AFRL Regional Network - Midwest

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The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Regional Network – Midwest is a new science and technology ecosystem comprised of universities, large and small businesses, other government agencies, and venture capitalists. The Midwest Network supports the AFRL by cultivating strategic collaborations to drive innovative research, translation, and workforce development opportunities that bolster the... Read more about AFRL Regional Network - Midwest
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Space Force reworking test, validation requirements to meet acquisition reform goals

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As the Pentagon pushes for greater speed and agility in its acquisition processes, the Space Force is trying to find ways to relax the requirements for new systems, as well as cut down its test and validation timelines, according to service officials. “We need to drive clarity and, maybe more importantly, simplicity in our system requirements, and then allow our acquisition professionals and the... Read more about Space Force reworking test, validation requirements to meet acquisition reform goals
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2nd Bomb Wing Establishes Certified Calibration Lab to Enhance Nuclear Response Capability

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Barksdale Air Force Base is on track to establish a certified calibration lab for Ludlum radiation meters, making it the only base in Air Force Global Strike Command with this capability and one of two across the Department of War. Ludlum Measurements, based in Sweetwater, Texas, manufactures radiation detection and monitoring equipment used by the Department of Energy, the Air Force Radiation... Read more about 2nd Bomb Wing Establishes Certified Calibration Lab to Enhance Nuclear Response Capability
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Space Force to solicit prototype proposals for midcourse space-based missile interceptors

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WASHINGTON — The Space Force plans to issue a request to industry on Dec. 7 for prototype kinetic energy space-based interceptors (SBIs) for midcourse missile defense, Space Systems Command (SSC) announced. The pre-solicitation notice, published on Thursday, appears to follow the prize-based model set out in the service’s prototype program for boost-phase SBIs initiated in September. The notice... Read more about Space Force to solicit prototype proposals for midcourse space-based missile interceptors
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Air Force researchers ask industry for artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning for target tracking

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Summary points: Air Force launches $99 million ATA-AI project to advance next-generation target tracking using AI, machine learning, and high-performance computing. Work will involve advanced algorithms involving 3D pixel and point cloud processing, electromagnetic signature analysis, and disaster response applications. Several contracts are expected through 2029, with individual awards ranging... Read more about Air Force researchers ask industry for artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning for target tracking
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US reaches major hypersonic weapon milestone

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The United States reached a historic milestone in the contested development of hypersonic weapons as a new long-range missile system was deployed overseas for the first time. The deployment of the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) was part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, a multinational war game hosted by Australia in July, during which the U.S. conducted a live-fire drill with its Mid-Range... Read more about US reaches major hypersonic weapon milestone
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AFRL seeks automated boom for future uncrewed tanker

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U.S. Air Force researchers want proposals for new automation technologies that would allow boom-equipped uncrewed aircraft to refuel crewed aircraft. The Automated Air Refueling (A3R) solicitation opens the second phase of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) Combat Refueling and Operations Networked Universal Systems (CRONUS) program. In the first phase, AFRL awarded an $8.88 million... Read more about AFRL seeks automated boom for future uncrewed tanker
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U-2 Just Set New Records On The 70th Anniversary Of Its First Flight (Udated)

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To celebrate the anniversary of its first flight 70 years ago to the day, a U-2 Dragon Lady spy plane just set several new records, a U.S. Air Force official confirmed to The War Zone. The official could not immediately say what records were set, but the pilot’s conversation with air traffic control said it was an “endurance record for category and class for aircraft.” “So we’re gonna uh…we took... Read more about U-2 Just Set New Records On The 70th Anniversary Of Its First Flight (Udated)
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Air Force Research Lab, DARPA and NASA Rotating Detonating Engine Research

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There have been published papers by the Air Force Research Lab and NASA on rotating detonation engines having 10% or more efficiency gains. A rotating detonation engine (RDE) uses a form of pressure gain combustion, where one or more detonations continuously travel around an annular channel. Computational simulations and experimental results have shown that the RDE has potential in transport and... Read more about Air Force Research Lab, DARPA and NASA Rotating Detonating Engine Research
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Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum reopens 5 renovated galleries starring SpaceX rocket parts, a 3D-printed Mars habitat and more

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Hundreds of people lined up outside of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum on Monday morning (July 28), waiting for the doors to open and the curtains to drop on five newly renovated galleries devoted to aviation and space exploration history. The museum's flagship building on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. was on track to have more than 6,000 visitors be among the first to see... Read more about Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum reopens 5 renovated galleries starring SpaceX rocket parts, a 3D-printed Mars habitat and more
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