53RD WING INNOVATION HUB

In the 53rd Wing, the innovation hub is a virtual space that connects like-minded, forward-thinking individuals across the wing. Together we can share solutions to problems and ideas to improve our Air Force. This collaborative network not only allows for idea sharing across the wing, but also connects ideas and individuals with leadership support and funding.

53rd Wing Innovation Success Stories

The 29^th Training Systems Squadron was funded for a Synthetic Training Lab (STL). The STL was an initiative to support the rapid development of low-cost simulator concepts. Supporting the Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation, the STL allowed for the creation of low cost and fully customizable user interfaces that can produce near real replicas of aircraft cockpits. The STL also has the capability of incorporating virtual and mixed reality (VR/MR) stations to experience this technology. This design was created quickly and be able to rapidly develop new cockpit upgrades with minimal cost to the warfighter. 

Realizing the had an inability to simulate 1553 data traffic for F-16 communication to ALE-47 countermeasure dispenser system, the 36th Electronic Warfare System requested funds for IRCM Avionics Data Bus Test & Analysis Software. The software provided the 36th EWS with the ability to customize messages with a DDC 1553 card and provided a solution that is now fully implemented for required F-16 message traffic and mostly implemented for HC-130J message traffic with HH-60G and other platforms to be added down the road. Since implementing the software, the 36th EWS has been able to test in the lab the SEMI and AUTO functionality of the ALE-47 on the F-16, ensuring correct functionality of the mission data files in ways that were not previously possible.

C-Band Transponders are essential to operational test in the B-2 bomber, but the 72nd Test and Evaluation Squadron did not have the ability to quickly and thoroughly test and diagnose C-Band Transponders when they became inoperable. In the past the 72nd had to mail the transponders to the vendor for diagnostic and repair -- a costly and months-long process. The 72nd used innovation funds to procure a Stand Alone C-Band Transponder Test Box, which allowed for in-house test and repairs of the transponders, resulting in more operational test sorties and saving the Air Force thousands of dollars each year. The test box also provides additional transponder performance insight prior to missions so if there are any performance issues on-range, our instrumentation technicians can provide more helpful equipment performance details to assist with real-time troubleshooting.

A 3-D printer is quickly becoming one of the most versatile tools, and the 72nd TES found a way to use a 3-D printer to quickly and cost-effectively prototype test instrumentation components for more rapid fit checks and architecture design maturity on the B-2. This one-time purchase saves approximately 60 man-hours and $15K per year. Since having the capability, the 72nd has also identified additional uses for the system outside of the instrumentation design process to save us additional money and prolong the life of existing equipment, such as dust covers for unused connectors on flight equipment, docking stations for test media data download process, and more recently, fitted masks with filter housing in response to COVID-19.