The U.S. Air Force is always looking for novel technology where industrial innovation can be leveraged into the Department of Defense. So says Lt. Col. Jonathan “Spades” Gilbert, who leads the Prime Division of the U.S. Air Force’s innovation arm, AFWERX, in a wide-ranging interview with Aerospace America Staff Reporter Paul Brinkmann.
Using eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft as an example, Gilbert describes the incredible leaps in technology in the private sector that the Air Force would like to emulate or bring into the DoD fold after decades of lagging behind.
The compelling discussion touched on electric and hybrid aircraft from small uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) to larger-scale electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft and their significant advantages for military missions. Gilbert described their stealth capability providing discreet deployments in hostile territories as a large benefit. But there are several challenges in range and payload in utilizing these unmanned vehicles for the military, Gilbert said, and it will take public-private partnerships to facilitate solutions.
A hybrid system is of great interest, he noted, because it gives many of the benefits of an electric system, but with increased range. This could be useful in the next generation air logistics system, for example.
Gilbert emphasized how critical it is that the military have these collaborations with the private sector. For example, partnerships with companies like Joby Aviation and Archer are instrumental in shaping aircraft that align with military needs. This helps facilitate procurement and the integration of new technologies into military applications.
Another noteworthy topic was pilot training methodologies. Gilbert discussed the rising reliance on advanced simulators, which have become increasingly vital in training regimens. These high-fidelity simulators provide safer and more efficient training environments, allowing pilots to hone their skills before transitioning to live flights. This makes sense, Gilbert said, because there often is not enough air space to practice emergency situations in flight. While the Air Force is requiring increasing simulation time, he noted that it cannot replace in-flight training. For example, flying an eVTOL simulator is somewhat easy, but that’s not necessarily the case in open air.
Gilbert summed up the work of AFWERX Prime Division, as part of the Air Force Research Laboratory, having success with disruptive technologies that no one else is working on and finding ways to accelerate them. Anyone interested in the future of military air power and evolving aeronautics technology will find Gilbert’s insights compelling and informative.
