Munitions complex coming to Eglin

The Air Force Research Laboratory facility, officially designated as the Advanced Munitions Technology Complex, will provide increased munitions research and test capabilities for the warfighter.

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FLA.  —
A groundbreaking ceremony was held here May 7 for a new $75 million munitions research complex.

The Air Force Research Laboratory facility, officially designated as the Advanced Munitions Technology Complex, will provide increased munitions research and test capabilities for the warfighter.

“The Advanced Munitions Technology Complex is not just a series of buildings. It’s a center that brings minds together to conceive of next-generation sophisticated ordnance technologies in an efficient way,” said Dr. Michael Lindsay, AFRL Technical Advisor, Energetic Material Branch.

Technologies developed at the AMTC aim to reduce the size of munitions without sacrificing weapon effects. The lighter munitions will allow next-generation aircraft, such as the F-22 and F-35, to carry more weapons in order to increase mission effectiveness.

The 52,625 square foot complex will be designed as a modern, collaborative research space providing scientists and engineers the ability to experiment with new explosive materials and integrate them into complex munition designs much more efficiently.

According to Lindsay, the facility will allow AFRL to develop an entire ordnance system simultaneously for the first time. Currently, ordnance systems are developed as individual components.

Integrating the process allows scientists and engineers to understand how each technology enhances the other, resulting in increased precision delivery while minimizing collateral damage.

“We need facilities that attract the best research talent and enable us to be agile and work efficiently and concurrently. That is why this groundbreaking is so important,” explained Lindsay.

The facility is scheduled to be completed by 2021.

Story by Jennifer Vollmer, Team Eglin Public Affairs

PHOTO (ABOVE): Base and Air Force Research Laboratory leadership participate in a groundbreaking ceremony for the Advanced Munitions Technology Complex May 7 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The new state-of-the-art research facility will provide modern test capability and replace much of the outdated 1960’s infrastructure. The complex is expected to be complete in 2021. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jennifer Vollmer)