Edwards AFB Base Newspaper Desert Wings Jan. 27, 2017 by 412th Test Wing Public Affairs

Jan. 27, 2017

Public Affairs, Volume 64, Number 4

Benefield Anechoic Facility hosts B-52 for HERO testing

By Kenji Thuloweit 412th Test Wing Public Affairs

A B-52 Stratofortress from the 96th Bomb Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, is undergoing Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance testing in the Benefield Anechoic Facility. The test was requested by the B-52 Program Office at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, to comply with a recent mandate from the Air Force Safety Office according to members of the 772nd Test Squadron who oversee BAF operations. The mandate states all Air Force weapons platforms will conduct Electromagnetic Environmental Effects evaluations. This test with the B-52 concentrated on the HERO element. Ordnance and other devices that contain electro–explosive devices must function in their operational electromagnetic environment without inadvertently activating. To prevent the susceptibility of ordnance to radiated or conducted electromagnetic energy, HERO limits are imposed. HERO tests are conducted to classify the ordnance’s susceptibility

A B-52 from the 96th Bomb Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, is backed into the Benefield Anechoic Facility Jan. 9. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ethan Wagner)

to electromagnetic radiation as HERO Safe, HERO Susceptible, or HERO Unsafe. “The advantage of using the BAF chamber allows for more sensitive measurements with low background noise levels, as compared to testing on the flightline where there are numerous interfering radio frequency sources,” said Hannah Dahlgren, 772nd TS project

lead engineer. “Since no signals escape the chamber, the customer does not have to deal with regulatory clearances to radiate from the aircraft, which typically results in transmitting late at night only to avoid interfering with flightline and commercial operations.” The BAF at Edwards is the largest anechoic chamber in the world and can See BAF, page 2

Project shows collaboration key to innovation success By Christopher Ball 412th Test Wing Public Affairs

Innovation means using a new idea, method, or device. So to step away from the status quo, someone pursuing innovation may have to look for answers beyond the usual, and one method encouraged by Edwards AFB innovators is collaboration. Edwards’ Experimentation Center for Ideas/Technology Exploration team – XCITE team for short – actively engages in collaboration by reaching out to other units, other military branches, and with civilian organizations pursuing similar goals to foster innovation. In 2016, XCITE took several trips to learn more about cultivating innovation. One such visit was to attend the Ignite Summit, hosted by Spigit, where the brightest minds in innovation gathered to share stories, connect and learn, according to the XCITE newsletter. Spigit is the largest provider of innovation management software for Fortune 500 companies. A visit to Lockheed Martin Skunkworks to meet with their team and to hear firsthand accounts of their innovation culture was also beneficial, according to XCITE members. The team also spent a day in a conference room at Walt Dis-

ney Imagineering’s research and development facility in Glendale, California, with a team of Disney Imagineers who shared their views and methods for fostering innovation. But while innovation field trips may be beneficial to learning, collaboration on projects is beneficial to progress, XCITE team members say. One example of this is a project presented to the team toward the end of 2016. Dubbed HELIOS, for Holistic Empirical Lucent Innovative Optical System, the project combines objective optical system measurements using advanced innovative software tools written by the 775th Test Squadron’s Electro-Optics Engineering Team with a new state-of-the-art Precision Impact Range Area target system, currently early in the acquisition stages, along with state-of-the-art models for human interpretation of imagery built by the Army Night Vision Electronics and Sensors Directorate (NVESD), along with other technologies, according to program manager Ron Hardgrove. “The Electro-Optics Engineering Team partnered with the 412th Range Squadron and, with support from the XCITE innovation team under the 412th Test Wing, is driving flight test See Innovation, page 4

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What’s in your pillowcase? Red Cross talks preparedness By Kenji Thuloweit 412th Test Wing Public Affairs

The Edwards Office of Emergency Management, 812th Civil Engineering Squadron, invited the American Red Cross to Irving L. Branch Elementary Jan. 19 as part of the Red Cross’ Pillowcase Project. Branch fourth-graders received a lesson in emergency preparedness with encouragement to take what they learned back to their families. The Pillowcase Project is sponsored by The Walt Disney Company, which allows Red Cross volunteers to visit thirdfifth-graders around the region bringing them information and preparedness tools. The students each received a preparedness toolkit, which includes a “My Preparedness Workbook” and a personalized pillowcase to build their personal emergency supplies kit. The children are able to put items in the pillow case they may need during an emergency as well as draw pictures of items and people on the outside. They also received a pledge certificate and an Air Force “Be Ready Kids!” activity book from Edwards AFB Emergency Management. “The biggest thing is that we want these children to take what they learned about preparing for emergencies back to their families,” said Russell Warner, 812th CES, Emergency Management specialist. “You’re never too young to be prepared. We hope learning about emergency preparedness at a young age keeps children calm during an emergency.” The one-hour sessions with the Red Cross volunteers and students were interactive with the visitors calling upon the students to talk about what they know about emergencies and

From BAF, page 1

fit any airplane inside. It provides a free space so electronic warfare tests can be conducted without radio frequency interference from the outside world. The chamber is filled with radiation-absorbing materials, or RAM, designed to stop reflections of electromagnetic waves. The size of the RAM, which is painted dark blue or black, varies depending on the particular frequency and test procedure being conducted. Aircraft systems can be tested and verified that they work properly in lieu of an actual flight test. Dahlgren said the physical placement of the B-52 in the chamber was accomplished in four days. Once the aircraft was backed into the chamber, the bomber and the jack stands were placed on the turntable and rotated 180 degrees. “There were no challenges relating to the size of the B-52. However, it was the first time the B-52 was jacked up within the BAF. This presented some logistics coordination challenges and analyses,” said Dahlgren. A maintenance team from Minot, Air Force Base, North Dakota, jacked the aircraft up and the landing gear was retracted to simulate in-flight conditions. Members of the 772nd TS placed the radiation-absorbing materials around the aircraft along with pallets of ferrite tiles to absorb the various emitting frequencies from the aircraft. Real ordnance is not needed during the testing because the BAF’s equipment can simulate real-life radio frequency and electromagnetic conditions; sensors can collect data from the areas where the B-52 would carry weapons. “Testing in the BAF allows the B-52 Program Office to collect

American Red Cross volunteers Cecilia Olivas (center) and Simone Evangelista talk to fourth-graders at Irving L. Branch Elementary Jan. 19 about the Red Cross’ Pillowcase Project. The project encourages third-fifth-graders to learn about emergency preparedness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kenji Thuloweit)

what they learned during the class. Subjects touched on by the volunteers included managing stress during an emergency; what to do in case of a fire or earthquake; and what items the children should pack during an emergency. “We’ve been trying to get the Red Cross Pillowcase representatives out here for the past two years and we finally got to schedule them to come out and talk to the fourth-graders. They will also come visit the third- and fifth-graders by the end of the school year.” According to the Red Cross, more than 515,000 students have been taught preparedness skills through the Pillowcase Project.

B-52 HERO testing expects to finish Jan. 30. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ethan Wagner)

a complete set of data at a higher fidelity and in shorter time in a secure, controlled environment than it would have been possible anywhere else. Being indoors also proved beneficial during the recent [inclement] weather that we have had,” Dahlgren said. Due to local test scheduling, Air Force Global Strike Command provided the B-52 in place of an Edwards bomber. An offensive and defensive weapons aircrew member is also on loan to operate the on-board systems. Minot AFB, provided a maintenance team to support the test. Local manpower and logistical support is being provided by 912th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and electronic warfare personnel from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, are also involved. “We also had contractor engineering support provided by Boeing and the Harris Corporations. This test would not have been possible without the outstanding professional collaboration and support from all members of the team,” said Dahlgren. Testing is expected to finish Jan. 30.

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Announcements

Jan. 27, 2017

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412th Force Support Squadron upcoming events 412th FSS

275-3826 Online Marketing Survey - The 412th Marketing Office wants to know how you learn about onbase events and to see how we could better serve you. Log onto https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ ZF3VF27 and submit your responses today! New 2017 Sponsorship and Advertising Opportunities for local business operators; reach your military market! Edwards Services is proud to provide businesses the opportunity to show support of our military members through the AF Commercial Sponsorship Program. From 4th of July’s Summer Bash to the annual Summer Reading Program, Edwards Services does it’s best to show appreciation for the commitment of excellence the men and women of Edwards AFB provide every day. We are seeking support for these events and more in the form of funding and event enhancements. Sponsors will receive recognition such as logo placement on advertising materials, booth space onsite during the event, verbal acknowledgement, mention in base newspapers and opportunities to network with event participants. All offers of sponsorship must be received no later than three months prior to the event date. Contact Tiffany Meyer at 275-3841. (This is a solicitation for commercial sponsorship by a Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentality of the United States Government. It does not obligate appropriated funds or nonappropriated funds of the government.) .

Airman and Family Readiness

277-0723 Five Love Languages for Couples is Jan. 31, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The Five Love Languages profile will give you an analysis of your emotional communication preference. It will single out your primary love language, what it means, and how you can use it to connect with your loved one to increase intimacy and fulfillment. Newcomer’s Orientation is Feb. 2, 7:30 a.m2 p.m. Required for all active duty members, the program provides vital information regarding base resources and services, policies, procedures, recreation opportunities and more. Spouses are welcome and highly encouraged to attend. Women’s, Infants’ & Children’s Clinic is Feb. 6, 9:30 a.m.-3.p.m. Open for both walk-ins and appointments. Closed for lunch noon-1 p.m. For an appointment or voucher information, call toll free 866-327-3074. Plan My Move is Feb. 8, 2-3 p.m. “Plan My Move” will assist in ensuring you select the proper path for a successful PCS, whether it be planning for an OCONUS or CONUS move. Department of Labor Transition Assistance Program is Feb. 13-17, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The five-day TAP workshop is required for all separating and retiring military members; spouses are welcome and encouraged to attend. Heart Link is Feb. 16, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. This is an introduction to the Air Force for spouses who are newly married or want to learn more about the Air Force way of life.

Workshop-based speakers from various service agencies give an overview of services available. Lunch is included. Childcare must be requested two weeks prior to the class.

Arts and Crafts Center/Auto Hobby

275-ARTS/AUTO Valentine’s Cookie Decorating is Feb. 7, 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. at Arts and Crafts. Each person will decorate at least four cookies. Extras will be provided to munch on! Children ages 8 and up are welcome with a parent present. Please come to A and C by Feb. 3 to sign up. Payment must be made in advance. No food, but closed drinks like water bottles are allowed. Instructors Needed! Attention all artists and crafters! If you’re creative, we need you! The Arts & Crafts Center is seeking out instructors of all types. Come and share your creative knowledge with a diverse group of students looking for painting, photography, drawing, scrapbooking and other craft/art related instruction. No prior instructor experience necessary. If you are knowledgeable then we are looking for you! Smog Checks - Auto Hobby has a certified Smog Technician available Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. No appointment is required! Basic vehicle maintenance class is Saturdays at 10 a.m. Participants will learn the basics of good vehicle maintenance. Learn how to operate a lift, change your oil, and check and balance your tires. Call the Auto Hobby Shop at 275AUTO (2887) for more information. Automotive detailer wanted - The Edwards Car Wash is looking for an automotive detailer. Call Auto Hobby for more information. Towing service available through Auto Hobby Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Towing is available on-base and off-base. Call Auto Hobby for more information or prices. Oil changes and alignments are offered at very competitive prices as well as services in mounting and balancing. Wood Shop is available Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. For the woodworking hobbyist, the Arts and Crafts Center provides a variety of equipment that includes band saws, table saws, a drill press and much more. A safety course is required to use the Wood Shop.

For more information about 412th FSS offerings, visit www.edwardsfss.com/wordpress bacon, toast and juice for a reasonable price.

Information, Tickets and Travel

275-TRIP Armed Forces Vacation Club can help you find your dream vacation rental! Forget cramped quarters - get access to Space-A resort rentals worldwide for one low weekly price! Start your search today – you’ve earned it! Cruise Crazy - Have you ever wanted to take a cruise but didn’t think you could afford it? Now is the time to get your ‘sea legs’ in gear and get over to Information, Tickets and Travel because the prices are lower than ‘sea level.’ Call the ITT office today so we can show you that you don’t have to ‘sink to swim! To see the current ITT price list for events, parks, hotels and discount information, visit edwardsfss.com.

Club Muroc

275-CLUB First Friday is February 3, 4-6 p.m. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres for Club Members. Super Sunday Football is Feb. 5. Doors open at 10 a.m. at Fogleman’s Lounge. Enjoy beer specials all day, plus a $12 all-you-can-eat nacho bar through the first half! Halftime prize giveaways for club members! Delivery service to base housing is available. Call Monday-Friday, 5-8 p.m. to place an order. Birthday packages are available: ice cream party or pizza and ice cream party. Parties include room rental for up to three hours, 20 kids, and use of the projector for movies. Wednesday Breakfast Special from 6:30-10 a.m. Start your day off with scrambled eggs,

Adopt me! Aiden is a 2 year old Great Pyrenees mix that is a tad shy but a loving guy once he gets comfortable. He was found roaming the base before Christmas and since an owner has not come forward he is available for adoption. Aiden has been neutered, microchipped and completely vaccinated! Call 258-9525 for more information.

Desert Wings insert

www.edwards.af.mil High Desert Lanes Bowling Center

275-BOWL NFL Sunday Ticket is Sunday 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Active Duty wear your team shirt and receive a free game of bowling with rental shoes! Breakfast served all day! Plus, enjoy appetizers and wing specials every Sunday. 10-Game Shootout is Sunday, Feb. 5, at 9 a.m. High game pot included! Bowl 10 games followed by a Top 5 stepladder! Champion will be crowned before kickoff. Call 275-2695 for more information. Valentine Special is Feb. 14, 10:30 a.m.7 p.m. Buy one game and shoe rental, and receive one game and shoe rental free for your sweetheart.

Library

275-BOOK Coffee and Coloring is every Tuesday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while coloring designs created for adults! Children’s Story Time is every Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m. Toddlers and pre-school children are invited to join us for a wonderful story time and create very unique craft projects. Volunteer readers are welcome! Special Holiday Story Times: Valentine’s Day: Friday, Feb. 10. President’s Day: Friday, Feb. 17. Children’s Story Time is every Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. Toddlers and pre-school children are invited to join us for a wonderful story time and create very unique craft projects. Volunteer readers are welcome!

Oasis Community Center

275-CNTR Discover Black History Month Feb. 1-28. Celebrate 28 days of Black History with little known facts, movies and a free activity book! Lunch Hour Table Games Tournament Friday, Feb. 10, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Come compete in foosball, ping pong, air hockey, shuffleboard and pool. “The Price is Right” trip is Wednesday, Feb. 15, 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Price includes transportation and group T-shirt. Ages 18 and up. If you ever wanted to be on the iconic game show “The Price it Right,” here is your chance! We are taking a group down to be audience members and possibly contestants on the longest running game show in history. After the game you will have free time to explore downtown Los Angeles. Sign up at the Oasis Community Center by February 10. Cupid’s Workshop - Show your Valentine how much you care with a custom designed Valentine’s Day basket or balloon bouquet from Cupid’s workshop in the Oasis Community Center. Surprise them even more with a special delivery from one of Cupid’s helpers on Valentine’s Day!

Muroc Lake Golf Course 275-PUTT

Valentine’s Day Golf Tournament is Feb. 18, 12:30 p.m. shotgun start (weather permitting). Sign up by Feb. 13 at the MLGC golf shop. AGF Card holder – includes golf cart fee,

Announcements tournament prize fund and food following play. Non-AGF card holder-includes green fee, golf cart fee, tournament prize fund and food following play. Format: 18-hole two player scramble (couples preferred but not limited to). Limited to the first 36 teams (72 players) to sign up. Annual Membership - Are you a frequent visitor to the Muroc Lake Golf Course? Save money by purchasing an annual membership! Our memberships run from April 1 through March 31 but you can join now with pro-rated rates. Family memberships are available along with monthly payment plans. Want to learn how to play golf? Come learn from our club pro, Chelsea Orozco. She’ll teach you everything you will need to know at your convenience. Our pros can bring you from amateur to pro!

Rod and Gun Club

275-CAMP “Big 50” Thursdays - The “Big 50” is an ATA Registered shoot in which each participant shoots 50 single targets, 50 double targets and 50 targets from their handicapped position. Call or visit the Rod and Gun Club at 210 Adams Way off of Rosamond Blvd. for more information.

Youth Sports

277-8961 Start Smart Basketball for ages 3 and 4 begins Wednesday. Classes are every Wednesday for six weeks at 10 a.m., noon, and 4:30 p.m. Youth Baseball and Softball Camp for boys and girls, ages 9-13, is Tuesdays and Thursdays through Feb. 17, 4:30-6 p.m., at Wenning Field.

Youth Programs

275-5437 Pre-Teen Valentine Dance is Feb. 10, 6-9

Jan. 27, 2017

www.facebook.com/EdwardsAirForceBase p.m. at the Youth Programs Gym. Open to ages 9-12. Call for prices. Gymnastics Instructional Classes (ages 3-17 ) are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Instructor is Stephanie Snyder. Call 570-6405895 or email ssgymnastic1@yahoo.com for more information. Boys & Girls Club Power Hour/Project Learn is Monday-Thursday, 2:30-4 p.m. Power Hour: making minutes count helps club members ages 6-12 become successful in school by providing homework help and tutoring while encouraging members to become self-directed learners. See Ms. Breanne for details and to sign up.

Rosburg Fitness Center

275-GYM1 Tae Kwon Do monthly passes available for children and adults. Call Kumye Moore at 8609292 for more information. Massage therapy offered for 30-, 60- and 90-minute sessions, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Appointments only. Couples massage also offered. Call Brittni Albrechti at 317-2139. Lunchtime Disc Golf at Mojave Greens is Wednesdays at noon at the Mojave Greens Disc Golf Course, Hole 1. Join us for a round of lunchtime golf. Players of all skill levels are invited to attend. Experienced golfers will be on hand to offer advice and work with beginners. Equipment will be available for loan. Take this opportunity to meet other disc golfers on base and challenge each other on the course! Equipment orientation classes are Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m.; Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m.; and Thursdays, 7-8 p.m. Not sure how to use equipment or what it does for you? Stop by the front desk and sign up for this one-hour class. We are here to help you get the most out of your fitness!

412th Security Forces Squadron issues speeding citations

The 412th Security Forces Squadron issued six speeding citations and processed no driving suspensions from Jan. 16 through Jan. 22.

Citations issued

1 to 10 mph.................................................1 11 to 15 mph................................................3 16 to 20 mph...............................................1 21 to 24 mph...............................................1 25+ mph......................................................0

Driving privilege suspensions (current)

15 days........................................................0 30 days........................................................0 45 days........................................................0 90 days........................................................3 180 days (six months).................................0 365 days (one year)..................................10 730 days (two years)...................................0 1,095 days (three years).............................0

Per AFI 31-218 and EAFBI 31-218, a DD Form 1408 Armed Forces traffic tickets (no-fine) are issued to military members. Military members receiving 1408s are subject to Uniform Code of Military Justice action. A U.S. District Court Violation Notice (USDCVN) (a fine) is issued to all civilians, dependents and retirees. If issued a USDCVN, violators may be required to be present at Magistrate Court in Bakersfield, California, receive traffic violation points against their state-issued driver’s license and potentially receive suspension of on-base driving privileges.

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Close ties to Desert High leads to nose art on B-1B Lancer

Mike Machat, aviation artist, puts the finishing touches on a Desert Junior-Senior High School logo on a 419th Flight Test Squadron B-1B Lancer Dec. 13, 2016. Seniors of DHS Class of 2017 were invited to Hangar 1210 Jan. 19 to tour the plane and take class photos with it. Machat has dozens of works displayed on Edwards. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kenji Thuloweit)

By Kenji Thuloweit 412th Test Wing Public Affairs

Desert Junior-Senior High School’s Class of 2017 received an early graduation gift as they were presented with a professionally painted DHS Scorpions logo on the side of a B-1B Lancer Jan. 19. About 90 seniors came to Hangar 1210 to see the finished project and pose for class photos with the bomber. The event came about as the 419th Flight Test Squadron and 912th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron have close ties with DHS. “Many people within the squadrons have children that attend Desert High and most are involved in various sports,” said Master Sgt. David Peralta, 912th AMU superintendent. “We often coordinate our unit members to volunteer at school sporting events, organize aircraft tours for students, and those students volunteer at our unit functions.” Peralta said Fred Kondrotas, 412th Maintenance Squadron logistician, has been maintaining bombers at Edwards since 1976 and has been a large part of the mutual support of the school and the 412th MXG over the years. “This was all his idea. He collaborated with Col. Todd Copeland (Air Force Test Center vice commander) and his wife, Debbie, who is a learning director at the school, to advance Mr. Kondrotas’s idea of adding the Desert High logo to one of our aircraft. The B-1 was an easy choice, as it is the clear favorite of the students when they tour our

bombers,” said Peralta. Kondrotas, along with Jason Everetts, 412th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, authored the required paperwork and routed it up to 412th Test Wing leadership where it was approved. “A friend of Fred Kondrotas contacted me and asked if I’d be interested in painting nose art on another B-1B at Edwards,” said Mike Machat, a renowned aviation artist who has dozens of works displayed on Edwards alone. “When it was explained to me that this aircraft was to be painted to honor the Desert High School at Edwards, I jumped at the chance.” Machat said he also painted B-1B, tail #049 in 1996. He served in the Air Force from 1967-1970 and started painting following art school.

“I’ve been honored to have produced nearly 30 Edwards-related artworks since 1978. My favorites are the ‘Golden Age of Flight Test’ mural at the Air Force Flight Test Museum and the 50th Anniversary painting of the Bell X-1’s first supersonic flight.” Machat’s most recent work is the 70th Anniversary commemorative painting for the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. He’s contributed dozens of paintings to the U.S. Air Force Documentary Art Program and currently has eight paintings on display in the Pentagon. He’s also produced two paintings for NASA and has four paintings in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. “While working as a staff artist for McDonnell Douglas, I designed nose art for the A-4M Skyhawk and KC-10 Extender. I’ve also been heavily involved in the Warbird community designing nose art and color schemes for the North American T-6 Texan, T-28 Trojan, and P-51 Mustang, Northrop’s T-38 Talon, the L-39 Albatross, and several Reno racers including a Hawker Sea Fury,” said Machat. Peralta said another project is in the works to re-apply the “Tagboard Flyer” nose art to Edwards B-52 Stratofortress #0036, which was used for Project Tagboard in the 60s and is still in service to this day as one of the B-52 test beds here. “I believe that most maintainers would agree that nose art and maintainer names on the planes enhance pride and ownership. It is a great way to honor Air Force history, and in these cases, Edwards history,” Peralta said.

Mike Machat (center), aviation artist, poses for a photo with Desert Junior-Senior High School seniors Jan. 13 in Hangar 1210. The school’s Class of 2017 was invited to see the nose art painted on a B-1 Lancer in honor of the base high school. Students took class and yearbook photos in front of the bomber. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kenji Thuloweit)

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Jan. 27, 2017

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This Week in Edwards Flight Test History

On Jan. 27, 1950, a ceremony was held in connection with Armed Forces Day to rename the base in honor of Capt. Glen W. Edwards. Edwards’ father, other family members and dignitaries were in attendance at the ceremony. One interesting fact is that the original plaque had a misspelling of Capt. Edwards’ first name by adding a second “n” to Glen. It was later remade and the error was corrected. Pictured (left to right) are Claude Edwards, the father of Capt. Edwards, and Brig. Gen. Albert Boyd, Edwards Air Force Base commander. (Edwards History Office file photo)

Tax center opens Feb. 8

From 412th Test Wing Judge Advocate

The 2017 Edwards AFB Tax Center will open Wednesday, Feb. 8. It will be open through April 12. Business hours are Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Due to a shortage of manpower, the 2017 tax center will be limited in its size and scope to active duty servicemembers who are E-6 and below. If availability allows, the eligibility and scope of the tax center may be expanded at a later date. The center is located in Bldg. 7210 at 1100 Kincheloe Ave., near the U.S. Post Office in the Desert Mall. To schedule an appointment, please call 277-4310 during the below hours: Mondays and Wednesdays: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays: 8 a.m.-noon When you call, you will be told what you will need to bring to your appointment. Walk-ins are welcome; however, appointments take priority and walk-ins will be seen contingent upon the availability of a volunteer tax preparer.

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From Innovation, page 1 of United States Air Force and allies’ electro-optics systems into the future,” Hardgrove said. The Air Force Research Laboratory Sensors Directorate and Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake Electro-Optics Engineering Team also helped in the acquisition of the PIRA targets, he added. “As the Greek Titan god of the sun, HELIOS was only fitting for the name of a project that seeks to drive the flight test of systems that provide imagery using light, into the future. Historically, flight test of these systems included extensive flight time, aircrews and complex experimental design. Factor in the subjective nature of humans, atmospheric variation and system variables, and you have an enormous, expensive program only capturing a very small portion of the “sensor envelope,” leaving a great deal of unknown to our warfighters, according to Hardgrove. Measuring the main electro-optics system performance metrics that drive combat identification (sensitivity and resolution) directly would vastly increase test sensitivity by eliminating the human subjectivity, in turn reducing flight test time and cost by as much as 90 percent. These techniques also open doors to new test capabilities. “Imagine being able to estimate the probability of target detection, recognition and identification using an electro-optics system at any look angle, airspeed, altitude, weather condition, system setting, etc…with an inexpensive, robust test campaign,” Hardgrove said. “HELIOS is the future of electro-optics flight test and evaluation at the Air Force Test Center.”

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Commander, 412th TW ................ Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer Installation Support Director ..................... Dr. David Smith Command Chief .............. Chief Master Sgt. Todd Simmons Director, 412th TW, Public Affairs ................... Ed Buclatin Editor ......................................................... Kenji Thuloweit Contributors ................... Christopher Ball, Dawn Waldman To submit articles or upcoming events send an email to newsroom@edwards.af.mil