![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c0/Air_Force_Research_Laboratory.png/640px-Air_Force_Research_Laboratory.png&w=640&q=50)
Air Force Research Laboratory
Scientific research organization for the US Air Force and US Space Force / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about AFRL?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is a scientific research and development detachment of the United States Air Force Materiel Command dedicated to leading the discovery, development, and integration of direct-energy based aerospace warfighting technologies, planning and executing the Air Force science and technology program, and providing warfighting capabilities to United States air, space, and cyberspace forces.[1] It controls the entire Air Force science and technology research budget which was $2.4 billion in 2006.[2]
![]() | This article contains content that is written like an advertisement. (June 2018) |
Air Force Research Laboratory | |
---|---|
![]() Air Force Research Laboratory – Emblem | |
Active | October 1997–present |
Country | United States |
Branch | ![]() ![]() |
Type | Research and development |
Size | 4,200 civilian 1,200 military |
Part of | Air Force Materiel Command |
Garrison/HQ | Wright-Patterson Air Force Base 39°49′23″N 084°02′58″W |
Decorations | AFOEA |
Website | www.afrl.af.mil |
Commanders | |
Commander | Brig. Gen. Scott A. Cain |
Vice Commander | Col. Paul Henderson |
Executive Director | Mr. Jack Blackhurst |
Chief Technology Officer | Dr. Timothy J. Bunning |
The Laboratory was formed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, on 31 October 1997 as a consolidation of four Air Force laboratory facilities (Wright, Phillips, Rome, and Armstrong) and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research under a unified command. The Laboratory is composed of eight technical directorates, one wing, and the Office of Scientific Research. Each technical directorate emphasizes a particular area of research within the AFRL mission which it specializes in performing experiments in conjunction with universities and contractors.
Since the Laboratory's formation in 1997, it has conducted numerous experiments and technical demonstrations in conjunction with NASA, Department of Energy, National Laboratories, DARPA, and other research organizations within the Department of Defense. Notable projects include the X-37, X-40, X-53, HTV-3X, YAL-1A, Advanced Tactical Laser, and the Tactical Satellite Program.
The Laboratory may face problems in the future as 40 percent of its workers are slated to retire over the next two decades, and since 1980, the United States has not produced enough science and engineering degrees to keep up with demand.[3]