PUSHING THE ENVELOPE

Creating Game-Changing Technology Is The Air Force Research Laboratory's Mission

- DAMIEN MARTIN

Modern living is defined by the pervasiveness of electronics. They're everywhere, they're getting more compact, and they're increasingly interconnected. Often, they're mission-critical to devices we rely on to work without fail. In the medical field, that's life-saving equipment like pacemakers. In finance, it can be mobile banking applications that handle sensitive data and transfer large amounts of money. In our cars, it can be everything from the navigation system or parts within the engine itself. Without these, our world doesn't look the same.

You might be surprised to learn how many of these innovations that we now take for granted were originally developed for military use, and how essential the Air Force Research Laboratory and its predecessors have been in the development of cutting-edge electronic technology. Systems developed there have shaped the world of today, and AFRL's current work will shape our tomorrow.

ASYMMETRIC ADVANTAGES

AFRL's main purpose, as Chief Microelectronics Technology Officer Dr. Yadunath Zambre explained to BOSS, is to “develop asymmetric advantages for United States forces, especially the Air Force and the Space Force.” That includes developing warfighting systems with unique capabilities that adversaries don't have and trying to do so at increased speed with reduced cost. It also means ensuring security, both cyber and physical, for such sensitive technologies through all phases of the life cycle. Fighter jets, helicopters, bombers, and other aircraft often last for decades before decommissioning, and most of their costs come from keeping them secure and operating reliably.

Improving capability, performance, and agility in warfighting, and minimizing the size, weight, power, and cost of aircraft are the main thrusts of many of AFRL's programs.