Category: Aviation

Source: United States Air Force

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —  

In an effort to codify the success and significant gains made in line with the Operational Imperatives, Department of the Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall stood up the Integrated Capabilities Office July 19.

Driven by the need to rapidly modernize the DAF to meet emerging challenges in an era of Great Power Competition, the ICO seeks to institutionalize the speed, agility and rapid innovation that the Operational Imperatives have brought to the force.

“The Integrated Capabilities Office will directly support the Department of the Air Force senior leadership team as we develop our integrated modernization plans for the Air Force and Space Force,” Kendall said. “China, our pacing challenge, is modernizing its military with the intent to defeat U.S. power projection capabilities. We will not let that happen.”

The Operational Imperatives were born out of necessity. Upon his arrival in 2021, Kendall ordered a series of studies and analyses that identified key capability gaps within the force. Seven areas of need were determined imperative to meet the pacing challenge: Resilient Space Order of Battle and Architectures, Joint All-Domain Command and Control, Moving Target Engagement at Scale, Next Generation Air Dominance, Resilient Forward Basing, B-21 Long-Range Strike Family of Systems, and Readiness for Wartime Posture.

Initiated under the DAF’s optimization for Great Power Competition, the ICO is a Secretariat-level office that will continue the work of the Operational Imperatives. Prior to initiation of GPC, the Operational Imperative teams operated mostly ad hoc, which allowed for innovation, speed and agility.

The ICO will facilitate agile Integrated Development Campaign Teams led and staffed by operational experts from the newly formed U.S. Space Force Space Futures Command and U.S. Air Force Integrated Capabilities Command, and acquisition professionals from Air Force Materiel Command’s Integrated Development Office and Space Force acquisition organizations.

The campaign teams will work imperative problem sets and provide data-driven solutions and recommendations. The ICO will incorporate these results into prioritized recommendations for modernization and will collaborate with other organizations to integrate these priorities, along with other portfolios, into the budgeting process.

The ICO will remain in a primarily advisory role but will have direct access to the Secretary and senior leadership, with the ability to make highly collaborative and unfiltered, recommendations to ensure emerging capability opportunities get a voice in the enterprise.

Many of the current Operational Imperatives will graduate to existing programs of record and stakeholder teams.

The ICO, in conjunction with the Integrated Capabilities Command and Space Futures Command, will optimize capability development through assessment, development, integration, and fielding of future capabilities that will rapidly modernize the DAF and preserve the advantages U.S. forces have benefited from for decades. The ICO is on schedule to be fully staffed and resourced by the end of 2024.

Source: United States Air Force

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AFNS) —  

Air Force Research Laboratory technical directorates from AFWERX and Munitions teamed up to host a Collider event aimed at exploring commercial solutions for software-enabled weapons at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, July 17-18.

Colliders give Air Force leaders the opportunity to share the same room with industry to spark interaction and unleash American ingenuity to solve warfighter problems. More than 60 industry professionals attended to address the problem proposed by the Munitions Directorate located at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, which involves the years-long process of improving weapon performance and the difficulty of analyzing and exploiting vast operational data.

“Today’s event is a learning opportunity for everyone involved,” said Dr. David Lambert, AFRL Munitions Directorate chief scientist. “We don’t have all the answers yet for software-enabled capabilities. We are here to collaborate and set the stage for future advancements while ensuring we meet acquisition timelines and usability standards.”

During the two-day event, participants explored ways to radically accelerate the weapon performance update cycle, delving into topics such as innovative modular software pipelines and AI-based decision-making. One of the primary issues addressed was the lengthy time frame required to improve weapon performance, posing a significant challenge in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

“The problem is the speed at which it takes or the time it takes to improve weapons,” said Dr. Will Curtis, AFRL Munitions Directorate science and technology adviser. “Typically, it’s measured in years. You might use a weapon and see a deficiency. And then the time it takes to improve that via some kind of change, whether that’s hardware or software, takes years. We’d like to reduce that time down to months, weeks or days.”

The event also provided an opportunity for industry representatives to present their ideas and solutions. The choice of Huntsville as the event location was strategic, the Munitions Directorate chose the city due to its significant defense industry presence and proximity to the Missile Defense Agency.

“We want to find new ideas and innovative ways to tackle software-enabled weapons,” Curtis added. “We’re also exploring the concept of an app store for weapons, where apps can be developed and integrated into weapon systems.”

As the event concluded, the focus shifted to future collaborations and continued learning. Attendees were informed that solicitations for AFWERX Specific Topics on software-enabled weapons will be posted later this year and small businesses will be able to propose solutions to specific Department of the Air Force needs.

“The idea is that there could be collaborative funding opportunities emerging from this event,” said James Foutz, AFWERX Collider lead. “Additionally, this can serve as a market research event to help the Munitions Directorate better refine Specific Topics or future requirements for other solicitations. That’s the thought process behind it.”

Source: United States Air Force

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) —  

Air Force officials have selected the service’s top enlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2024.

An Air Force selection board at the Air Force’s Personnel Center considered 35 nominees who represented major commands, direct reporting units, field operating agencies and Headquarters Air Force. The board selected the 12 Airmen based on superior leadership, job performance and personal achievements.

The 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year (alphabetically, by rank and command of assignment when selected) are:

• Senior Master Sgt. Sarah E. Buckley, Pacific Air Forces
• Senior Airman Jacob K. Cummings, Air Force Special Operations Command
• Tech. Sgt. Cory M. Green, Air Mobility Command
• Senior Airman Mariah L. Hayden, Air Force Materiel Command
• Senior Airman Rachel M. Heath, Air Force Global Strike Command
• Senior Airman LeAnne A. Jayoma, Air Force District of Washington
• Senior Airman Mykhailo Khromiak, Air Education and Training Command
• Tech. Sgt. Jose Lucero IV, Air Force Reserve Command
• Tech. Sgt. Joseph M. Mazure, Air Combat Command
• Master Sgt. Haley M. Rankin, Air National Guard
• Tech. Sgt. Geraldine C. Schwartz, United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa
• Master Sgt. Genevieve M. Villela, Air Force Materiel Command

The winners are authorized to wear the Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon with the bronze service star device on the ribbon. They are also authorized to wear the OAY badge for one year from the date of formal presentation.

Source: United States Air Force

WASHINGTON (AFNS) —  

Gen. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander, alongside Lt. Gen. David Tabor, U.S. Air Force deputy chief of staff for plans and programs, and Rear Adm. Derek Trinque, U.S. Transportation Command director of strategic plans, policy and logistics, testified in front of the House Armed Services subcommittee on seapower and projection forces, July 23, on connectivity of the U.S. Air Force mobility fleet.

The hearing occurred exactly one year after Exercise Mobility Guardian 2023, which revealed a critical need for mobility connectivity in a contested environment. 

“To date, AMC always responds to the call,” In his written statement to the House Armed Forces Committee, Minihan explained, “Focusing on developing AMC’s connectivity enables the Joint Force to act at tempo and scale, improving Joint Force survivability, meaningful maneuver and lethality.”

On Monday, July 22, Minihan and Chief Master Sgt. Jamie Newman, AMC command chief, also hosted a Congressional delegation aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker to demonstrate the capabilities and advantages line of site and beyond line of site communications could bring to the mobility fleet. 

The Fairchild Air Force Base KC-135, equipped with a real-time information in the cockpit data link system, was used during the demonstration showing the capabilities while refueling mission F-16s and a KC-46.

“RTIC provides interoperability through secure means between aircraft as well as between ground stations,” Capt. Robert Schaefer, a pilot assigned to the 93rd Air Refueling Squadron, explained. “It enables our tankers to act as more of a tactical data link node and it gives us, as aircrew, a lot more situational awareness.” 

“Mission systems are needed on board AMC aircraft to integrate, interpret and present data to decision makers at the edge in a relevant way to empower those decision makers if, and when, disconnected,” Minihan wrote. 

Soon after MG23, Minihan announced a new command initiative, 25×25, focused on the goal of connecting 25 percent of the fleet by 2025 in an effort to expedite closing the gap ahead of the normal budget cycle.

“Mobility Guardian 2023 highlighted the challenges we will experience while operating legacy equipment across vast distances without the necessary connectivity tools,” Minihan explained, “With connectivity, our air mobility enterprise will create synergistic effects for the Joint team, allowing them to sense, make sense, and maneuver at a tempo necessary to prevail.” 

Air Mobility Command provides Rapid Global Mobility, and is globally relied upon to project, connect, maneuver and safeguard our Nation’s troops, their equipment and its citizens, whether it is to transport the wounded home or sustain lethality for the Joint Force in competition, crisis and conflict. 

“Decades of low-intensity conflict and decades of under-investment in mobility connectivity have left our Air Mobility assets without the ability to tie into current Air Force and Joint battle networks.” Minihan said, “This has left our aircraft and our ground support systems blind to blue force movements and red force threats.” 

The current Mobility Air Forces are the most relied upon force in the history of warfare, which requires the most connectivity, Minihan continued. 

“We are running out of time and the need to act is even more urgent if we are going to be prepared when the Nation calls.” Minihan said, “Through tenacity, grit, and determination, Airmen routinely fill the gap between what they have and what they wish they had. Because of our Airmen, we are going to win. Our job is to make a fight unfair, and to give that Airman every tool and every advantage necessary to be successful.”

 

Source: United States Air Force

SINGAPORE (AFNS) —  

The Business and Enterprise Systems Product Innovation team recently visited Singapore to deepen its collaborative efforts with the Republic of Singapore Air Force, marking a pivotal moment in advancing international software innovation within the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense.

During the visit, BESPIN’s leadership team led by Lt. Col. Jon Drummond, BESPIN chief executive officer, engaged with key RSAF representatives. Discussions focused on the successful Stargazer project, User-Centered Design, Robotic Process Automation, product management strategy, Agile Contracting Mechanisms, talent management, DevSecOps, future joint initiatives, data operations, and challenges.

“Our partnership with the RSAF underscores our shared commitment to leveraging technology to address complex challenges and deliver impactful solutions for our respective Air Force’s,” Drummond said. “We are excited to further strengthen this collaboration.”

The visit builds upon the foundations laid in November 2022, when members of the RSAF Agile Innovation Digital team visited BESPIN’s facilities in Montgomery, Alabama. This initial collaboration resulted in a bilateral military partnership, where five RSAF Airmen worked with BESPIN, leading to the development of Stargazer – a software plugin addressing data spillage in open text fields.

BESPIN’s delegation showcased their expertise in development, security and operations led by Dave Cantrell, BESPIN’s chief information security officer, which highlighted BESPIN’s capability to rapidly move technology solutions from concept to deployment.

“The RSAF’s dedication to innovation aligns seamlessly with BESPIN’s mission to empower Airmen worldwide through cutting-edge software solutions,” added Lt. Col. Tyler Hough, BESPIN chief operating officer. “We look forward to exploring new avenues for collaboration and harnessing the power of software innovation to drive mission success.”

During the week-long tech session, “Beyond DevSecOps,” two additional topics took center stage: Design and RPA. In the design track discussion collaborative groups delved into user-centered design, underscoring the significance of these principles in crafting groundbreaking solutions. As BESPIN maintains its role as the U.S. Air Force design as a service center of excellence, these discussions provided invaluable insights into future operations and design as a service.

A keynote speech was given by, Matthew Roberts, Department of the Air Force Bot Automation Center of Excellence program manager, on how RPA plays a crucial role in the collaboration. Both BESPIN and RSAF recognize the potential of RPA in streamlining operations, reducing manual tasks and improving efficiency. The integration of RPA technologies will further enhance automating future initiatives and driving innovation across both air rorces.

In addition to official meetings, the BESPIN team toured several RSAF facilities and historical venues, gaining insights into their history, advanced technologies and operational capabilities.

BESPIN is a software solution center chartered to build the U.S. Air Force Mobile Center of Excellence and scale cloud and mobile application development across the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense.

Source: United States Air Force

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) —  

Source: United States Air Force

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) —  

The United States Air Force’s T-1A Jayhawk made its final flight with the 99th Flying Training Squadron on July 15, soaring from Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph in Texas to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.

The journey marks the end of an era for the venerable trainer aircraft, which has been a cornerstone in the training of air mobility and combat systems officers for three decades.

“It was an honor to be a part of the final Red Tail T-1 flight,” said Lt. Col. Dominique Haig, 99th Flying Training Squadron commander, who piloted the flight with Lt. Cols. Megan Pasierb and Christopher Puccia of the 39th Flying Training Squadron. “They’ve been a workhorse for the past 31 years preparing the instructor pilots and combat systems operators for the Mobility Air Force, Air Force Special Operations Command and Air Combat Command.”

The T-1A Jayhawk, a military version of the Beechjet 400A, first entered service in the early 1990s. It has since played a crucial role in preparing thousands of pilots for service in various airframes, including the C-17 Globemaster III, KC-135 Stratotanker and C-130 Hercules. The aircraft’s retirement is part of a broader transition to modernize the Air Force’s training fleet and tactics.

As the Air Force shifts its training program from the T-1A to the advanced sixth-generation trainer T-7A Red Hawk. The retirement of the T-1A reflects ongoing efforts to enhance training efficiency and effectiveness. The T-7A, with its state-of-the-art systems and capabilities, is expected to provide more realistic and comprehensive training scenarios, better preparing Airmen for the demands of modern aerial operations.

In addition to modernizing training platforms, the Air Force is also integrating advanced simulation technologies, which allow for more flexible and varied training environments. These innovations aim to maintain the high standards of training excellence while adapting to the evolving needs of the Air Force.

“While we are closing one chapter in Air Force pilot training, we are gearing up for the next,” Haig said. “The 99th FTS is making initial preparations for the reception of the T-7 Red Hawk. From renovating buildings to support T-7 training to T-7 academic courseware development and review. It’s a heavy lift to stand up a new Mission Design Series.”

Currently, Undergraduate Pilot Training instructs pilots assigned to mobility, special operations, and command, control and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft through the T-6 Texan II program followed by the simulator-based course Air Mobility Fundamentals-Simulator to teach crew and multi-engine fundamentals and competencies. The pilot would then go to a weapons system training course that is specific to the pilot’s assigned operation aircraft.

The legacy of the T-1A Jayhawk will endure, not only in the memories of those who flew it but also in the continuing evolution of Air Force training. The last flight symbolizes a bridge between the past and the future, underscoring the Air Force’s commitment to excellence and innovation in preparing the next generation of aviators.

Source: United States Air Force

ROYAL AIR FORCE FAIRFORD, United Kingdom (AFNS) —  

Source: United States Air Force

ROYAL AIR FORCE FAIRFORD, England (AFNS) —  

Source: United States Air Force

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) —  

In an era of Great Power Competition, technology remains key to maintaining a competitive edge in our nation’s defense. However, many small businesses continue to struggle with integrating their technology solutions into the Department of Defense.

As Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III stated in the 2023 DoD Small Business Strategy, “If the department does not work to reverse the decline of small business contracting, then the industrial base that equips our military will weaken.”

This trend is slowly reversing thanks to new organizations at Barksdale Air Force Base such as Air Force Global Strike Command’s A5N Division, known as the Commercial Capabilities Integration and Transition (CCIT) Division, along with efforts from the Air Force Installation Contracting Center’s 767th Enterprise Sourcing Flight, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, and AFLCMC’s Bomber Directorate.

Partnership opportunities like these were made possible by the Air Force Office of Small Business Programs utilizing the DoD Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs to harness the talents of our nation’s small technology companies.

Formed in 2023, the CCIT forges historic connections between small business innovators and the DoD. The division’s work secured a $26 million Strategic Funding Increase award for AFGSC in August 2023, the first funding award of this magnitude for the command. This award was accomplished through AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force that is powered by the Air Force Research Laboratory.

The funding allowed the team to create a collaborative framework between the command and commercial companies, such as this instance with Outerlink Global Solutions, a Shreveport-based aviation communications company. Outerlink’s high-speed satellite-transmitted communication technology, called Iridium Certus, proved to be a critical boost to the B-52 Stratofortress communication capabilities.

The CCIT division to date has secured contracts totaling $240 million of outside AFGSC funding for 70 modernization technologies from U.S. small businesses, with an additional $74.3 million in pending contracts for 13 other bonus technologies. The division credits their success to teaming with cooperative organizations in the DAF, including the 767th ESF.

Innovative small businesses, like Outerlink, require sound, mutually beneficial contracts to bring their technology to the DAF. This is where the Airmen of the 767th ESF step in to rapidly lead capability development and resources prioritization, being a driving force for the DAF’s modernization efforts. The flight provides expert contracting support to award and administer all above-wing acquisitions for AFGSC. These same Airmen accomplish this heavy lift while also managing a $1.2 billion portfolio in around-the-clock support of long-range precision global strike operations, including the nation’s fleet of bomber aircraft and the land-based leg of the nuclear triad.

“The 767th works to act as an intermediary between CCIT, AFWERX, and the contractor to ensure SBIR policy compliance and all organizations involved are receiving the greatest benefit,” said Mark De La Rosa, 767th ESF contracting officer and flight chief.

The collaboration increased the flight’s contract activity by 860%, rising from five SBIR actions to 48 actions during the 2024 fiscal year alone.

“By creating local standards and procedures the 767th ESF has streamlined the communication with CCIT, decreasing the acquisition timeline exponentially,” said De La Rosa.

Since October 2023, the 767th ESF team successfully executed 18 SBIR actions with speed and accuracy. With 17 more initiatives currently underway, the team claims to be months ahead of the required AFWERX timeline. Creating custom templates and standardizing set development is how the team was able to streamline the increased research and development demand.

Notably, the team processed the first-ever Phase I Specific Topics for AFGSC with 12 awards granted 30 days ahead of schedule, paving the way for future Phase II and III contract award opportunities.

“Out of our 118 current pre-awards and awards, 41 are CCIT SBIRs (34.75%). This totals $17.4 million in awards and $150 million in pre-awards,” noted Capt. Jessica Cleaver, 767th ESF contracting officer and technologies acquisition manager. “As we work to bridge the gap between ideas and reality through contracts, we also work to bridge the gap between organizations to make the process as seamless as possible.”

The next challenge lies in adapting the acquired commercial technology onto secure Air Force platforms, which is where the AFLCMC and the Bomber Directorate provide project management expertise to translate theoretical processes into tangible integration. Both entities work closely with CCIT and the 767th ESF to make it possible for them to put these cutting-edge capabilities into the hands of warfighters.

Tapping into the diverse pool of small business solutions requires local economic insight. To this end, CCIT also works closely with its Louisiana-based consultants — the Small Business Consulting Corporation, BRF, and its Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP) to address modernization needs quickly, locally, and with a discerning eye for quality. The EAP aids new startups in northern Louisiana by nurturing innovation right in Barksdale’s backyard. The contract between AFGSC and Outerlink was negotiated in part due to the longstanding relationship with these champions of local entrepreneurship.

“EAP’s specialty is accessing new companies and determining their viability, strengths, weaknesses and threats,” said Dave Smith, EAP executive director. “This commercial focus contributes to the CCIT by helping ensure the initiative picks technologies developed by companies which have business plans that can gain enough traction for their commercial projects to see their contributions to [Air Force Global Strike Command] completed.”

Additional Louisiana-based companies introduced to AFGSC by the CCIT include Praeses, Archem, and BetaFlix, providing modernization capabilities locally and affordably while also creating jobs for the greater Louisiana community. In 2023, Archem was awarded a Small Business Innovation & Research Phase II award to research and develop advanced fuels and fuel additives for the B-52.

“Barksdale AFB and Global Strike Command are incredible drivers of economic activity,” agreed Alex Burke, Archem chief executive officer. “It’s a win-win for everyone. There are a lot of stories about technologies sitting on the shelf too long and companies folding while waiting for budget cycles or other missed opportunities. Sufficient investment came at the right time for us to put advanced chemistry and our people to work.”

This concerted effort between the CCIT and key organizations like the 767 ESF, AFLCMC, and the AFLCMC Bomber Directorate has fostered a wave of small business commercial technology adaptation that promises to ensure the U.S. remains a leader in defense technology.

“The relationships between the Department of the Air Force, industry, and academia will continue to deepen, enabling the rapid development and integration of commercial technologies that support our national security,” De La Rosa said.