LA Tech students deliver three new defense technology prototypes to the Air Force
Airmen test a new prototype design for the Hydrostatic Pump Removal Tool during a presentation by Louisiana Tech University May 15 at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. The prototype is part of a series of projects led by STRIKEWERX that sees college and university engineering students use their knowledge to devise solutions for command needs. (U.S. Air Force Courtesy Photo by Hannah Beene, STRIKEWERX)
By Sean Green | Facilitation and Outreach Coordinator
BOSSIER CITY, La. — Louisiana Tech University students delivered three solutions for Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) as part of a Cyber Innovation Center (CIC) program.
The Senior Design Project program offers university students across the country the opportunity to work with AFGSC Airmen on real world problems. The project was sponsored by the AFGSC Office of the Chief Scientist and managed by the CIC via STRIKEWERX, the innovation hub for the command.
Drag Chute Packing Fixture
LA Tech students sought to redesign the packing fixture of the drag chute for the B-52 Stratofortress. Used to slow the aircraft landing, the drag chute fixture creates dead space when shipping for deployed operations and faces additional stress when the chute is packed.
Students were asked to create a collapsible or foldable design that can be transported in the rear of the B-52 and easily fabricated with available parts. They were also asked to develop a tool for safely placing the canopy in the fixture with little to no structural stress.
U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Justin Smith, an aircrew flight equipment technician from the 2nd Operations Support Squadron, noted that the students’ prototype will be used immediately upon delivery.
“It’s awesome to get engineering expertise for a low cost with results that can be used right away,” he said. “Seeing these future engineers apply their expertise to improve our ability to conduct the mission is pretty amazing.”
Student Ian Swanson said he loved working on the project, specifically seeing the students come together for a common goal with the best idea to increase performance.
Louisiana Tech University mechanical engineering students (pictured left to right) Chandler Achord, Thomas Frayne, Caige Greis, and Wyatt Barbe presented a prototype to remedy the limited cargo carrying capability of the B-1B Lancer during a presentation May 15 at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. (U.S. Air Force Courtesy Photo by Hannah Beene, STRIKEWERX)
“The senior design program gave us a real-life application for our engineering classes,” Swanson said. “It was just the right amount of pressure to achieve our goals and move towards a successful end product.”
Hydrostatic Pump Removal Tool
AFGSC tasked LA Tech students to develop a new, rigid and universal design for maintainers to use in removing the hydrostatic pump on the munitions handling unit. The handling unit is used to raise and lower munitions for bomber aircraft.
The students’ new design will be easy to maneuver, maintain, assemble and disassemble while increasing rigidity and stability so that it increases safety and mitigates the potential for any damage.
Student Jude Roger said working with STRIKEWERX to design and fabricate something for the Air Force was an awesome experience.
"This was a great opportunity to learn about design, manufacturing, and working with clients in a corporate setting,” Roger said. “Getting to go to Dyess Air Force Base and see the aircraft and the people who benefit from our project was a cool bonus.”
Travel Pod Conversion
LA Tech students sought to remedy the limited cargo carrying capability of the B-1B Lancer.
Aircrew luggage and flight equipment and maintenance ground support equipment consume significant storage space in the aircraft’s central equipment bay (CEB) and can cause damage during flight. Additionally, the current travel pod limits the opportunity for repairs and access.
Students used one of the surplus stores bay fuel tanks to create a prototype that is easier to maintain, easier to remove and install, increases carrying capacity and safety, and is flexible enough to support other aircraft during deployed operations. It will also successfully mitigate the risk of damage in the CEB and reduce the shipping footprint.
Ed Martignetti, an AFGSC subject matter expert, said this prototype will be used to increase the number of travel bay pods as it will be extremely useful for facilitating global bomber operations world-wide.
“This travel pod should decrease maintenance man hours while increasing safety for operators [and] aviators,” he said. “The students’ performance was exemplary, and it makes me proud to know such talent is entering the workforce. I’m already canvassing for future project to send to STRIKEWERX.”