When it comes to innovation, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) stands as a cornerstone, driving technological advancements for the Air Force and, since 2019, the Space Force. Established in 1997, the AFRL has been instrumental in developing technologies that have found their way into various aircraft and spacecraft.
According to James Bieryla, director of AFRL Strategic Partnering, the laboratory’s impact extends far beyond its headquarters at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.
“The laboratory is not just one building. It is spread across the United States,” Bieryla said.
With research sites scattered across 10 states and a workforce exceeding 12,500 individuals, the AFRL strategically positions itself to collaborate closely with both the warfighter and external organizations developing relevant technologies.
The AFRL’s work can be seen in iconic projects like the F-35 and the B-21, currently undergoing tests at Edwards Air Force Base. However, its contributions also extend to lesser-known projects that play an important role in maintaining America’s technological edge over near-peer adversaries.
“We have a great team leads, we got great engineers, we have a vast pool of people, cross director today FRL and cross service that are all making significant contributions to this,” said Dr. Ben Dickinson, from the Weapons Dynamics & Controls Sciences Branch.
The AFRL comprises 12 directorates, each focusing on distinct areas such as human performance and space vehicles, all with a unified goal of supporting the warfighter wherever they may be deployed.
Despite the evolving of military budgets and threats from adversaries like Beijing and Moscow, Bieryla emphasized that the AFRL remains steadfast in its mission to rapidly and affordably deliver technology to the hands of airmen and guardians.
“Everything we do has a fierce focus on making sure that ultimately, our airmen or guardians, our warfighters, get that technology and get it into their hands and get it into their hands quickly. And as affordably as possible,” Bieryla said.
While the AFRL’s primary focus is on military applications, its contributions have had widespread civilian impacts, exemplified by technologies like the Global Positioning System (GPS), originally developed for military use but now ubiquitous in consumer devices like smartphones.
The AFRL’s dedication to innovation and collaboration continues to shape the future of air and space operations, ensuring that the United States remains at the forefront of technological advancement in the defense sector.
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