Test Science for Test and Evaluation

Description
The Test Science for Test and Evaluation (T&E) program supports basic research which will build the foundation for future revolutionary capabilities that address the identified needs of the T&E community. As new technologies emerge, the ability to test new capabilities as they are assimilated into applied R&D is a critical part of the development process. The Test Science for T&E program sponsors basic research in areas that enable such testing and areas that allow the correct and comprehensive interpretation of test results. Fast and effective Test Science and Test Engineering lead to: improved ability to identify problems, understand causes, and recommend solutions; reduced product development time; improved quality; improved performance; better acquisition program decisions; increased acquisition program flexibility; meeting schedule deadlines; reduce test-and-fix cycle costs; reaching or exceeding performance goals; and superior products. The current The Test Science for T&E program encompasses five broadly-defined, overlapping thrust areas: Hypersonics, Aeroelasticity and Aerodynamics, Sensors and Electromagnetics, Information and Data Management and Fusion, and Enabling Materials. The Program is closely aligned with many other AFOSR program interests, but with special emphasis on aspects of basic research that lead to revolutionary advances in areas such as metrology and test science.

Basic Research Objectives
The Test Science for T&E program is closely engaged with technical experts at the Air Force Test Center (AFTC) organizations located at Edwards, Arnold, and Eglin Air Force Bases, who help advise the program on basic research objectives. Basic research in areas that advance the science of testing is broadly defined and spans mathematics as well as most disciplines in engineering and the physical sciences. Areas include:

• Novel measurement techniques, materials, and instruments that enable accurate, rapid, and reliable test data collection of physical, chemical, mechanical, and flow parameters in extreme environments, such as those encountered during transonic flight, hypersonic flight, and the terminal portion of weapons engagement
• Accurate, fast, robust, integratable models of the aforementioned that reduce requirements to test or help provide greater understanding of test results
• Advanced algorithms and computational techniques that are applicable to new generations of computers, including massively parallel, quantum, and neuromorphic machines
• Advanced algorithms and test techniques that allow rapid and accurate assessment of devices and software to cyber vulnerability
• New processes and devices that increase bandwidth utilization and allow rapid, secure transfer of test data to control facilities during test, with special emphasis on telemetry
• Advanced mathematical techniques that improve design of experiment or facilitate confident comparison of similar but disparate tests
• Advanced models of test equipment and processes that improve test reliability and efficiency
• New or advanced technologies that enable the test process
• Basic research in other T&E technical areas that advances the science of test and contributes to the development of knowledge, skills, and abilities of the established or emerging AF T&E workforce.

You are highly encouraged to contact our Program Officer prior to developing full proposals to briefly discuss program alignment. You should be prepared to explain why your proposed effort should be considered basic research, how it is unique to Test Science, and demonstrate an awareness of the Air Force T&E process.

Collaborative efforts with the Air Force Test Center and Air Force Research Laboratory are encouraged, but not required

Solicitation
BAA-AFRL-AFOSR-2016-0007

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Program Reviews & Meetings

Program Overview
AFOSR Spring Review 2014 Presentation Dr. Michael Kendra

 

Contact Information
Dr. Martin Schmidt 
AFOSR/RTA-1
Email: TandE@us.af.mil