U.S. AFRL to Display Transformative Technologies at Air Warfare Symposium

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is set to present nine technologies at the Air and Space Forces Association’s Warfare Symposium from February 12-14, 2024, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado.

The conference's theme, "Preparing for Great Power Conflict," will be echoed in AFRL's displays focusing on science and technology (S&T) under the theme "Drive the Future Fight."

During the event, Maj. Gen. Scott A. Cain, AFRL commander, will join a panel discussion titled "The Hypersonics Weapons Fight" on February 13, 2024, alongside other notable figures in defense, including Gen. Glen D. VanHerck and retired Navy Vice Adm. Jon A. Hill. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Mark Lewis, Air Force chief scientist from 2004-2008.

AFRL's exhibition booth aims to highlight warfighting technologies and programs, showcasing recent advancements in the lab to support national defense. The featured technologies include High Mach Turbine Engines (HMTE), Rapid Energetics and Advanced Rocket Manufacturing (RE-ARM), Missile Utility Transformation via Articulated Nose Technology (MUTANT), Electronic Warfare/Electromagnetic Spectrum Systems (AERRES), Counter Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), Global Lightning, Biocementation, En Route Care Training, and Autonomous Closed Loop Control of Mechanical Ventilation.

HMTE, tailored for supersonic applications, aims to enhance the Air Force's capabilities in terms of speed, range, and payload size. RE-ARM focuses on developing affordable solid rocket motor production equipment, while MUTANT involves active morphing of missile forebody using articulation technology.

The AERRES campaign assesses open architectures for rapid deployment or upgrade of electronic warfare software, emphasizing AFRL's ability to respond to strategic demand signals. Counter UAS is working on systems to detect and defeat adversary UAS, utilizing automation and machine learning technologies.

Global Lightning is a prototyping campaign for reliable satellite communications, and Biocementation seeks to rapidly expand austere airfields using common agricultural chemicals and natural resources. En Route Care Training educates and trains medical personnel for aeromedical evacuation, and Autonomous Closed Loop Control of Mechanical Ventilation offers a unique capability for managing respiratory care patients.

Symposium attendees can explore potential partnership avenues with AFRL at their exhibit booth, as the organization actively seeks future collaborations in joint science and technology ventures.