AFRL lends artifacts to museums

  • Published
  • By Danny Monahan
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Kirtland Air Force Base --  The Air Force Research Laboratory's Directed Energy Directorate entered an education partnership agreement Aug. 4. with two museums. Dr. David Hardy, director of AFRL's Directed Energy Directorate, along with Dr. Patrick Lopez, Explora executive director, and Timothy G. Wahlberg, Evergreen International Aviation, Inc., chairman of the board, signed an agreement at Kirtland Air Force Base allowing AFRL to lend historical artifacts to Explora and Evergreen.

The museums will have access to lasers, high-powered lenses and electromagnets that were used by AFRL from the 1970s through the 1990s. Various period pieces, such as signs and furniture, will also be lent so the museums can re-create the era when the equipment was operational.

"I am honored that we have formed this partnership with Evergreen and Explora, two prominent and strong museums. I view this partnership as a vital step in meeting the goals of the Directed Energy Directorate and AFRL in increasing the public's awareness of the vital role the lab has in national defense, and in encouraging our youth to pursue scientific and technical careers," Hardy said.

The directorate's chief engineer, Cynthia Kaiser, leads the Directed Energy Directorate's outreach efforts.

"Increasing consumer awareness of directed energy technology capabilities and encouraging youth in scientific and engineering studies are paramount to our outreach," said Kaiser. "The Directed Energy Directorate is thrilled to partner with Evergreen and Explora on such a worthwhile program."

Explora will use the AFRL artifacts to create an interactive curriculum.

"We are becoming partners with AFRL to enrich children's lives," said Lopez. "With this equipment, we will develop educational programs to share with kids throughout (New Mexico)."

In addition to lending historical artifacts, AFRL scientists and subject-matter experts will volunteer at Explora to discuss the artifacts.

Evergreen houses several scientific and aviation pieces, including the largest flying boat ever constructed, the Spruce Goose. Evergreen's mission is to inspire and educate, to promote and preserve aviation and space history, and to honor the patriotic service of veterans.

"This agreement fits perfectly with our mission statement and will help us educate a new generation about developing new technology," said Wahlberg. "I'm looking forward to this new partnership."

AFRL's Directed Energy Directorate is the U.S. Air Force's center of expertise in the range of technologies required for high-energy lasers, high-power microwaves, high-power millimeter waves and advanced optics.