Articles tagged with Military Aircraft
SwRI is using low frequency eddy current testing to detect and characterize subsurface flaws and cracks in bolt holes. This method will allow aircraft maintainers to assess damage progression and make repair decisions to keep the aircraft flying safely.
Southwest Research Institute is developing a comprehensive Product Lifecycle Management system to store and organize decades of scattered records and data for the US Air Force. The system aims to improve aircraft efficiency and safety by using data, modeling, and analytics to perform repairs and maintenance before problems occur.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) will predict F-16 landing gear component lifespan and recommend maintenance improvements under a $9.9 million contract. The seven-year agreement leverages SwRI's aging aircraft expertise in probabilistic analysis, fatigue testing.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has opened its first facility outside of Texas in Warner Robins, Georgia, with a 33,000-square-foot, $18.5 million building supporting Air Force and national defense advancements. The new structure houses offices, conference rooms, and laboratories for developing advanced aerospace technology and ele...
The US Naval Research Laboratory's VXS-1 squadron operates a fleet of aircraft to support research and technology development. The squadron accelerates the transition of new capabilities to the naval enterprise, ensuring a decisive advantage for the warfighter.
The US military, the world's single largest consumer of energy and emitter of climate-altering carbon pollution, can significantly reduce its emissions by reducing spending. A new study found that for every 1% increase in military expenditures, there is a corresponding 0.648% increase in energy use.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has received a new contract worth up to $250 million from the US Air Force to sustain the structural integrity of aging military aircraft. The program supports the A-10 Thunderbolt II, T-38 Talon, C-5 cargo carrier, and B-52 Stratofortress bomber, among others.
A large crack was unexpectedly found in a T-38 Talon's cockpit longeron, prompting the US Air Force to ground its entire fleet for visual inspections. SwRI's risk and damage tolerance analyses helped determine an optimal inspection schedule, minimizing downtime and maintaining safety.
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) has been awarded a $1 million NASA grant to develop safety systems for drones and unmanned flying vehicles. The project aims to create an adaptive safety assurance architecture through extensive simulations and experimental testing, making future advanced air mobility vehicles smarter and safer.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst designed a novel device that manipulates cell behavior by precisely modulating the pH of the cell's environment in real-time. The device was able to manipulate pH with a resolution of 0.1 pH units, far exceeding previous electrode-based attempts.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) will help the US Air Force modernize methods to sustain three fleets of military aircraft, including the T-38 Talon, A-10 Thunderbolt II, and B-52 Stratofortress. The institute's analyses will aid in determining when structural repairs are necessary.
A new study from the University of Washington finds that Navy Growler jet noise in Whidbey Island exposes over 74,000 people to harmful levels of noise. The research reveals that repeated exposure to high-intensity and low-frequency noise can lead to stress hormone responses, hearing impairment, and sleep disturbance.
A new study analyzed 98,000 UAP sighting reports over a 20-year period, finding that the majority occurred in western parts of the US. The researchers identified 'hot spots' with high numbers of reports and 'cold spots' with low numbers.
Researchers aim to connect manufacturers and cybersecurity experts to create a community interested in solving digital manufacturing security issues. The team plans to build a website for communication and hosting workshops, conferences, and student design competitions.
Researchers developed novel power, energy, and configuration systems for a zero-emissions aviation future using cryogenic liquid hydrogen as an energy carrier. They achieved efficiency of over 98% and demonstrated the feasibility of superconducting technology at ultra-low temperatures.
Researchers developed a mathematical model that accounts for variables such as helicopter resources and operational range to optimize air movement tasks. The model can perform planning functions in under an hour, saving commanders three to five hours compared to traditional methods.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a smart material prototype that can control the direction and intensity of energy waves. This breakthrough could have significant implications for various fields, including military and commercial applications.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories and Purdue University have developed a technique called moving target defense to protect against hackers taking control of military jets. This approach involves shuffling network addresses to make it difficult for attackers to access critical systems.
Researchers studied functional brain connectivity in fighter pilots to understand its relevance to astronauts. They found specific brain connectivity patterns that may aid in training programs for pilots and astronauts.
Researchers at UTSA are using a three-year DoD grant to improve the reliability of additive manufacturing for critical machinery. They aim to predict mechanical properties and dimensional stability of components fabricated with AM.
A University of Washington study found that aircraft noise impacts the Olympic Peninsula at least 20% of weekday hours, affecting wildlife and residents. The researchers also found most military aircraft noise is intermittent and comparable to Seattle's air traffic.
Sandia National Laboratories successfully completed the first flight test of the B61-12 nuclear bomb on the F-35A Lightning II fighter jet, demonstrating its compatibility and versatility. The test was part of a larger program to increase confidence in the bomb's reliability and effectiveness.
SPARTA assesses military aircraft electronic countermeasures technologies to ensure accurate targeting information. The system provides automated and manual real-time EW analysis, achieving a 99+% detection rate in highly congested spectrums.
The LCR robot can remove full-range aircraft coatings layer-by-layer, shortening processing time by up to 80% and reducing cost-per aircraft. It is compatible with all types of aircraft and helicopters, and can also be used for off-airframe parts.
A team of faculty and students are designing innovative technologies to cut noise from supersonic military jets using a 'swirl' technology. By generating rotational motion in the jet exhaust, they aim to reduce noise by three decibels, cutting acoustic power in half.
Researchers at UTA will improve CT scanning technology to detect manufacturing flaws and structural damage in composites. The goal is to increase the reliability of composite aircraft and address a critical need for large-scale inspections.
UTA engineer Andrew Makeev will lead a project to develop more accurate methods for predicting the remaining useful life of composite airframe structures. The goal is to improve sustainability and maintenance in the aviation industry by identifying when components might fail.
NASA's Terra satellite passed over Hurricane Jose, capturing a visible-light image of its well-defined eye. The eye has become slightly more asymmetric, with northeastward elongation of the cirrus canopy indicating increasing southwesterly shear.
Hurricane Nicole strengthens as it approaches Bermuda, with a large eye detected by NASA's GOES Project. The storm is expected to pass near or over Bermuda on Thursday, Oct. 13, with maximum sustained winds near 100 mph and higher gusts.
A research team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute is developing new tools and technology to detect fatigue damage in aircraft components. This work has the potential to keep military aircraft in service longer while improving safety and reducing costs for commercial airlines.
Tropical Storm Kate forms in Atlantic Ocean near Bahamas, with NASA tracking its development and movement. The storm is expected to strengthen over the next two days, bringing potential heavy rain to the region.
Tropical Storm Erika is expected to produce 2-4 inches of rain and slow strengthening over the next 48 hours. The storm's center will move near or over parts of the Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico from August 26-28.
University of Texas at Arlington professor Andrew Makeev receives a $1.35 million grant to develop more durable composite materials for aircraft, accelerating their implementation in vertical lift and fixed-wing aircraft.
Tropical Storm Bill is expected to bring heavy rain and flash flooding to parts of Texas, particularly eastern Texas and Louisiana. The storm's center was located near latitude 28.2 North, longitude 96.4 West at 10 a.m. CDT on June 16.
Researchers at UT Arlington are developing a new technology to detect metal fatigue in aircraft parts using micro- and nano-scale analysis. This will enable early detection of potential damages, ensuring safety and reducing costs.
The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer instruments aboard NASA's Aqua satellite provided infrared data and a visible image of Hurricane Bertha. The storm weakened to a tropical storm by August 5, with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph.
A study reveals that US military helicopters are vulnerable to bird strikes, with 2,511 recorded incidents across the services. The majority of strikes involved birds, with a high number of incidents reported in Florida, New Mexico, and Georgia.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health reveals that Air Force reservists who flew in dioxin-contaminated aircraft after the Vietnam War were exposed to higher levels of dioxin than previously acknowledged. The findings challenge the current position held by the Air Force and VA.
Researchers found that Air Force reservists exposed to dioxin-contaminated aircraft used to spray Agent Orange during the Vietnam War were at higher risk than previously acknowledged. The study's findings contrast with current Air Force and VA policies, highlighting a previously unrecognized source of exposure.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati's Gas Dynamics and Propulsion Laboratory have made progress in reducing supersonic jet noise using chevrons and fluidic injection. The goal is to reduce noise by up to 10 decibels while maintaining or improving engine performance.
Researchers aim to develop 'Mobile Manipulating UAVs' with dexterous limbs for near-ground tasks like infrastructure repair and border inspection. The team's goal is to create stable and interactive systems that can assist in emergency response scenarios without destabilizing the aircraft.
The Office of Naval Research is funding a project to reduce jet noise, which can cause hearing damage to Sailors and Marines. Eight research teams will develop noise-reduction technologies, measurement tools, and prediction models to dampen jet noise, resulting in safer environments for personnel.
A new algorithm embedded in flight control software will augment landing approaches on Navy carrier decks, reducing workload and boosting safety. The software ties the movement of the pilot's control stick to the aircraft's flight path, projecting a dotted green line over a target light.
Researchers found WWII bombing raids in Europe impacted the English climate by suppressing morning temperature increases in heavily flown areas. The study provides a unique opportunity to assess the effect of modern aviation on climate.
The TRMM satellite tracked Tomas' center of circulation reforming on Nov. 3 after being downgraded to a tropical depression the previous day. Maximum sustained winds remain at 35 mph as Tomas is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm, producing heavy rain accumulation in Haiti.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks has secured funding to test and evaluate payloads on small unmanned aircraft. The program will also expand its fleet of Insitu ScanEagles to include new models that can fly in remote and extreme conditions.
The NRL's P-3 aircraft and Air Force Reserve WC-130J conducted meteorological research on tropical cyclones in the Western Pacific from August to September. The project aims to increase predictability of tropical cyclones and gather data to validate satellite-based techniques for intensity estimation.
Engineers at Georgia Tech Research Institute create a new approach to noise reduction using micro honeycomb structures that dissipate acoustic waves through viscous shear. The innovative material, developed from nickel-base superalloys, could also protect aircraft from impact by dispersing energy.
Researchers at Arizona State University are working on a project to convert vegetable and algal oils into Jet Propellant-8, a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based jet fuel. The goal is to achieve 90% energy efficiency and reduce production costs, with potential applications for commercial jets.
Researchers have invented an optical on-off switch that can replace electrical wiring on airplanes with fiber optics for controlling elevators, rudders, and other flight-critical elements. This technology also has potential applications on highways as a 'weigh-in-motion' sensor for measuring the weight of fast-moving commercial trucks.
The US Army and Air Force partnered with Sandia National Laboratories to test the effectiveness of Athena, a device that uses radar to identify friendly forces on the battlefield. The successful demonstration showcases the potential for this technology to prevent fratricide, or killing one's own soldiers, in combat situations.
University of Florida engineers create drones with morphing gull-wing designs to enhance stability and agility in tight city spaces. The innovative technology allows planes to perform sharp turns, spins, and dives, and even land in confined areas, increasing their utility for military operations.
Researchers develop polymer films that can close up holes ripped through them by high-speed projectiles, potentially improving aircraft survivability. The material's thermal properties influence its self-healing performance, and a balance between restoring force and elasticity is crucial for optimal results.
FalconView has been adopted by a wide variety of aircraft and expanded to include new features such as illumination-planning and SkyView, allowing for more efficient mission planning and situational awareness. The software is now being adapted to the Joint Mission Planning System, further increasing its versatility.
Researchers at Penn State have created a thermally stable coal-based jet fuel, provisionally designated as JP900, which can absorb significant amounts of heat and remain stable up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit. This fuel has potential benefits in reducing engine deposits and improving cold weather performance.
The Marine Corps has developed an automated suite of tools called the Coherent Analytical Computing Environment (CACE) to help simplify complex mission planning. The CACE Decision Support Suite can produce four weeks' worth of flight schedules in just 15 minutes, reducing the time spent on scheduling from hours to minutes.
Researchers develop a condition-based monitoring system using radar-like signals to detect material damage in aircraft and vehicles. The system can accurately determine the location and severity of damage, even when temperature changes affect material behavior.
Researchers have developed seven nonlinear control laws for multi-axis control of high-performance aircraft, which could potentially save battle-damaged planes from combat. These approaches have shown spectacular results on simplified models but display pathological responses on higher fidelity simulation models.
A CAD-driven laser forming process may eliminate costly manufacturing practices for aircraft structural components. This technology aims to reduce material usage, inventory, and costs by leveraging a layered manufacturing method.
The Active Tuned Mass Absorber (ATMA) system reduces propeller-induced sound in turbo-prop aircraft, improving passenger comfort and enhancing military surveillance. With over 200 units installed on DC-9 and MD-80 aircraft, ATMA has proven effective in reducing interior noise levels by up to 90%.