STRIKEWERX Innovation Lab Manager Aaron Finney and Transhield’s Jorge Martinez test the fitting of an internal cover for the B-52 Stratofortress power cart with Aerial Ground Equipment Airmen at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. The cover was designed from a previous STRIKEWERX design sprint to protect the power cart from water. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo by Sean Green, STRIKEWERX) This photo was altered for security purposes by blurring out identification badges.

By Sean Green | Facilitation and Outreach Manager

BOSSIER CITY, La. – STRIKEWERX, Air Force Global Strike Command’s innovation hub at the Cyber Innovation Center (CIC), and Transhield have realized Airmen’s idea to protect support equipment for the B-52 Stratofortress.

The company has produced two covers to protect electrical components of the B-52 external power cart from water exposure.

Transhield developed a durable, all-weather cover with shielded airflow vents as one prototype. The second prototype is a durable, water-proof cover with flaps for visibility and venting.

“We’re proud to work alongside STRIKEWERX to help the Air Force protect vital assets and keep aircraft mission-ready,” said Jorge Martinez, military aviation representative for Transhield. “It’s rewarding to see practical innovation make a real difference on the flightline.”

A common challenge Airmen face is carts becoming inoperable when some of its components are subjected to water exposure. This can lead to wasted manhours spent preparing the cart for use and then waiting for a functioning cart to be re-delivered.

“This project is part of the bigger picture that supports the modernization of AFGSC,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Adam Vasas, AFGSC project champion from the Logistics Innovation Branch. “These covers will help protect the sensitive components, which will enable all-weather maintenance, reduce downtime, and increase readiness."

The prototypes resulted from a 2024 design sprint hosted by STRIKEWERX to develop a real-world solution that can improve the cart’s longevity and overall mission readiness.

“Design sprints bring together business, industry, and government to better understand a challenge and create a solution for it all in less than one week,” said STRIKEWERX Director Russ Mathers. “We have hosted 11 design sprints and they are a great example of what we do — find smart people with better ideas to quickly solve problems.”

The Cyber Innovation Center helps organizations facilitate practical technology solutions. With a DoD-tested process, secure prototyping facilities, and a trusted partner network, CIC accelerates outcomes while reducing costs and risks. When an organization’s internal capacity is limited, CIC delivers hands-on support from concept to implementation.

About the Cyber Innovation Center

Cyber Innovation Center (CIC), located in Bossier City, Louisiana, is the anchor of the 3,000-acre National Cyber Research Park and serves as the catalyst for the development and expansion of a knowledge-based workforce throughout the region. As a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation, CIC fosters collaboration among its partners and accelerates technology, research, and development. One of its primary missions is to develop a sustainable knowledge-based workforce that can support the growing needs of government, industry, and academic partners.

About Transhield

Transhield is a leading manufacturer of custom-fit covers designed to shield valuable equipment from harsh environmental elements. With over 30 years of experience, we have continuously developed technologies and processes that better protect equipment assets during storage and transport. Serving a diverse range of industries—including military, marine, industrial, and aerospace, Transhield provides tailored solutions that ensure equipment stays in like-new condition, ready for use.

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