885

Limited seating for dining only. No loitering and/or gathering.Touchless payment encouraged One way flow – watch signs on floor

FITNESS CENTER: M-F 5am-1pm, 1:30-7:30pm Sa 8am-1pm (closed holidays)

BY APPT ONLY, 454-6440, FOR AUTHORIZED USERS-Screening questions at entry -No lockers -Limited showers -Hours extended based on usage

Virtual Classes available through Wellbeats.com Use code: 479b0f59

ALC: Th-F 5-8pm dining (limited menu) & bar 454-3350Check flyers/posters, SharePoint, Facebook, or SKN tvs for specials & events

As of 20 Oct 20

WINGO INN: M-F 7am-6pm S-S 8am-4pm 454-3051

FOOD TRUCKS: M-F 10am-1pm

T

ALC November 2020Social Distancing and Mask Wear required as needed 454-3350

Jam & Wing night

5-8pm DiningJam 6-9:30pm On back patio

*Cash only bar*6

Dining 5-8pm

Kids Craft bags 13Kids pick up their turkey or

scarecrow craft bags from ALC to decorate at home!* Limited supplies *

Post completed craft to the Services FB page!

.75 Wing Special

By Bradley HicksAEDC Public Affairs

Thanksgiving is a happy oc-casion for most, one filled with the joys of family, friends and, of course, food.

Members of the Arnold Air Force Base Fire and Emergency Services team want base person-nel to have a memorable Thanks-giving and not for the wrong rea-sons.

”Obviously, nobody wakes up saying, ‘You know what? Today I’m going to have a bad day,’” said Christian Lyle, Arnold FES fire prevention/communications officer. “Everybody has great in-tentions when they wake up that morning to have a good holiday.”

However, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day, Christmas Eve and the day be-fore Thanksgiving. In 2017, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,600 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving.

Unattended cooking is the leading contributor in cooking fires and fire deaths. Cooking equipment was involved in near-ly half of all reported home fires and home fire injuries and is the second leading cause of home fire deaths.

“It’s either the deep fryer cooking of the meat or just un-attended cooking,” Lyle said of the leading causes of residential fires on Thanksgiving. “People will place food in the oven and

they’ll get sidetracked watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or football or what have you, and bad things can happen.”

To prevent these tragedies and others, Lyle and Arnold FES Fire Prevention Inspector Steve Macon provided the following safety tips to keep in mind this Thanksgiving. • Make sure smoke detec-

tors are working properly.Test these alarms. Detectorsshould be replaced every 10years and batteries in the de-tectors should be changed inthe spring and fall when timechanges.

• Stay in the kitchen whencooking on the stove top tokeep an eye on the food beingprepared.

• Keep cooking wrappers, potholders and towels a safe dis-tance from the hot eyes of thestove.

• Keep children away from thestove. A safe zone of at least 3feet from the appliance is rec-ommended. Also make surechildren stay away from hotfoods and liquids. The steamor splash from vegetables,gravy or coffee could causeserious burns.

• Make sure cooking pot han-dles are turned inward andelectrical cords from electricknives, coffee makers, platewarmers and other items arenot dangling off the counterto prevent children from grab-bing and pulling them off.

• If you’re choosing to use aturkey fryer, it’s important tonote that Underwriters Labo-ratories, a global productsafety organization, discour-ages the use of outdoor gas-fueled fryers that immersewhole turkeys in hot oil. Theoil can spill over into theopen flames with catastroph-ic results.

• Even knowing the dan-gers, some people will stillchoose to use a turkey fryer.The fryer should be placedat least 15 feet away fromhomes, garages, sheds, etc.Never use a fryer underneath

an overhang or in a garage. Ensure a fire extinguisher is nearby for easy access in the event of fire. Never use water to extinguish an oil fire.

• Never put a frozen turkeyinto a deep fryer. The turkeyshould be allowed to thaw 24hours for every 5 pounds itweighs. For example, an 18-to 20-pound turkey shouldbe allowed to thaw four fulldays in the refrigerator be-fore it is fried.Those experiencing emer-

gencies should dial 911. Lyle added the Arnold FES

team is staffed 24/7, including

weekends and holidays. The de-partment has mutual aid agree-ments in place with other first responders in the community and is at the ready to respond to emergencies both on base and in the surrounding area.

“We’re going to be here and the safety of the community is our number one priority; mak-ing sure everybody has an en-joyable holiday and comes back to work safe and sound and ready to complete the mission,” Lyle said.

Those with any questions are asked to contact Arnold FES at 931-454-5569 or 931-454-5306.

Arnold Fire and Emergency Services offers tips for safe Thanksgiving

Arnold Air Force Base Fire and Emergency Services Fire Prevention Inspector Steve Macon, left, demonstrates to Paula Lyle the proper way to use a fire extinguisher Nov. 9 at Arnold AFB. Ensuring a fire extinguisher is kept nearby when cooking is one of several fire prevention tips Arnold FES has provided ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. (U.S. Air Force photo by Bradley Hicks)

New sign installed at Main Gate of Arnold Air Force Base

Workers install a new sign at the Main Gate at Arnold Air Force Base on Oct. 22. The new sign, located alongside Wattendorf Highway before entering thebase, was necessary after an accident occurred in February 2020 in which acar ran off the roadway and collided with the previous sign. The project wascompleted by the Simplified Acquisition Base Engineering Requirementscontractor, SDVE, LLC. (U.S. Air Force photos by Deidre Moon) The new sign at the Main Gate at Arnold Air Force Base was installed Oct. 22.

10 • November 16, 2020

By Bradley HicksNAS Public Affairs

Team members with Na-tional Aerospace Solutions, LLC, the Arnold Engineering Development Complex Test Operations and Sustainment Contractor, received awards Nov. 9 and Nov. 11 during the Salute to Excellence An-nual Awards presentation at

Arnold Air Force Base.Awards were presented for

the following: Quality, Safety, Security, Innovation, Engineer-ing Design and Facilities Pro-fessional of the Year, Science and Technology Professional of the Year, Customer Service Excellence, Program/Project Manager of the Year, Techni-cal Project Leader of the Year, Craft Innovation, Craftsman

Lead of the Year, Craftsman Journeyman/Technician of the Year, Test Operations Engineer of the Year, Craft Supervisor/Superintendent of the Year, En-gineering Analysis of the Year, and Engineer of the Year.

Employees were nominated based upon their superior per-formance and support in areas of company core values and technical excellence.

National Aerospace Solu-tions, LLC is the team selected by the U.S. Air Force to con-duct Test Operations and Sus-tainment activities at the Ar-nold Engineering Development Complex, Arnold AFB, Tennes-see, the Hypervelocity Wind Tunnel 9 at White Oak, Mary-land, and the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex at Mountain View, California.

NAS is comprised of Bechtel National, Inc., Sierra Lobo Inc. and GP Strategies Corporation; teaming subcontractors include nLogic, Inc. and Chugach Fed-eral Solutions, Inc.

(Awards were given by National Aerospace Solu-tions, LLC and do not re-flect any stance, opinion, or determination made by the U.S. Air Force.)

National Aerospace Solutions celebrates 2020 Salute to Excellence award winners

Photos unavailable for the following award winners:

Wesley SteelmanIT Engineer

Instrumentation, Data & Controls BranchSecurity Award

Curtis WinsteadSenior Staff Engineer and Subject Matter Expert for Test Assets

Space & Missile BranchInnovation Award

Terry HarrisCapital Project Manager

Flight BranchProgram/Project Manager of the Year

Carey RoseInstrument Technician

LeadSpace & Missile BranchCraftsman Lead of the

Year

Michael SkylesInstrument Technician

JourneymanFlight Branch

Craftsman Journeyman/Technician of the Year

David FaucettTest Operations

Engineer II Flight Branch

Engineering Analysis of the Year

Emily TranbergTest Operations

Engineer IIFlight Branch

Test Operations Engineer of the Year

Steven ArdrySenior Staff Engineer & Subject Matter Expert

Flight BranchEngineer of the Year

Robert WilliamsCraft Superintendent/

Craft SupervisorTechnology Innovations

BranchQuality Award

Jeffrey HoltEnvironmental Scientist

IISafety, Health &

Environmental BranchSafety Award

Kraig SmithEnvironmental Scientist

IISafety, Health &

Environmental BranchSafety Award

Tracie BurnettQuality Specialist III

Quality BranchSafety Award

Gina BraggIndustrial Hygienist II

Safety, Health & Environmental Branch

Safety Award

Marion BraggIndustrial Hygienist II

Safety, Health & Environmental Branch

Safety Award

Keri McBeeMaterial CoordinatorAcquisitions Branch

Safety Award

Donna KennedySenior Purchasing

SpecialistAcquisitions Branch

Safety Award

Stephen HarrisTest Operations

Engineer IISpace & Missile Branch

Innovation Award

Cory RobertsonPlant Operations

Engineer IIFlight Branch

Innovation Award

Ezra Perkins IIIAeropropulsion Plant

SupervisorAeropropulsion Branch

Innovation Award

Andrew EscueFacility Engineering

SupervisorTechnology Innovations

BranchInnovation Award

April PowersHR Admin. Professional

II – Sys. & ProcessesHuman Resources

BranchCustomer Service Excellence Award

Scott WielandMechanical/Aeronautical

Engineer IIITechnology Innovations

BranchEngineering Design and Facilities Professional of

the Year

Chris RobinsonID&C Engineer III

Technology Innovations Branch

Science and Technology Professional of the Year

Amy DuncanProject Engineer

Flight BranchTechnical Project Leader

of the Year

Joel SizemoreMachinist Journeyman -

OutsideFlight Branch

Craft Innovation Award

Jody FrameElectrical Shop

SupervisorBase Operations &

Support BranchCraft Supervisor/

Superintendent of the Year

By AEDC Public Affairs

Question: What are you most thank-ful for this year?

“This year, I am thankful for my coun-try. In 2020, with everything that has hap-pened, we may not agree with each other over many issues. But that’s the beautiful thing about this country, we don’t have to. In America, we have the amazing ability to speak out minds because we live in a free society. Many countries punish or silence people for speaking out against those in power. So for as much arguing that people feel like is going on, at least we have to ability to argue. For that, I am thankful.” – Joseph Bedell, Turbines Test Analyst, TMAS

“This year I am most thankful for my health. I am also very thankful for the kindness of those around me who have welcomed me to Arnold with open arms.” – Haley Douglas, Administrative Assis-tant, Air Force

“I’m really thankful for the technol-ogy in our world today. It’s amazing how technology made connecting so simple living through a pandemic and shelter-in-place order. There are so many great fea-tures of technology that we take for grant-ed each and every day, and it’s because of technology that we are able to enjoy the quality of life we have.” – Neethi Mat-thew, Administrative Officer, Air Force

“As we nervously await the arrival of our first child amidst a still broiling pan-demic, having moved across the country from everyone and everything we previ-ously knew just over a year ago so that I could begin my career with AEDC, I find myself most thankful for the presence, love and support of my husband this year (among a plethora of things to be thank-ful for). He has been my biggest motiva-tor and supporter in everything we have taken on this year (moving, career chang-es, buying our first home, pregnancy), and I cannot imagine having achieved so much without him by my side.

“Despite all of the pitfalls and rough spots, this has been one of the most ful-filling years of my life; and I owe so much of the joy and success to my one-and-only, Kyle.” – Brianne McMana-men, Aerospace Engineer, Air Force

“In the current state of our world, I find myself most thankful for my daugh-ter, my family and my dear friends. I’m thankful for their love and support al-ways, but especially during this difficult year.” – Holly Randles, Administrative Assistant, Air Force

“I would have to say I am thankful for a wonderful family, great friends, and my amazing fiancée. I would also say I am thankful to be working in these trying times. I am most thankful for mine and my family’s health this year.” – Clayton Raulston, ID&C Engineer, TOS

November 16, 2020 • 11

brought to you by Services Recycling Program

Thank You from The Green TeamDavid Miller (manager) & Bud Schell 931-454-6068

Team AEDC reflects during Thanksgiving season

Joseph Bedell Haley Douglas Neethi Matthew Brianne McManamen Holly Randles

12 • November 16, 2020