New cyberspace test facility, munitions complex coming to Eglin

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The Air Force Civil Engineer Center leads the construction of $107 million in state-of-the-art facilities here.

The facilities will help the Air Force develop next-generation technologies and winning capabilities against security threats or technologically advanced adversaries.

The collaboration between AFCEC and the Mobile District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers successfully drove the award of two contracts for construction of the new cyberspace test facility and the advanced munitions complex here.

“The facilities will help the Air Force maintain a technology edge over our adversaries by developing and testing next-generation cutting-edge weapons,” said Col. Dave Norton, director of AFCEC’s Facility Engineering Directorate.

Both projects were awarded to Hensel Phelps, a large national contractor with vast experience performing military construction projects.

The advanced munitions technology complex is a two-phased project with phase one contracted in March 2019. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in May 2019.

This collaborative research workspace will house engineers and scientists as they develop and experiment with new, highly sophisticated munitions, powerful technologies and explosive materials for warfighters.

The development, considered a true national asset, will include eight facilities designed with the highest safety and security standards.

“The complex will deliver modernized infrastructure that enables safe and efficient research opportunities for next-generation munitions,” said Brian Schrage, AFCEC project manager.

The recent award of a $19 million contract is the second phase of the project in support of the Air Force Research Lab’s high explosive research and development of nano-explosives and advanced energetics.  The construction includes the build of six bunkers to accommodate the Complex for Agile Processing of Energetics as well as supporting roads and parking areas.

This multi-facility project is scheduled to be complete in mid 2022.

Meanwhile, construction of the cyberspace test group facility will deliver a new 52,000 square foot high-tech facility for the 96th Cyberspace Test Group to enhance critical developmental test and evaluation, training and exercise capabilities.  The building is designed to aid the Air Force with increased cybersecurity operations and capabilities.

“It will ensure the Air Force has technologically superior intelligence, communications surveillance and reconnaissance systems,” Schrage said.

The design features a multi-level secure area in addition to sound reduction and masking, anti-terrorism and fire protection systems.  The project will also include fire suppression systems, all utilities, pavements, communications, site improvements and associated support facilities.

Construction of the cyberspace test group facility is projected for completion in 2022.

Story by Mila Cisneros, AFIMSC Public Affairs