Combined Test Force works best for the National Full Scale Aerodynamics Complex

  • Published
  • By Deidre Ortiz
  • AEDC/PA
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, TENN. --  Much like AEDC Hypervelocity Wind Tunnel 9 in White Oak, Md., the National Full-scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC) at Moffett Field, Calif., has always operated as a Combined Test Force (CTF).

"It's how we've been working all along," said Scott Waltermire, NFAC site director and CTF chief. "We have Air Force, Army and NASA personnel assigned here. So not only do government personnel work alongside contractors but they work with staff from other agencies as well."

Therefore, it's not unusual for government staff to be involved in the test process from start to finish, completing tasks as needed while operating as an integrated workforce.

"There have been times when contractor support is not available and so government personnel will stand watch during the test," he said. "Government personnel are also responsible for leading test director certification training."

Team members will often jump in and perform different tasks depending on where they're needed.

"An example is that our facility engineering group will oftentimes send people to support test planning by performing design or analysis." 

Waltermire mentioned NFAC has worked as a CTF and taken advantage of its various resources in part because it's offsite from the rest of the AEDC test facilities.

"Being so far away, using this type of operation has just been logical," he said. "I don't see any other way we could operate."

In addition, being located at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center, NFAC has established a partnership with NASA, receiving assistance from the organization when necessary.

"If a test requires, we go to our partners at Ames and work together with them to make sure the requirements are met," Waltermire said.

He added it's been beneficial having all these groups - contractor, DOD, government and other agencies - work together.

"The facility is completely integrated which allows us to stay mission focused."