Revolutionizing laser technology: U.S. Air Force’s HARDROC achieves success

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has achieved a major breakthrough in laser technology for aircraft with its recent successful flight-test campaign. The project, known as HARDROC (Hybrid Aero-Effect Reducing Design with Realistic Optical Components), brings us closer to the future of directed energy laser systems integrated onto aircraft.


Photo from AFRL
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Georgia Tech Research Institute conducts radiometric data gathering on C-130H

In a collaborative effort involving multiple organizations, the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) recently carried out radiometric data gathering on two C-130H aircraft. The purpose of this initiative was to compare the heat signatures of the two aircraft and utilize the collected data to update and validate their signature in GTRI modeling and simulation. The ultimate goal is to enhance the aircraft’s flare pattern effectiveness against adversarial infrared threats.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Robby Walling IV)

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JASDF E-767 recently had MCU upgrade

A team from Hanscom Air Force Base recently completed a major upgrade on an E-767 Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AWACS) jet, which has now been returned to Japan. The International AWACS Division of the Digital Directorate, based in Hanscom, provided the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) with a mission computing upgrade (MCU) for one of their AWACS aircraft, along with supporting ground systems for mission planning and training at several Japanese air bases.


Photo from USAF
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The F-22 and F-35 now have an “app store” to download cross-platform software

In a remarkable technological achievement, an F-35 from the U.S. Air Force’s 461st Flight Test Squadron recently demonstrated the capability to utilize software applications that were initially developed for the F-22.

F-35, F-22, and F-16 perform the flyover for the MLB All Star Games

U.S. Air Force Photo by Kyle Larson

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