Researchers zero in on a new material for quantum information storage

Recently published research led by Argonne National Laboratory points to a previously unidentified trait in magnesium oxide that could lend itself to use in quantum systems. Used as a versatile material in industry and health care, magnesium oxide may also be a good candidate for quantum technologies. Research led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory and published... Read more about Researchers zero in on a new material for quantum information storage

Gold clusters show promise as scalable options for quantum computers, sensors

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The efficiency of quantum computers, sensors and other applications often relies on the properties of electrons, including how they are spinning. One of the most accurate systems for high performance quantum applications relies on tapping into the spin properties of electrons of atoms trapped in a gas, but these systems are difficult to scale up for use in larger quantum... Read more about Gold clusters show promise as scalable options for quantum computers, sensors

Air Force Battle Lab advances the kill chain with AI, C2 In-no-va-tion

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The 805th Combat Training Squadron, or Shadow Operations Center-Nellis, completed another major experiment of 2025, advancing key priorities in human-machine teaming, data convergence, and emerging technologies to sharpen U.S. Air Force and command and control capabilities, Nellis Air Force Base, June 4 - 13, 2025. Experiment 3 was designed to accelerate decision... Read more about Air Force Battle Lab advances the kill chain with AI, C2 In-no-va-tion

Sleeker skies: MC-130J tests new aerodynamic enhancements

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Newly-installed drag reduction devices called Finlets are currently undergoing flight testing on MC-130Js. Finlets are passive, fin-like devices attached to the rear of the aircraft which smooth airflow and reduce drag, enhancing fuel efficiency and improving operational capabilities. The goal of the developmental flight test, conducted by the 417th Flight Test... Read more about Sleeker skies: MC-130J tests new aerodynamic enhancements

US military taps commercial space firms for hypersonic testing program

In a March 2024 flight test, Stratolaunch’s Roc aircraft took off from California’s Mojave Spaceport and, after reaching its designated position off the California coast, released its payload, the Talon-A test vehicle, designed to test hypersonic flight profiles. Stratolaunch celebrated a successful test but remained tight-lipped about who would use the hypersonic test vehicle. Those customers... Read more about US military taps commercial space firms for hypersonic testing program

Wright State Boonshoft School of Medicine, AFRL researchers collaborate on study of individuals’ risk to toxicants

Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine has launched a research project that could reveal why individuals respond differently to exposures such as burn pits or other military-relevant chemicals. The study breaks new ground in identifying key components, which differ between individuals, that may trigger diverse molecular responses to the same chemical exposures. The project is... Read more about Wright State Boonshoft School of Medicine, AFRL researchers collaborate on study of individuals’ risk to toxicants

New Air Force Plan: Just 7 Aircraft Maintenance AFSCs

A new Air Force memo lays out how the service aims to condense its list of more than 50 aircraft maintenance job specialties down to seven, starting in 2027. In a memo dated Jan. 24, maintenance career field managers at Headquarters Air Force said the change will focus younger maintainers on entry-level tasks and free up experienced hands for more technical work. The memo was leaked on the... Read more about New Air Force Plan: Just 7 Aircraft Maintenance AFSCs

U.S. military space tracking systems strain under new threats

U.S. military officials are scrambling to upgrade decades-old systems that track objects in space — a critical capability they say is falling dangerously behind modern threats — as thousands of new satellites crowd Earth’s orbit and rival powers demonstrate increasingly sophisticated space capabilities. Military leaders and industry experts warn that this Cold War-era tracking infrastructure and... Read more about U.S. military space tracking systems strain under new threats

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE: Transforming Acquisitions With Digital Electronic Systems Engineering

At the 2024 Air, Space and Cyber Conference, Norm Augustine was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award, rightfully recognizing his significant contributions to aerospace. With the many achievements cited, there was a glaring omission. There was no mention of his entertaining and clairvoyant book, “Augustine’s Laws.” When he was undersecretary of the Army, he made a series of tongue-in-cheek... Read more about INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE: Transforming Acquisitions With Digital Electronic Systems Engineering

AFRL Digital Transformation Champion Urges People to Embrace, Not Fear AI

Home / News ORLANDO, Fla. – If Alexis Bonnell had her way, every person would embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) fearlessly as a tool that gives them back “minutes for their mission” and enables them to “tackle the toil” of mundane work tasks. The charismatic former Googler, now serving as chief information officer and director of Digital Capabilities Directorate for the Air Force Research Lab... Read more about AFRL Digital Transformation Champion Urges People to Embrace, Not Fear AI