LSU students deliver maintenance prototype defense tech to Global Strike Command

Louisiana State University mechanical engineering students (pictured left to right) Joshua Newmier, Samantha Staggs, Jacob Lamy, Tyler Theriot, and Jaylin Trice present a prototype scissor lift to position integrated drive generators for the E-4B Nightwatch during a presentation May 12 at STRIKEWERX in Bossier City, Louisiana. 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 Sean Green, STRIKEWERX)

By Sean Green | Facilitation and Outreach Coordinator

BOSSIER CITY, La. — Louisiana State University (LSU) Mechanical Engineering students spent the past school year working on Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) problem sets that will impact strategic deterrence.

As part of the Senior Design Project, this 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 Cyber Innovation Center (CIC) via STRIKEWERX, the innovation hub for the command.

One group of students delivered a prototype scissor lift to position integrated drive generators (IDGs) for the E-4B Nightwatch that will enable easier, safer maintenance during deployed operations.

The E-4B has multiple IDGs, each weighing 180 lbs., that require frequent replacement and there is no current suitable mobile device for the precision needed to mount the IDG to the E-4B engine.

Louisiana State University mechanical engineering students (pictured left to right) Hunter Lambert, Alex Cobb, and Daniel Vides present prototype software radios to STRIKEWERX Project Manager Hannah Beene and Project Champion U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Brian Westgate during a presentation May 12 at STRIKEWERX in Bossier City, Louisiana. (U.S. Air Force Courtesy Photo by Sean Green, STRIKEWERX)

The prototype was designed to be compact and easily transportable, operable in all-weather, easy to maintain, and easy to assemble and disassemble while eliminating this manual task for maintainers.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Tim Johnston, AFGSC E-4B airframe manager, said the students’ creation was “exactly” what he wanted. He noted the cost-effectiveness of the research and development and the quick delivery.

"This program is amazing,” he said. “If I were to develop a prototype through the standard acquisition procedure, I wouldn’t even have a proposed design at this point.”

The prototype will now be reproduced to outfit the entire fleet.

Tyler Theriot, who worked on the project, explained his team went through a strenuous concept generation and analysis before choosing the design based upon simplicity and versatility. He added that the project went quickly and is proud of what they achieved.

“For us to create something that can be used and knowing it will actually create a change for maintainers in the Air Force is huge,” he said. “A lot of pride comes with that.”

A second group of LSU students worked to augment the radio communications of security forces, maintainers, and land operations with mobile AtHoc network (MANET) software defined radios (SDRs).

This will provide GPS location for personnel and vehicles and feature a text message capability in cellular-denied environments.

The portable MANETs are rechargeable and weigh less than one pound. They provide secure communications that do not augment or affect current networks.

Student Daniel Vides said the opportunity to provide a solution was unique and changed the trajectory of his career.

"This project and this opportunity allowed me to find a new space that I am excelling in, and a new industry to dive into,” he said.