Defense facilities in CA
88 facilities · 25 categories
Weapon Systems
Weapon Systems in CA →Advanced Weapons F/A-18
China Lake, CA
Our vision is for the F/A-18 Advanced Weapons Laboratory (AWL) to be the undisputed leader in rapidly delivering the highest value products to the warfighter. The AWL, as a member of a seamless integrated product team (IPT), will lead the advancement of the F/A-18 to higher levels, as the world's most effective, multinational, strike fighter.
Aerial and Surface Target Complex
China Lake, CA
We provide operational and engineering support to Navy target users and providers worldwide.The Complex uses land-based launch sites at Point Mugu and San Nicholas Island, California, both of which are on the Sea Test Range; and land-based sites at China Lake, California, on the Electronic Combat Ranges. We provide air launch support with NWTS Pt. Mugu DC-130 and QF-4 aircraft. The Aerial Target Launch Ship (ATLS) is used for seaborne launches. These assets provide the target capability for airborne or seaborne launches to be deployed in support of Fleet operations or weapon system development. The Complex provides aerial and surface target operational support throughout the threat envelope, as well as auxiliary and augmentation systems that enhance target threat replicability. We can also provide our deployable target control system to present the BQM-74 aerial target anywhere worldwide–shipboard or land based.
Aircraft Gun Harmonization Facility
Edwards AFB, CA
The Gun Harmonization Facility is a concrete pad with a retaining wall constructed on three sides. The facility measures 50-foot W X 70-foot D. It contains approximately 100 tons of washed plaster sand and has railroad ties and sand bags configured around the exterior to eliminate possible ricochets. There are aircraft (A/C) tie down points available for securing A/C. The facility is primarily used for aligning A/C Head-Up Display (HUD) symbology for gun sighting as well as boresighting and live weapon checkout.
Aircraft Gun Harmonization Facility (Gun Butt)
Edwards AFB, CA
The facility provides a unique capability used for ground firing of aircraft gunnery systems that verifies accuracy and provides operational checkouts prior to flight. It is rated to 30mm (The A-10s, GAU- 8 Gun).
Austere Field Test Areas
Edwards AFB, CA
The field test areas are required to assess weapon systems designed to operate in the austere environment. Specifically, ground operations as well as takeoff and landing performance are assessed. Due to the unique environment close to Edwards Air Force Base, sites have been surveyed capable of testing all foreseeable austere test requirements. California Bearing Ratios from 6 on up are available throughout most of the year (late winter and spring usually close most of the sites due to water saturation). A majority of the areas are also coverable by range cinetheodolites for instrumentation purposes.
Desert Ship
Port Hueneme, CA
In the desert of White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico is a Navy “vessel” that never leaves port but is continually at work: the Desert Ship. The NSWC PHD White Sands Detachment, including the Desert Ship performs live-fire test and evaluation of Navy weapons encompassing missiles, guided munitions, and high-energy laser technologies. The Detachment mission also includes Research Rockets as well as derivative rocket systems providing for the test and evaluation of ballistic missile defense at sea.
Aviation
Aviation in CA →Aerospace Ground Equipment Complex
Edwards AFB, CA
The Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE) Flight provides pickup, delivery, repair, modification, inspection, and servicing of powered and nonpowered Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE) valued at over $24.5 million. The flight performs service inspections, Time Compliance Technical Orders (TCTO), minor and major maintenance for base assigned aircraft, transient alert, tenant units, special projects, and contractor equipment as contractually agreed.
Air Data Calibration Facility
Edwards AFB, CA
This facility is for low altitude subsonic altimeter system calibrations of air vehicles. Mission is a direct support of the AFFTC mission. Postflight data merge is used to provide corrections to air data systems. The 35-foot tower uses a surveyed altitude grid to determine actual altitude to within 10-feet. A computer is installed to provide real-time weather data Inter-Range Instrumentation Group (IRIG) time and visual altitude transcriptions. A UHF/VHF radio is also installed for test communications. The lakebed run-in provides for a stable air mass increasing the accuracy of the calibration.
Aircraft Modifications
Edwards AFB, CA
On many projects to maintain low cost and responsive aircraft modifications, the instrumentation team will provide T-2 modification support directly. In other cases, especially those requiring significant development in terms of cost or schedule, the modification management will be provided by the modification management section of the Instrumentation Division. In either case the lead operations engineer provides a single point of contact for the customer to monitor modification status and to resolve any issues relative to the requirements.
Aviation Facilities Development and Engineering
Port Hueneme, CA
Avionics Test & Integration Complex
Edwards AFB, CA
The division is comprised of three collocated core facilities and a remote operating location with capabilities that can operate independently or linked to satisfy specific customer requirements. These test facilities contribute to five of the six steps in the Air Force Test Process.
Edwards Flight Test Range
Edwards AFB, CA
The 412th Test Wing operates and maintains the Edward's Flight Test Range (EFTR) complex. The EFTR is a major range resource consisting of multi-environmental test areas, instrumentation, and airborne capability needed for developmental test and evaluation (DT&E;) and operational test and evaluation (OT&E;). Low and high altitude supersonic flight profiles can be accommodated over land and water ranges from surface to unlimited altitude. Highly instrumented land test areas, along with access to overwater areas provide for full aircraft/avionics/weapon integration and subsystem testing. Range capabilities include radar, telemetry, radio, television, and timing instrumentation. These elements are controlled from Ridley Mission Control Center (RMCC) and can be modified and adjusted to meet test requirements. The EFTR encompasses some 1575 square statute miles of restricted airspace designated R-2515. Contained within R-2515 are two range areas designated Precision Impact Range Areas (PIRAs). The PIRA was established for the conduct of air-to-ground gunnery, precision bombing (PB) tests, photo resolution, spin testing, aerial decelerator tests, and other tests requiring precision instrumentation. The range is located in the southeast portion of the Edward's reservation and covers approximately 75 square miles. Supersonic approaches to the PIRA below 15,000-feet MSL are restricted to the Alpha Corridor (west to east) only. The PIRA is subdivided into the West Range, the East Range and the PB-6 Range. Each range can be scheduled individually, or in conjunction with one another, dependent upon mission requirements.
Materials
Materials in CA →Aeroheat Test Facility
China Lake, CA
Engine testing. Connected pipe and semi-freejet tests of ramjet combustors and engines are performed at flight conditions. Liquid- and solid-fueled ramjet engines to 20-inch diameter can be tested. Pulse detonation engines in single or multiple configurations can be tested at flight conditions.
Controlled Suspension Test Flume
Port Hueneme, CA
The CSTF is a 170,000 gallon, 23868 square foot, facility designed to create a uniform 0.5 knot, three foot deep current. Two large electric motor driven pumps circulate water through an assortment of pipes, cones, diverter and perforation plates. Three access ladders and two crosswalks that span the width of the tank provide over-the-water working space to assist in testing and observation. The CSTF has provisions for testing a maximum of 32 cables with actual testing lengths of 41, 36, 31, or 26 feet dependent upon cable configuration in the tank.
Hydraulics Laboratory
Port Hueneme, CA
The Seawater/Water Hydraulic Test Table represents a capability to test and evaluate hydraulic components up to 50 hp. The test table, modular in construction, is designed as a sturdy platform on which testing of seawater and water hydraulic components (pumps, motors, cylinders, and valves) can be conducted. The system can be operated using either freshwater or seawater as the test fluid. A subsystem of the test table is the Seawater Hydraulic Blue Power Source which is designed to supply a regulated flow of high pressure water or seawater.
Linear Cable Engine
Port Hueneme, CA
The onboard hydraulic power unit (HPU) consisting of a 100-hp electric motor coupled to main and auxiliary variable displacement type hydraulic pumps drives the LCE. The remote master control panel is housed in a fiberglass cabin that may be positioned so as to provide the operator with the best and safest working view. The cabin is shipped along with the ISO-compatible LCE. The LCE’s electrical and hydraulic components are protected by removable columns and side panels. The LCE requires inputs of 4440 V, 3-phase, 60-Hz electrical power with 100-amp service and uses fresh or salt water as coolant.
Materials Engineering Laboratory
China Lake, CA
Engineers address technology deficiencies. Facilities include a state-of-the-art engineering laboratory and current material databases. Engineers support the composites fabrication facility and they also determine the adequacy of materials for flight clearances and aircraft modifications, provide consulting services representation on technical committees, and contract monitoring services in areas of expertise. Special emphasis is placed on providing materials adequacy support for weapons, subscale targets and stores.
Tensile Strength Test Facility
Edwards AFB, CA
Computer Systems
Computer Systems in CA →EA-6B Electronic Attack Lab (EAL)
Point Mugu, CA
IBAR—Integrated Battlespace Arena
China Lake, CA
IBAR is interconnected by multiple-fiber-optic cabling. Using the asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) transmission and switching technique, these cables carry 155 megabytes per second per fiber—which will eventually increase to 644 megabytes per second. The flexibility of ATM allows simultaneous high-bandwidth transmission of different information types, such as voice, video and data. Because the network is reconfigurable through software, virtual networks can be built and unbuilt online to suit any desired purpose of consolidation or isolation of capabilities. The system is reliable and is security cleared to the Secret level (and that level can be raised with additional encryption).
Icing/Refueling Complex
Edwards AFB, CA
Installation Life Cycle Management (ILM) Systems Development and Engineering
Port Hueneme, CA
Interoperability Test and Experimentation Complex (ITEC)
Point Mugu, CA
Software Engineering Automation (SEA) Center
Monterey, CA
The SEA Center assembles world-renowned faculty with a strong blend of industry and academic expertise, experienced military officers and government civilian students. Together with top world academic institutions, industry and DoD organizations, they address DoD Software Engineering needs, primarily in the following activities:
Electronic Warfare
Electronic Warfare in CA →Acquisition and Logistics Management
Seal Beach, CA
The Acquisition and Logistics Management Branch provides a full range of management and technical services for General Purpose Electronic Test Equipment (GPETE), Mechanical Instrumentation, Calibration Standards and Spare Parts.
Air Force Electronic Warfare Evaluation Simulator
Edwards AFB, CA
Testing is conducted at actual frequencies, in real-time, and incorporates hostile effects in a dense radar and infrared environment. This provides an effectiveness evaluation of radar warning receivers, radio frequency and infrared jammers, chaff, flares, towed decoys, evasive maneuvers and combinations of these EC systems and techniques.
Electronic Warfare Directorate
Edwards AFB, CA
The Electronic Warfare Directorate has full electronic warfare test and evaluation capabilities to meet mission-specific requirements. Extensive test facilities include the Test and Evaluation Modeling and Simulation facility, systems integration laboratories for software test and integration, hardware-in-the-loop facilities to evaluate the effectiveness of EW systems and tactics, and installed systems test facilities, such as the Benefield Anechoic Facility. Open air ranges, flight test and measurement facilities provide antenna performance and aircraft radio frequency and infrared signature test and evaluation capabilities.
EW Flight Test Ranges
Edwards AFB, CA
The electronic warfare flight test ranges – Electronic Combat Range and Nellis Range Complex – are instrumented and populated with high-fidelity, manned or unmanned threat simulators. Additional emitter-only threat simulators are used to provide high signal density, typical of operational electronic warfare environments.
Test and Evaluation Modeling and Simulation
Edwards AFB, CA
The DIADS at TEMS, will provide a hardware-in-the-loop capability for evaluating operational effectiveness of electronic combat components in a real-time simulated enemy integrated air defense systems (IADS) environment. DIADS is the follow-on core simulation system of the Real-time Electromagnetic Digitally Controlled Analyzer Processor (REDCAP) facility which was previously located in Buffalo, New York. The new DIADS facility at Edwards will incorporate the hardware-in-the-loop subsystems previously located at REDCAP. The hardware-in-the-loop subsystems allow man-in-the-loop operations within the IADS command and control structure.
Ordnance
Ordnance in CA →Aerial and Surface Targets Complex
Point Mugu, CA
We provide operational and engineering support to Navy target users and providers worldwide.The Complex uses land-based launch sites at Point Mugu and San Nicholas Island, California, both of which are on the Sea Test Range; and land-based sites at China Lake, California, on the Electronic Combat Ranges. We provide air launch support with NWTS Pt. Mugu DC-130 and QF-4 aircraft. The Aerial Target Launch Ship (ATLS) is used for seaborne launches. These assets provide the target capability for airborne or seaborne launches to be deployed in support of Fleet operations or weapon system development. The Complex provides aerial and surface target operational support throughout the threat envelope, as well as auxiliary and augmentation systems that enhance target threat replicability. We can also provide our deployable target control system to present the BQM-74 aerial target anywhere worldwide–shipboard or land based.
Materials Sciences & Engineering Test
Seal Beach, CA
The Materials Sciences and Engineering Test Branch provides testing expertise in support of the Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs and other DoD conventional and nuclear weapon systems in the areas of Chemistry Analysis , Materials Analyses, Environmental Simulation, Ordnance Testing, RF and Electrical Testing, NDT Testing. Test and analytical services include: chemistry testing of ordnance materials and Cal EPA hazardous waste identification, physical properties testing of material, failure analysis investigations, vibration, temperature and humidity testing (MIL-STD 810-E), functional testing of electro-explosives (one of a kind test apparatus), RF testing (anechoic chamber 400mhz to 9 ghz, and certified for EMI testing), and ATE electrical testing of component (and bench testing). Sponsors include Strategic Systems Programs, Defense Construction Supply Center, Columbus, OH , Marine Corps, Army, NAVSEA, and NAVAIR.
Ordnance and Propulsion Laboratories
China Lake, CA
Under the aegis of the Naval Air Systems Command, the Ordnance and Propulsion Laboratories represent the U.S. Navy's most comprehensive and unique center for research and development of missile propulsion, ordnance, and fuzing. The Ordnance and Propulsion Laboratories provide a one-stop shop for propulsion and ordnance: from the synthesis of ingredients for propellant and explosives to their incorporation into weapons systems; from design of warheads, bombs, fuzes, and rocket motors to their implementation in the Fleet; and from computer analysis to demil.
Ordnance Facilities Development and Engineering
Port Hueneme, CA
Supersonic Naval Ordnance Research Track (SNORT)
China Lake, CA
Overview. The SNORT facility serves government and industry by providing a high speed testing capability under reliable and controlled dynamic conditions. SNORT combines many of the advantages of laboratory testing with the dynamic conditions of free-flight testing, and also provides the option of test-item recovery for post-test examination or retesting. The G-4 terminal and ballistics test track operates as a backup. Range personnel can perform complete track-test programs from carriage design and fabrication through
Propulsion
Propulsion in CA →Air-breathing Propulsion Research Facility
China Lake, CA
Overview. The Air-breathing Propulsion Research Laboratory is a facility suited for the research and development testing of air-breathing engines, liquid rocket engines, and solid rocket motor propulsion systems and subcomponents.
Aircraft Horizontal Thrust Measurement Facility
Edwards AFB, CA
This facility is designed to support the DoD mission by providing unique air vehicle installed engine performance (thrust output) measurements. This system consists of four thrust measurement platforms designed to support any size aircraft. This facility also supports other government agencies and civilian aircraft testing. Four electronic thrust measuring platforms with a range of 0-100,000 pounds thrust each calibrated to 0 +/- 0.1 percent actual thrust
Instrumented Propulsion Complex
Edwards AFB, CA
This unique capability allows all engine parameters to be checked and updated at a rate of 3.7 megabytes per second. This facility has four independent sound suppression test cells, each rated to 50,000 pounds of thrust. One test cell incorporates the T-9 test adapter. This facility can test jet engines for B-1, B-2, F-15, F-16, T-38 T-39, KC/EC-135, and other aircraft. An advantage of this unique Test Cell is it's completely automatic, delivering a high quality product in less time than manual testing. An unlimited range of engine repair and inspection capability is offered by maintenance.
Skytop Propulsion Complex
China Lake, CA
Turbopropulsion Laboratory and Gas Dynamics Laboratory
Monterey, CA
The Turbopropulsion Laboratory (TPL) and Gas Dynamics Laboratory (GDL) possess a unique set of facilities which are used in teaching and research related to air-breathing propulsion, space propulsion and turbomachinery. The research activities are supported by the U.S. Navy, NASA and industry.
Training & Education
Training & Education in CA →Air Traffic Control (Airspace)
Edwards AFB, CA
Approximately 16,000 square miles of the R-2508 Complex is jointly managed by the R-2508 Joint Policy and Planning Board (JPPB) which consists of the Commanders of these major facilities. The ranges, facilities, and airspace of each of these agencies is available and within easy flying distance to the other agencies. Additionally, the airspace is used by all branches of the DoD to meet their particular test and training needs.
Designated Spin Areas
Edwards AFB, CA
There are four designated spin areas on the Edwards Flight Test Range used for obtaining aircraft spin data, evaluating aircraft performance during high angle-of-attack maneuvers, spin chute testing and test pilot instruction concerning various spinning methods and recovery techniques.
Instrumented Routes
Edwards AFB, CA
It then proceeds north through China Lake Ranges and exits R-2508 at the northeast corner. The route then transitions through the Nellis and Tonapah Test Ranges, and proceeds north into the Dugway Proving Ground and Utah Test and Training Ranges to various targeting areas for terminal impacts. The IR-200 corridor covers approximately 600 nautical miles. The entire route is surveyed and can be scheduled for entry or exit at designated waypoints.
USAF Test Pilot School
Edwards AFB, CA
The TPS mission is to educate and train test pilots, navigators, and engineers to fully test and evaluate aerospace vehicles and their systems. TPS graduates yield technical information on the suitability and performance of subsystems, and determine: flight characteristics, performance, stability and control, and mission capability. TPS is a center of expertise for Air Force flight test theory and techniques, and helps Air Force agencies update military specifications and flight test standards. TPS gives school and flight test center professionals the opportunity to exchange ideas and information.
Communications
Communications in CA →Audio Visual Center
Edwards AFB, CA
The Center is housed in a modern audiovisual facility. Features include a backup generator with an uninterrupted power supply battery backup, modern environmental system to handle waste photographic chemicals, potential to recirculate the wash water from each still photographic and motion picture processor, processing of classified video and electronic graphic up to top secret/SAR, controlled access to the production areas through a card key system, separate classified area for still photographic printing and processing and a theater cleared up to secret SAR briefings.
EA-6B Electronic Attack Lab (EAL)
China Lake, CA
The lab develops and tests radar receivers/jammers, communication receivers/jammers, satellite communication systems, datalinks, and threat databases. The EA-6B is a unique, high-demand low-volume (HDLV) national asset that provides electronic attack for the Navy, Marines, and Air Force. We continuously improve the EA-6B through upgrades to the Operational Flight Programs (OFPs) and also provide support to engineering upgrades to weapons capabilities.
Fiber Optic Backbone Network
Edwards AFB, CA
The FOBN currently supports DS-3, DS-1, POTS, FDDI, Video, Frame Rely, X.25, DDS, Ethernet, and Telemetry (2-3 megabit data rates). The FOBN supports the Edwards Local Area Network (ELAN) system, which is in turn connected to the Defense Research and Engineering Network (DREN), global Internet, VCS network, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base network, Hill Air Force Base network, China Lake Naval Weapons Center network, McDonnell Douglas Corporate Network, MILNET, AFNET, and the Commercial Internet Exchange. The FOBN is also interfaced to the commercial telephone carriers such that any service offered by the commercial carriers is available via the FOBN.
Ridley Mission Control Center
Edwards AFB, CA
Ridley Mission Control Center (RMCC) is used as the command and control center for all flight test missions at the Air Force Flight Test Center. Aircraft ground tests, flight tests in the local area, or flight tests at distant test ranges can be monitored in any of RMCC's seven mission control rooms. The focus of RMCC activities is on real-time collection and display of flight test information, but pretest planning and preparation, and postmission data processing and analysis are also performed here. The following systems and capabilities in RMCC are used to support the AFFTC's mission:
Physics, Physical Science
Physics, Physical Science in CA →Mobile IR Test Facilities
Point Mugu, CA
We enjoy close working relationships with the test ranges at Point Mugu and China Lake, as well as the Foreign Military Exploitation (FME) community.
Plume Measurement Facility (PMF)
China Lake, CA
Stores, Weight and Inertial System Facility
Edwards AFB, CA
This facility provides stores weight, center of gravity, and inertia measurements in support of weapon/aircraft compatibility testing. System provides store weight from 0-4000 pounds to an accuracy of +/- 1 pound, stores center of gravity to within .25 inch, and store inertia to within 4 slug feet squared. The system will accept standard 16-inch and 30-inch lug mounts. Provisions are available to support nonstandard configurations as well.
Test Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment Laboratory
Edwards AFB, CA
Specialized facilities in the Test Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment Laboratory include a 68-degree dimensional room for dimensional measurements of highly accurate dimensional test, measurement, and diagnostic equipment; Radioactivity Detection Indication and Computation (RADIAC) Equipment calibration room for the calibration of radioactive test equipment; F-16 Type IV Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory (PMEL) for the calibration of F-16 specific support equipment; and F-15 Type IV PMEL for the calibration of F-15 specific support equipment.
Ocean & Atmosphere
Ocean & Atmosphere in CA →Deep Ocean Simulation Facility
Port Hueneme, CA
The Deep Ocean Simulation Facility (DOSF) contains state-of-the art pressure vessels and support equipment to simulate the pressure and temperature of the deep ocean environment. Deep ocean tests may be conducted statically or under operational conditions by using penetrations for electricity, hydraulics, or instrumentation.
Sea Range
Point Mugu, CA
The Sea Range has the open-ocean, undersea, and over-water environments required for complete naval warfare systems T&E; and Fleet support. Centered at Point Mugu, California, the Sea Range is fully instrumented over its 36,000 square miles, providing an expansive environment to safely conduct air-, surface-, and subsurface-launched weapon tests. Instrumented coverage can be expanded to 125,000 square miles.
Seafloor Plow Test Fixture
Port Hueneme, CA
The Seafloor Plow Test Fixture consists of an indoor tank to mechanically test implements, such as seafloor plows, in selected test-bed soils (e.g. sands, silts, and gravels). Test bed soils are normally in the condition of being fully saturated with water. The tank size is 300 gallons. The SPTF is equipped with sand cone density gages, WES cone penetrometers, and gear to facilitate soil jetting (i.e. Hydraulic Power Unit, tow cables, air compressor).
Human Systems
Human Systems in CA →Human Factors Laboratory
Edwards AFB, CA
Hyperbaric and Diving Facilities
Port Hueneme, CA
The Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center (NFESC) Hyperbarics and Diving Systems product line is the Navy's "Center of Expertise" for all shore-based diving related activities. Based out of the East Coast Detachment of NFESC at the Historical Washington Navy Yard, we provide all of the acquisition services for all shore-based diving related activities including:
Parachute Range Facilities
China Lake, CA
Overview. More than two decades ago, NAVAIR WD became renowned for our unparalleled expertise in the development and testing of parachute systems. If it uses a parachute, we've probably tested it! Our goal: To keep our Fleet alive! We have expertise in escape system design including concept definition, component level design, producibility, manufacturing, quality assurance and testing, and air vehicle recovery and weapon retardation.
Optics
Optics in CA →Mobile IR Test Facilities
China Lake, CA
The Mobile IR Test Facilities consist of the Infrared Evaluation Van (IRSEV), the Mobile IR Measurement Lab, the IR Instrumentation Trailers, the Airborne Turret Infrared Measurement System (ATIMS), and the Tiger airborne instrumentation pod. NAVAIR WD also provides test management support for IR live fire programs and a clean room for support of test equipment.
Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) Complex
Edwards AFB, CA
Specialize in use of optical penetrant Joint Oil Analysis Program (JOAP), magnetic particle, ultrasonic, eddy current, and radiographic nondestructive inspection techniques to evaluate the condition of structural components. The complex supports 13 different weapons systems at the Air Force Flight Test Center, as well as aircraft at Vandenberg Air Force Base, China Lake Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, NASA, the Civilian Flight Test Center in Mojave, Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, Calif., and commercial companies not associated with the DoD. Real-time radiology is available to inspect thin structure and composite components without the use of X-ray film. Results can be recorded on three-fourths inch videotape.
Optics and Laser Research Facility
China Lake, CA