Address
Description
Mission
The Academy's research mission is to plan and execute research programs in Air Force-relevant technology. This includes basic and applied research in aeronautics, biomimetic sensors, nanosatellites, rocket propulsion and space physics, lasers and optics, hydrogen fuel cells and ionic liquids, aging aircraft structures and materials, modeling and simulation, human effectiveness, molecular biology, unmanned aerial vehicles, information technology applications, and robotics. The laboratory carries out a number of programs sponsored by other agencies (e.g., Air Force Office of Scientific Research, DoD High-Performance Computing Modernization Office, etc.) and provides technology-literate officers to the Air Force Research Laboratory, product divisions, and other AF agencies.
Facilities:
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Institute for Information Technology Applications
- Institute for National Security Studies
- Wind tunnels and jet engine test facilities
- Lasers & optics laboratory
- Supercomputing facilities
- Computer-controlled fatigue testing and structural instrumentation laboratory
- Electron microscopy, chemistry and metallurgy laboratory
- Machining, sheet metal, woodworking and welding shops
Technology Disciplines
A fast rope insertion system that integrates with a COTS Auto Belay to provide a controlled descent, braking ability, and significant reduction of injuries upon descent and landing.
The Fast Rope Insertion System’s push-lock attachment allows operators to easily attach the system to a helicopter or other support structure. The pulley-brake allows users to slow or stop descent, and requires only one hand to operate, whereas current fast rope insertion systems require operators to hold on with both hands (and the resulting friction requires special gloves and often burns operators’ hands). Finally, the quick release mechanism attaches users to the system to keep them from tipping and to allow them to quickly disconnect with a single motion once they are on the ground. The system integrates with the TRUBLUE Auto Belay system, a current COTS product that uses Eddy Currant technology to provide a constant rate of descent and automatic reset upon disconnection, thereby eliminating the majority of operator injuries caused by harsh landings.
| Patent Number | US 10, 207, 130 B2 |
| Inventors | Cory Cooper, Darren Tidwell, Garrett Fritzsche, Christopher Yooshin Jan, Brock Flieger, Allan Vaillencourt, Jr., Miranda Leigh Bray, Shane Riley, Nathanael Szuch, Philip Strunk |
| Patent Issue Date | Feb 19, 2019 |
A method for autonomously recovering a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) on a ship or moving vehicle.
The patented process begins after the RPA uses GPS or some other method to fly within 300 feet of the ship or vehicle that launched the craft. A distinctive net or tarp, attached to the ship, serves as the RPA recovery target. The RPA’s camera sends live video feed to a control station, where the operator can select the target from the video feed. Using ground-based computer navigation, the RPA homes in on the recovery net until the RPA is successfully recovered.
Unique characteristics:
- Autonomous computer-based navigation to reduce the margin of error
- User call-back function that is highly user-friendly for untrained operators
- Robust image filtering that allows for changes in lighting
| Patent Number | US 9,911,059 B1 |
| Inventors | Michael Anderson, Charles Wilson, Michael Hyde |
| Patent Issue Date | Mar 06, 2018 |
Title |
Date |
|---|---|
| AT&T and U.S. Air Force Academy Collaborate to Explore Advanced TechnologiesFormal 5-Year Agreement Aims to Help U.S. Air Force Keep Pace With, Acquire and Use Commercial TechnologyMember Labs | Jun 06, 2018 |
| USAF Academy Cadets Pitch Status-Monitored Sacrificial Anode TechnologyLab SpotlightDefense | May 01, 2018 |
| USAF Seeks Industry, Academic Partners to Accelerate Tech Transfer ObjectivesT2 NewsCommunications, Defense, Intellectual Property, Legislation, T2 Tools | Jan 30, 2019 |