Battlelab technicians develop solutions for warfighters

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Melissa Koskovich
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho (AFPN) --  With sand whipping across your face and sweat dripping down your forehead, you squint through the scope at the enemy target.

"The third building on the left," you shout into the radio. A garbled transmission is returned. Closing your eyes, you take a deep breath and hope the pilot heard you. The explosion rings through the desert.

Developing smarter technology for warfighters on the front lines is the focus of the Air Warfare Battlelab. The 25-person think tank tackles problems by combining off-the-shelf technology with innovative ideas, in hopes of finding a lighter, leaner and more lethal way of accomplishing the mission.

The battlelab here is one of seven, Air Force wide. Since their creation in 1997, they have pushed to move ideas into the field quicker than traditional research and development programs allow.

“Our main focus is to improve how we fight and win wars,” said Col. Ernest Parrott, AWB commander. “We aim to help individuals who find themselves at the pointy end of the spear -- keeping them safe and making their jobs easier.”

Battlelab technicians from different Air Force specialties tackle problems, both large and small, with the goal of developing ideas or solutions within 18 months. Their diverse career backgrounds afford a creative environment giving them the ability to envision projects such as the stabilized portable optical target receiver.

“(The receiver), developed in an attempt to ensure weapons were truly hitting their mark, combines existing technology into a pair of binocular-like goggles. They allow ground forces to see laser signatures and ensure the correct targets are being painted by aircrews,” Colonel Parrott said. “After calling in air support to a target location, troops on scene can look through (the target receiver) and ensure the correct target is being engaged.”

Inventions like this are invaluable in preventing friendly fire incidents and ensuring the highest degree of accuracy in military strike operations, he said.

Other battlelab technology is also earning some limelight.

“Vein Viewer is another idea recently developed by our (team),” said John Marshall, battlelab team member. “This invention combines night-vision goggle technology with needs of medical patients in the field. It allows medics to literally see the vascular system thru the skin.”

This technology proves useful in both civilian and military applications, solving problems ranging from starting intravenous lines more easily to assisting medics during bumpy medical evacuation operations. Vein Viewer is currently being tested at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

With such a rapid turnaround, suggestions and new information on technology are always welcomed.

People interested in submitting ideas or technology for consideration can go online to www.mountainhome.af.mil/AWB.

“The problems brought to us are like puzzles,” Colonel Parrott said. “We have most of it put together, but sometimes we’re missing a piece. That piece is out there somewhere.”

As the ring of the explosion fades, you rise to your feet and wipe the gritty sweat from your brow. In front of you lay the ruins of the building, exactly as planned. The pilot heard you. You saw it; the laser signature dancing across the target. You breathe a sigh of relief, pack up your equipment and move on to the next location. Your mind is at ease. Thanks to battlelab technology, you are on the cutting edge.