SIG MMG 338 Program Series

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Proving Credibility: 91st Missile Wing Completes Simulated Test Launch

Thursday, October 10th, 2024

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. —  

The 91st Missile Wing successfully performed its biennial Simulated Electronic Launch Minuteman (SELM) test, the first phase of testing for the Minuteman III, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, on September 17th and 18th, 2024.

“This year’s SELM, named OPERATION GIANT PACE 24-2M, was conducted to evaluate the readiness and reliability of the MMIII ICBM system,” said 1st Lt. Ivan Cruz, 91MW Maintenance Group executive officer. “Although operational test launches are executed frequently at Vandenberg Space Force Base, SELM allows the Air Force to test critical processes in a deployed environment without firing the missile.”

This evaluation is an end-to-end test that is used to verify the reliability of the MMIII ICBM system’s ability to launch if given the command from a Launch Facility (LF), a Launch Control Center (LCC), or an Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS).

“This year we tested four LFs and two LCCs, with assistance from the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron, to test a new flight track of the E-6B Mercury,” said Cruz.

Before the test launch order can be given, more than 1,500 hours are committed to ensure all safety measures are met. For the SELM test, the maintenance crews and operators replaced the operational components with test components and isolated the LFs from the rest of the operational squadron to form a test squadron. This allows the test to be conducted safely without affecting an operational missile site while the testing missile crew members use real commands.

“Due to the ever-growing age of our weapon system, showing that it can complete its mission when asked is important for us in gathering analytical data, and show we are capable of assuring our allies and deterring our adversaries,” said 1st Lt. Alex Mathews, 740th Missile Squadron missileer.

Once the preparation phase was concluded, the SELM test began. The teams tested their ability as combat crews to launch from not only the LCC but from an ALCS aboard a Navy E-6B Mercury aircraft, which is capable of remotely launching the fleet of MMIII ICBMs.

Many agencies are involved in safety, like the missile maintenance team and electronic mechanical team, who ensure the numerous safety procedures are complete prior to testing. The 91MW’s crisis action team then confirms that all sites are in a safe configuration before the simulated launch, Cruz said.

When all of these tasks have been completed a last-look inspection is done by SELM Quality Assurance personnel to verify the proper configuration of the test LF and LCCs.

After the safety of each site was confirmed, test commands were sent from isolated test LCCs and the airborne ALCS. Missile commands were transmitted to the isolated SELM test squadron to evaluate everything from routine activities all the way up to the first stage ignition of the MMIII.

“The credibility of the 91st MW lies in our Airmen and the weapon system we maintain and operate. We train daily for our mission, and SELM allows us to demonstrate the standard of upkeep provided by our maintainers, and the expertise of missileers tasked with executing our mission,” said Mathews.

The most important aspect of any weapon system is to demonstrate its reliability through extensive scheduled and routine testing. With the SELM test complete the second and final phase of testing can be completed. This second phase of testing will see a live launch of unarmed MMIII at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. This rigorous testing allows the 91MW, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force to provide a demonstration of combat capability without compromising safety.

By Senior Airman Alexander Nottingham, 5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

Submissions Open for Thunder Dome 2025 Innovation Competition

Saturday, October 5th, 2024

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Are you an Air Commando with an innovative idea that gets after strategic competition but need funding? If so, now is your chance to submit your idea for the opportunity to receive capital. The submission window is now open for AFSOC’s innovation competition known as Thunder Dome. All submissions received by November 27, 2024, will be considered.

This competition is open to any member within the command and ideas can be submitted at gain.il4.afwerx.dso.mil/usaf/afsoc-ci2/overview, which is a CAC only enabled site.

Finalists will be selected based on multiple factors including impact on readiness/advantage, alignment with AFSOC strategy, and feasibility of execution. Finalists will present their ideas on January 9, 2025 for the chance to receive funding to further develop their innovative solutions. 

The first ever Thunder Dome was held in July and resulted in six projects receiving funding. By empowering Air Commandos through events like Thunder Dome, AFSOC can continue its ethos of grassroots innovation and rapidly pathfind concepts and capabilities to win in strategic competition.

– Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

USAF Units of Action: Combat Wings, Air Base Wings, Institutional Wings Defined

Saturday, September 28th, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —
The Department of the Air Force implementation of a new construct that will evolve wings into cohesive Units of Action by separating into Combat Wings, Air Base Wings and Institutional Wings will be a phased approach, starting no later than the summer of 2025.

The new concept will create several organizations capable of conducting deployed combat operations, as well as base defense. Under this future construct, base, institutional and combat missions will transition into distinct organizations – called Institutional Wings and Combat Wings – each with separate commanders.

Air Force combat wings will be structured as mission-ready Units of Action and will have all the necessary elements stationed together at the same installation where they can train together on a day-to-day basis.

Deployable Combat Wings will evolve to deploy as fully trained teams and will replace the Expeditionary Air Base and Air Task Force models previously announced in Sept. 2023.

Combat Wings will focus on mission-level warfighting readiness, supported by Air Base Wings who are focused on power projection platform readiness (the installation).

Institutional wings will continue to provide support and capabilities essential to the organize, train and equip requirements of the U.S. Air Force.

The goal is 24 Deployable Combat Wings fielded to meet the Air Force’s rotational demands and provide depth for emerging crises – 16 Active Duty and 8 Reserve Component Wings.

The phased implementation approach includes:
Establishing Air Base Wings at installations that host Combat Wings and/or Institutional Wings with supported/supporting relationship.

Establish the deployable variant of the combat wing: the Deployable Combat Wing. Each DCW will have a redesigned concept of support for GPC schemes of maneuver, including Agile Combat Employment, to ensure the wings are prepared to execute their wartime functions and missions with assigned Airmen and units.

The Air Force will begin deliberately implementing Combat Wings, Air Base Wings and Institutional Wings across the force as early as summer 2025. The first Combat Wings should be ready to deploy elements by late 2026 (FY27).

Evolution from XAB to ATF to CW

In 2023, the Air Force established the Expeditionary Air Base (XAB) as an initial force presentation model in its transition from Air Expeditionary Wings to a future force presentation model. The Air Force has been deploying Airmen under the XAB construct since the fall of 2023 and will continue to do so in the coming years.

The first Air Task Forces entered the AFFORGEN cycle during the reset phase in summer 2024 and will become deployment ready in the fall of 2025. These initial ATFs will replace some of the XABs as the US Air Force’s deployable unit of action.

During this pilot period, the Air Force will deploy Airmen using both the XAB and ATF force presentation models. Concurrently, the Combat Wing, Air Base Wing and Institutional Wing phased approach will begin. Combat Wings will replace ATFs and XABs.

DAF Public Affairs

Cannon AFB First to Test New AFSOC Combat Readiness Inspection

Tuesday, September 24th, 2024

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. —  

The 27th Special Operations Wing conducted its first Combat Readiness Inspection as a part of Emerald Warrior 24 FTX II in various locations throughout the western United States, Aug. 4 to Aug. 9, 2024.

The CRI is a new Air Force Special Operations Command assessment method designed to better evaluate a wing’s combat readiness for high-end operations. AFSOC’s pivot toward Great Power Competition requires its units to be pushed to their limits, encouraging them to boldly take risks and try new tactics and techniques. The CRI provides units the “freedom to fail” in a controlled exercise environment, ensuring any failures are viewed as opportunities for learning and growth, rather than punishments or setbacks.

A key element of the CRI is focusing on the performance of mission-essential tasks in a robust threat environment, helping units better prepare for the complexities inherent to real-world operations against pacing challenges.

“Overall, the 27th Special Operations Wing set the benchmark for the future of Combat Readiness Inspections” said Lt. Gen. Mike Conley, AFSOC commander. “The goal for this event was never perfection.  We wanted the Wing to be all in, face tough challenges, discover areas for improvement, and work together to problem solve for the future…and they did just that.   The CRI was a true reflection of AFSOC culture – a willingness to take on challenges that others may shy away from, even when success isn’t guaranteed. This mindset is key as we learn, grow, and continuously improve our readiness for current and future conflicts.”

The 27th SOW implemented the CRI as a part of an already existing high-end readiness exercise, Emerald Warrior, to identify opportunities for improvement, innovate training approaches and align its programs with the latest advancements in technology, tactics and strategic objectives.

The CRI brought U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Stephen Davis, Department of the Air Force Inspector General, to Cannon AFB to observe AFSOC’s premier readiness wing execute the CRI. While at Cannon AFB, Davis attended several battle staff events to ensure the inspection was as realistic as possible, highlighting the focus on combat readiness and accurately assessing the readiness required to succeed against pacing challenges across the spectrum of competition, including conflict.

“We were the first to do this new type of exercise, pathfinding for AFSOC,” said Col. Cary Mittelmark, 27th SOW deputy commander for operations. “We were able to validate some of the Agile Combat Employment concepts that AFSOC has been working hard at for the last couple years.”

During the CRI, inspectors evaluated the capabilities of a 27th SOW Special Operations Task Group, comprised of multiple aviation, Special Tactics and Mission Sustainment Team Special Operations Task Units.

Throughout the inspection, the 27th SOW MST established and secured one primary forward operating base and two geographically separated forward operating locations across Idaho and Nevada, sustaining 200 personnel while providing the placement, access and survivability required to conduct a variety of air and ground operations.

After a base of operations was established, Special Tactics Airmen from the 24th Special Operations Wing worked with the 27th SOW MST, AC-130JGhostrider, MC-130J Commando II and U-28 Draco crews to execute a variety of AFSOC core missions, including SOF mobility, strike Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and air to ground integration. 

Prioritizing readiness based on overall mission effectiveness rather than functional competence will ensure AFSOC’s continued ability to rapidly project unconventional airpower for the joint force globally, a task The Steadfast Line executes day-in and day-out.

Throughout the inspection, the 27th SOW MST established and secured one primary forward operating base and two geographically separated forward operating locations across Idaho and Nevada, sustaining 200 personnel while providing the placement, access and survivability required to conduct a variety of air and ground operations.

After a base of operations was established, Special Tactics Airmen from the 24th Special Operations Wing worked with the 27th SOW MST, AC-130JGhostrider, MC-130J Commando II and U-28 Draco crews to execute a variety of AFSOC core missions, including SOF mobility, strike Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and air to ground integration. 

Prioritizing readiness based on overall mission effectiveness rather than functional competence will ensure AFSOC’s continued ability to rapidly project unconventional airpower for the joint force globally, a task The Steadfast Line executes day-in and day-out.

By Staff Sergeant Kevin Williams

27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

Eonix Awarded Air Force Phase II STTR to Unlock Next-Gen Warfare with Scalable Ultra-High-Power Batteries

Monday, September 23rd, 2024

Leveraging the ATLAS platform, Eonix will accelerate battery materials discovery focused on powering Directed Energy, C-sUAS, and e-VTOL systems

Knoxville,TN — [Sept 18th, 2024] — Eonix, a pioneer in next-generation battery technology, has been selected by AFWERX for a PHASE II STTR contract with the University of Tennessee Tickle College of Engineering in the amount of $1.7M focused on ultra-high-power batteries for directed energy, counter drone swarms, and e-VTOL systems. The funds will be used to design high conductivity electrolytes that are drop-in compatible with batteries manufactured today and meet the ambitious DoD energy storage targets for next gen platforms.

“New technologies like Directed Energy, Counter Small Unmanned Aircraft (C-sUAS), and electric Vertical Take Off Landing (e-VTOL) Systems promise to transform modern air defense systems by offering cost-effective engagement, enhanced base resiliency, and advanced surveillance and attack capabilities,” said Eonix Founder Don Derosa. “Our ATLAS materials discovery platform will design a next generation battery chemistry that improves power density, discharge rate, and operational temperature…thus powering the Air Force to respond to a rapid evolution of aerial threats.”

Eonix is revolutionizing battery product development, leveraging their ATLAS platform which is 40x faster and 15x lower cost than traditional R&D methods. This groundbreaking platform, previously harnessed for projects backed by Army/DOE/NSF/Air Force, pairs real-time measurement of material behavior in batteries with quantum mechanics simulations to train AI models, significantly accelerating materials discovery. These models predict material performance and suggest novel material candidates, marking a significant leap forward in the quest for next-gen energy storage solutions.

The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded and now on Eonix will start its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.

goTenna awarded $15M AFWERX STRATFI SBIR Contract for Air Force CoTS Connectivity

Saturday, September 21st, 2024

AFWERX selects goTenna for a Small Business Innovation Research contract to develop CoTS capabilities to enable communications connectivity solutions for the U.S Air Force.

JERSEY CITY, NJ (September 16, 2024) – goTenna, the world’s leading mobile mesh networking company, was awarded $15M through the Air Force’s Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) Program to provide enhanced Commercial Off-The-Shelf (CoTS) mesh capabilities. This award allows goTenna to develop and enhance the company’s already robust ecosystem of integrated, industry-leading CoTS communication equipment that enables connectivity in peacetime and wartime environments. goTenna’s solutions will directly contribute to the Department of the Air Force’s (DAF) Strategic Need for Resilient Information Sharing through hardware and software over mobile ad-hoc mesh networks. goTenna’s technology will increase coordination across all Joint Force assets and partner forces through assured communications and shared situational awareness. 

STRATFI is a joint initiative by AFWERX and SpaceWERX designed to assist Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) projects in bridging the challenging gap between development and full production. By providing a multi-year infusion of funds, this effort enables small businesses to attract necessary investors and continue their research and development efforts as they progress towards full-scale capability.

“This contract will enable goTenna to further optimize our commercial off the shelf mesh radio capabilities to better support Air Force and Department of Defense missions,” said goTenna CEO Ari Schuler. “The AFWERX program has been a critical driver for advancing goTenna’s support for the warfighter, and the STRATFI program is ideal for enabling small businesses to successfully transition new capabilities to market. We appreciate the amazing support of our end users in the special warfare community, the Hanscom Air Force base contracting activity, and the STRATFI program office in advancing critical communications capabilities for the US government.” 

In addition to the STRATFI contract award, goTenna announced an investment by Vanedge Capital in goTenna’s ongoing Series 1 fundraise. Vanedge is an early-stage venture fund that invests in companies building foundational new technologies with transformational potential, focusing on disruptive hardtech platforms, analytics, and AI.

“goTenna’s resilient mesh networking technology solves vital connectivity challenges for the most demanding customers in the world, and has already proven its worth in critical operations,” said Moe Kermani, Managing Partner at Vanedge Capital. “We’ve been extremely impressed by Ari and the entire goTenna team, and are confident that their relentless focus on their customers’ missions will lead to more growth and greater success.” 

AFSOC Commander Addresses Balancing Current and Future Requirements at AFA

Wednesday, September 18th, 2024

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. – Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, commander Air Force Special Operations Command, shared his outlook on balancing current operational success and future requirements in the face of Great Power Competition during the Air and Space Force Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference panel here Sept 16. 

“It is an exciting time to be in AFSOC, we are leaning very hard into future capabilities figuring out what our role is in a future fight but we do not have the luxury of just looking to the future we also have to make sure the men and women we send down range are ready to go,” said Conley.

Conley joined Lt. Gen. Adrian Spain, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Air Force for Operations and Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess, Commander, U.S. Space Forces – Space and Combined Joint Force Space Component Commander for the Wars We’re Fighting panel.

On any given day AFSOC has approximately 1,000 deployed Air Commandos worldwide conducting operations, training and joint exercises. As an early adopter, AFSOC is completing its first 2-year Force Generation cycle, which has streamlined how Air Commandos are presented to the Joint Force.

“Force generation has proven to be a win for AFSOC,” said Conley. “It has really helped our ability to clearly explain the forces we have available to go out the door and support [the Joint Force], what we have in reserve, and what the risks are of reaching into that reserve force.”

Articulating capacity and risk while maintaining crisis response capabilities requires Air Commandos who understand the threats and are disciplined, adaptable, and ready to answer the Nation’s call.

“People are the thing I need more of – not just people, but the right people. We need problem solvers; we need thinkers, and it takes a while to build up a special operator to go downrange,” said Conley.

Current and future Air Commandos provide the Joint Force with placement and access in strategic locations, however when looking at Great Power Competition Conley says AFSOC needs to better to connect with other Air Force MAJCOMs like Pacific Air Forces and U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa to provide SOF unique capabilities.

“I am challenging my team to be better at being the Air Force’s SOF component, so I want to be able to reach out to Gen Hecker (USAFE-AFAFRICA Commander) or Gen Schneider (PACAF Commander) and say how can AFSOC help you with some of your tough problems because I think in Great Power Competition we are going to need to be better integrated so now is the time to start moving out in that direction.”

In the face of Great Power Competition, AFSOC is striving to provide SOF unique capabilities, deter challengers and ensure success should deterrence fail.

– Courtesy of AFSOC

GA-ASI Displays Future of Uncrewed Airpower at AFA ASC 2024

Tuesday, September 17th, 2024

Air Force Conference Will Feature Actual XQ-67A OBSS and Full-Scale CCA Model

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD – 16 September 2024– Are you ready to see the future of uncrewed air power? General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) announces major displays during the Air Force Association’s (AFA) Air, Space & Cyber Conference, Sept. 16–18, 2024. During the show, just outside Washington, D.C., GA-ASI will exhibit:

• The Air Force Research Laboratory’s XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station(OBSS) – the actual operational aircraftwill be parked for static display at GA-ASI’s booth #734.

• A full-scale model of GA-ASI’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), on display at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s booth #1834.

Journalists and other AFA conference attendees are encouraged to view these and other GA-ASI exhibits to get the latest on how the company’s leadership in aircraft hardware, autonomy software, and other cutting-edge capabilities make it the strongest contender to build the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) for the U.S. and its allies.

OBSS

GA-ASI built the XQ-67A OBSS as part of an Air Force Research Laboratory effort. The aircraft flew for the first time in February 2024 and completed its initial round of flight testing in June. To demonstrate the maturity of its unmanned air-to-air platforms, GA-ASI engineers performed an Agile Combat deployment to the Gaylord Convention Center of the actual operational aircraft, using common commercial support equipment, to booth #734.

CCA

In addition, GA-ASI is showcasing a full-scale model of its CCA aircraft at booth #1834. In April, GA-ASI was selected to build a production CCA for the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. Large numbers of these highly capable autonomous warplanes will fly alongside, and well ahead of, legacy human-piloted fighters to enhance their sensing, networking, and combat capabilities.

“We’re excited to show our industry colleagues what the future force will look like,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander.