Consistency Achieved: Air Force Research Lab engineers and Aeronautical Systems Center B-2 program officials at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, have agreed on a new process to ensure consistency in production of a new material that will significantly reduce maintenance man-hours on the B-2 bomber fleet. Flight tests validated the use of Alternate High Frequency Material to replace tape covering access panel gaps and fasteners, but AHFM performance proved inconsistent from batch to batch. Within weeks, AFRL “developed and validated a repeatable manufacturing process” for large quantities (500 gallon batches), said Air Force Materiel Command officials.
2026 NDAA: 5 Highlights for Airmen and Guardians
Dec. 18, 2025
President Donald Trump signed the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act on Dec. 18, a day after Congress passed the annual defense policy bill for the 65th consecutive year. Here’s what it means for the Air Force and Space Force.

